Limiting climatic factors and habitats ofErica tetralixat the eastern edge of its distribution range

2015

We determined the limiting climatic factors, as well as the preferred habitats, of Erica tetralix L. at the eastern limit of its distribution range in the eastern Baltic region. It was found that E. tetralix in this region is a typical bog woodland plant preferring the wettest Sphagnum-rich sites. Northern Atlantic wet heath fragments, base-rich fens and species-rich Nardus grasslands were other habitats for the species. The species composition in E. tetralix habitats resembled that found in appropriate habitats within its main distribution range, although the habitats in the eastern Baltic region lack many Atlantic floristic elements characteristic of wet heath. A generalised linear model …