Submediterranean pseudomaquis

Submediterranean pseudomaquis are distributed at the southern part of Europe and especially in its eastern part. They comprise transition vegetation between Mediterranean evergreen maquis scrub and continental deciduous schibljak scrub (Mucina et al. 2014) and they are characterized by the co-occurrence of evergreen and deciduous woody species (e.g. Adamović 1906, Horvat et al. 1974). The former species are more thermophilous and tolerant to drought, while the latter are more demanding in soil moisture and nutrients, but also more frost tolerant. Pseudomaquis are distinguished mainly on the basis of their physiognomy (mixed scrub formations with evergreen and deciduous species) and they correspond to different plant communities (Bergmeier 1990), which have been classified within different orders, such as Quercetalia ilicis, Fraxino orni-Cotinetalia, Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae and Prunetalia spinosae (Rodwell et al. 2002). However, they are usually characterized by the occurrence of the evergreen species Quercus coccifera, Juniperus oxycedrus, Phillyrea latifolia and Buxus sempervirens, and the one of the deciduous species Carpinus orientalis, Ostrya carpinifolia, Fraxinus ornus, Quercus pubescens and Acer monspessulanum. Furthermore, the herb flora of pseudomaquis is usually characterized by the occurrence and high frequency and cover of deciduous forests species (e.g. species of Quercion frainetto).

In most cases, the occurrence of pseudomaquis is not considered as climax vegetation, but the result of degradation of deciduous, broadleaved forests, because of disturbances like fire, grazing and unregulated logging or clear cuttings. Although pseudomaquis are more often found on calcareous substrates, they occur also on siliceous ones. The soil, regardless the substrate, is usually rocky and of small depth. They occur in low altitudes (e.g. 100 m), but more often are found within the lower part of mountain belts (e.g. 500-800 m).

Indicators of good quality:

• No fragmented canopy of the shrub layer;

• Regeneration of the dominant woody species;

• Herb layer composed mainly of species of forest habitats;

• Absence or low cover of ruderal or light-loving species;

• Low levels of soil compactness, absence of trampling and erosion (especially in the form of rills and gullies), high cover of litter and well developed Ah horizon.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats