Epiphytic lichens and bryophytes of forest ecosystems in Tuscany (central Italy)

The distribution of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens on three species of tr ees (Quercus ilex, Quercus cerrus and Fagus sylvatica, representing the for est ecosystems of central Italy at low, medium and high elevations, respect ively) was examined with respect to host specificity and habitat difference s. Although most species were host-specific, the results suggested that hab itat characteristics are more important than phorophyte properties in deter mining the distribution of lichens and bryophytes. Factors affecting the di versity of the epiphytic flora were different for Lichens and bryophytes. I n the case of lichens, climatic parameters and forest monospecificity were important factors, whereas tree cover (i.e. shade) and to a certain extent the number of available trees seemed more important for bryophytes. (C) ADA C / Elsevier, Paris.