Vegetation Diversity of Screes and Taluses of The Pamir and South-Western Tian Shan in Middle Asia

A comprehensive analysis of scree and talus vegetation in the Pamir and South-Western Tian Shan reveals remarkable diversity despite harsh environmental conditions. The study identified 21 distinct plant communities, including nine associations and additional subassociations, primarily within the Sileno brahuicae-Lactucetalia orientalis alliance. Key factors influencing species composition include scree mobility, rock particle size, elevation, and slope inclination. Notably, the research highlights a high degree of endemism in chasmophytic habitats, contributing to the unique vegetation diversity of this region. Conducted through extensive field studies (2015–2019) using the Braun-Blanquet approach and Twinspan analyses, this study provides the first hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis for scree communities in Middle Asia's montane and alpine belts.

Nowak, A., Świerszcz, S., Nowak, S., & Nobis, M. (2021). Vegetation Diversity of Screes and Taluses of The Pamir and South-Western Tian Shan in Middle Asia. Folia Geobotanica, 56(1), 43–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12224-021-09392-w