6533b82cfe1ef96bd128f50b

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Distribution patterns, floristic structure and habitat requirements of the alpine river plant community Stuckenietum amblyphyllae ass. nova (Potametea) in the Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan)

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description

This paper discusses the floristic structure, distribution and habitat requirements of a new aquatic syntaxon, <em>Stuckenietum a</em><em>m</em><em>b</em><em>l</em><em>y</em><em>p</em><em>h</em><em>ylla</em><em>e </em>ass. nova. Patches of the <em>Stuckenietum amblyphyllae </em>association occur in the Pamir Alai Mountains in Middle Asia (Tajikistan). The biotope of this community represent high mountain rivers and ponds at the bottom of glacial river valleys situ- ated at elevations between 1900 and 3800 m. Patches of the <em>Stuckenietum amblyphyllae </em>association are characterised by a clear predominance of the typical species, i.e. <em>Stuckenia amblyphylla</em>, which occupies an aerial extent of between near 40 up to 90% of the surface studied. Patches of the community are poor in species, comprising a maximum of five taxa. Among associated species mainly rush, aquatic, meadow and marsh taxa have been noted. The <em>Stuckenietum amblyphyllae </em>community prefers cold, open, alkaline waters with medium flow-rate, ranging in depth from 15 to 75 cm. It is also, but rarely, found in the mountain ponds. Together with the <em>Stuckenia filiformis </em>community it designates in the Pamir Alai Mountains the upper limit of aquatic vegetation.