Sull’ecologia delle foreste del Tilio-Acerion Klika 1955 in Molise e considerazioni sui caratteri cenologici e fitogeografici dei boschi di forra dell’Appennino centro-meridionale (Italia centrale e meridionale)

On the bases of releves recognized to the Eastern sector of the Matese Mountain (South Apennines), we analyzed a synecological and syntaxonomical meaning of the dominated Acer opalus ssp. obtusatum, Tilia plathyphyllos, Ostrya carpinifolia e Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii forests. These broadleaved mixed woods, are belonging to the Tilio-Acerion Klika 1955 alliance (in the Fagetalia sylvaticae order, and Querco-Fagetea class). These fragmented coenoses, normally considered as relics stands, are located in specific morphological conditions (‘ravine woodlands’), like in the steep slopes and ravines, at the bottom of shady steep-sided valleys and on colluvial deep soils at the foot of slopes. We defined the new association Aro lucani-Aceretum lobelii, a typical Southern communities with high number of Endemic entities. The chorological analysis and a comparison with other Central and Southern Apennine similar forests, emphasize the Illirical floristic connotation and extraordinary biogeographical significance for the Molise region forests.