Classification of beech (Fagus orientalis) forests of the Western Caucasus

A new classification system for oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) forests in the Western Caucasus has been established, identifying distinct alliances and associations based on species composition and environmental conditions. The study, using quantitative analysis of 200 relevés and comparative syntaxonomic analysis, categorized these forests into two primary alliances: Fagion orientalis for floristically poor beech forests on acidic bedrocks, and Thlaspio macrophylli–Fagion orientalis for species-rich beech forests on calcareous bedrocks in ultra-humid climates. Additionally, the alliance Acero heldreichii–Fagion orientalis was introduced to describe subalpine beech forests with a high presence of endemic Caucasian tall-forb plants. This classification provides a detailed framework for understanding the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of these unique ecosystems.

Ermakov, N. B., Plugatar, Yu. V., & Leiba, V. D. (2023). Classification of beech (Fagus orientalis) forests of the Western Caucasus. Vegetation of Russia, (47), 112–132. https://doi.org/10.31111/vegrus/2023.47.112