Grass silica short cell phytoliths in Pyrenean subalpine grasslands: taxonomy and palaeoecological relevance

A pioneering phytolith reference collection for the Central Pyrenees reveals that grass silica short cell phytoliths (GSSCPs) can serve as highly diagnostic proxies for reconstructing past vegetation dynamics in subalpine grasslands. The study identifies 29 distinct GSSCP sub-morphotypes, each strongly associated with specific grass lineages and ecological habitats, including mesic pastures, open stress-prone grasslands, xerophilous slopes, and disturbed or hydromorphic meadows. Multivariate analyses confirm that these morphotype-habitat associations structure assemblages along elevational gradients, providing unprecedented taxonomic and ecological resolution for palaeoecological reconstructions. This ICPN-compliant framework enhances the potential to track long-term pastoral land-use impacts and climate-driven shifts in mountain ecosystems.

Lara-Recuero, J., García-Granero, J. J., Gil-Romera, G., Gómez, D., Julián-Posada, I., & González-Sampériz, P. (2026). Grass silica short cell phytoliths in Pyrenean subalpine grasslands: taxonomy and palaeoecological relevance. Annals of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcag319