Communities of the Festucion scariosae alliance in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain)

Plant formations grouped under the generic name of 'lastonares' constitute a phytosociological alliance (Festucion scariosae Martinet Parras, Peinado & Alcaraz in Alcaraz 1984) widely extended over Southern Spain, where grami noid hemicryptophytes of deep radicular systems are prevalent. We have summ arised the current status of this alliance in the Iberian Peninsula, analys ing the variability of existent associations based on their floristic compo sition and combination, principal ecological factors and geographic distrib ution. For that purpose, all available releves were arranged in a synthetic table and subjected to a correspondence analysis (DCA, DECORANA) according to the program PC-ORD ver. 3.01, thus establishing the similarities and di fferences between Iberian lastonares. From the data obtained, an updated ty pology for this alliance has been suggested which describes a new subassoci ation (Helictoricho filifolii-Festucetum scariosae stipetosum cazorlensis T orres & Cano nova). It also establishes the association Festuco moleroi-Hel ictotrichetum filifolii Inocencio, Alcaraz & Rios 1998, which is synonymous with the syntaxon Daphno hispanicae-Festucetum capillifoliae O. Bolos & Ri gual in O. Bolos 1967. Two other new combinations also have been establishe d: Dactylo hispanicae-Festucetum scariosae festucetosum elegantis (Perez Ra ya & Molero Mesa 1988) Torres & Cane comb, nov and Dactylo hispanicae-Festu cetum scariosae festucetosum indigestae (Perez Raya & Molero Mesa 1988) Tor res gt Cane comb. nov.