Relationships between vegetation and morphology in the Radicofani calanchi (southern Tuscany)

The vegetation of the calanchi of Radicofani (southern Tuscany) is described on the basis of 50 phytosociological relevés carried out in areas with uniform erosion. Twelve vegetation types were identified. The pioneer vegetation (Parapholido-Artemisietum cretaceae) was only found in extreme environments with severe erosion. Grasslands dominated by Elytrigia atherica and those dominated by Dactylis hispanica, Phalaris coerulescens and Hedysarum coronarium were associated with deposition area. Grasslands of Bromus erectus and those dominated by Brachypodium rupestre were found on several morphologies. Scrub communities at different stages of evolution were also recorded on different morphological types, whereas woods with Ulmus minor and woods dominated by Quercus pubescens and Q. cerris were recorded along impluvium lines and on original slops respectively. Pioneer coenoses linked to moist environments were found on valley floors.