Sedge vegetation of the ‘Major Highlands of Abruzzo’ (Central Italy): updated knowledge after new discoveries

The Major Highlands of Abruzzo is one of the largest and best preserved areas with marsh vegetation in the Apennines. Fairly well known similar plant systems extend from the Umbrian-Marche Apennines to those of the Matese. The marshy and wet vegetation of the large sedge vegetation (Magnocaricetalia) of the “Major Highlands of Abruzzo” is analysed. Other ecotonal or transitional plant communities mainly characterised by smaller sedges are also included in this study. Fifteen vegetation types have been identified, belonging to the following higher syntaxa: (1) Magnocaricetalia (Caricetum gracilis, Caricetum vulpinae, Caricetum vesicariae, Galio palustris-Caricetum buxbaumii ass. nova, Caricetum ripariae, Caricetum distichae, and Caricetum paniculatae); (2) Caricetalia davallianae (Carex fusca community); (3) Eleocharito palustris-Sagittarion sagittifoliae (Eleocharitetum palustris); (4) Potentillion anserinae (Carex panicea and C. tomentosa communities, Ranunculo repentis-Caricetum divisae ass. nova, and Ranunculo acri-Caricetum hirtae); (5) Cynosurion cristati (Carex leporina and C. spicata communities). Nine of these communities are new for the investigated area and seven of them are new for the Abruzzo region. Several of the associations are very rare in Central and Southern Apennines and many endangered plant species are linked to them. Nevertheless, these vegetation types are not sufficiently protected today, especially those outside the National Parks.