A new association with Patzkea paniculata on serpentine substrates at low elevations in the western Alps (Italy)

Patzkea paniculata usually dominates grassland communities in the subalpine and alpine belts. The analysis of a unique vegetation community found at low altitudes growing on serpentinitic substrates North-Western Alps (Italy) dominated by P. , is hereby presented. These are substantially different from already described communities, framed alliance Festucion variae (class Caricetea curvulae order Festucetalia spadiceae ) typical higher elevations. Syntaxonomic ecological investigations were performed to provide correct phytosociological framework for these grasslands. new association Potentillo albae-Patzkeetum paniculatae ass. nova here described, with two variants, one co-dominated Bromopsis erecta second co-dominance Molinia arundinacea . It secondary arid environments attributable Bromion erecti Festuco valesiacae-Brometea ), characterized presence numerous species, both rare substrates.