Caracterización ecológica y florística de las comunidades lauroides del occidente de la cornisa cantábrica

Resumo

The floristic composition of plant communities dominated by lauroid species (Laurus nobilis, Arbutus unedo, Rhamnus alaternus) existing in western Galician-Asturian territories (Galician-Asturian Sector, Cantabrian-Atlantic Subprovince, Atlantic-European Province) is revised. After comparison with other previously described communities, we conclude the existence of four associations, three of them dominated by laurel tree: Laurus nobilis, i.e. Calluno vulgaris-Lauretum nobilis on shelte siliceous cliffs, Tamo communis-Lauretum nobilis growing on lime rocky spurs in inland territories, and Holco mollis-Lauretum nobilis in siliceous territories,... (Ver más) and a fourth association dominated by the strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo: Frangulo alni-Arbutetum unedonis. In addition, some comments are made on another shrubby, insufficiently known community dominated by Rhamnus alaternus. Finally, some remarks on their biogeographical and paleoenvironmental significance as well as the interest for conservation of these communities are also mentioned.