Two new phytosociological types of Quercus pubescens s.l. woodland communities in southern Latium.

A new subassociation of the Rosa sempervirenti-Quercetum pubescentis and a new type of thermophylous Quercus pubescens woodland (Pistacia lentiscus and Quercus pubescens type) have been recognised in the Monti Ausoni-Aurunci, the southern subunit of the Volsci limestone massif (southern Latium). The Roso-Quercetum carpinetosum orienta/is is widespread on the inner mountain slopes facing the Sacco valley, and it is characterised by a group of relatively mesophylous species. On the contrary, the Pistacia lentiscus and Quercus pubescens type is located on the footslopes adjacent to the coastal plain and is characterised by several Stenomediterranean species. Both these woodland communities belong to the Ostryo-Carpinion orienta/is, an alliance which has a strong influence on the woodland vegetation of the southern Latium Tyrrhenian district. The interaction between Ostryo-Carpinion orienta/is and Quercion ilicis in the Quercus pubescens coastal woodlands are also discussed.