Vegetation survey and hydrochemical characterization of newly discovered mountain wetlands in the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains (Sicily)

The wetland vegetation of two unexplored mountain localities of Sicily was surveyed. A total of 14 wetland sites (springs, peaty springs, temporary ponds) are newly described. Vegetation plots and associated hydrochemical variables were surveyed in each site. The classification of the vegetation relevés led to the description of ten new plant communities, along with records of additional syntaxa already known from other areas of Sicily and southern Italy. All the identified plant communities and associations belong to the Dactylorhizo sacciferae-Juncion striati ( Molinio-Arrhenatheretea ) and the Alopecuro-Glycerion spicatae ( Phragmito-Magnocaricetea ) alliances. Nomenclatural revisions are proposed for certain syntaxa. The composition and structure of the described plant communities are analyzed and discussed in comparison with related communities from other European regions.