Syntaxonomy and vegetation-environment relationships in Mount Akdag (Amasya/Turkiye)

Abstract

In this study, vegetation-environment relationships, species, and syntaxonomic diversity in Akdag, located in the transition zone to the Euxin of the Central Iran-Turanian floristic region, were investigated using classical Braun-Blanquet and multivariate methods. A total of thirteen plant associations and two sub-associations were identified and classified in the study area. Three new plant associations and two new sub-associations belonging to the forest were described and classified. Seven new mountain steppe and one new coniferous cushion scrub associations were also identified and classified. Relationships between vegetation and environmental factors were evaluated using canonical correspondence analysis. Raunkiaer life form ratios, Shannon-Wiener index values, and the chorological spectrum of syntaxa were calculated and interpreted. EUNIS habitat codes and names for the described syntaxa were proposed.