Phytosociological notes on the Lygeum spartum grasslands from Crete.

Lygeum spartum grasslands from Crete have been studied by the application of the phytosocological method. A new alliance, Scorzonero creticae-Lygeion sparti and three new associations and have been recognized. The first, Limonio hyssopifolii-Lygeetum sparti occurs on halomorphyc badlands in the Sitia territory (NE Crete); the second Erodio crassifolii-Lygeetum sparti grows on heavily eroded clayey outcrops close to Hyerapetra (SE Crete); the third Convolvulo oleifolii-Lygeetum sparti, substitutes the previous one some Km eastward from Hyerapetra, on stratified marls alternated to conglomerates. Within the last association, two subassociations have been recognized: limonietosum roridi (typicum), grouping the aspects close to the sea, and fumanetosum laevipedis gathering the inland aspects. To evaluate the similarity among the relevés, a numerical multivariate analysis has been performed.