High mountain vegetation of the Apennines

This paper outlines the more significant plant communities of the subalpine and alpine belts in the Apennines (shrub formations of the subalpine belt, alpine grasslands, snowbed vegetation, scree and rock fissure vegetation). This overview highlights the coenological autonomy of the Apennine vegetation from the communities of the Alps and central European mountains, as well as the similarities with the high-mountain vegetation of South-Eastern Europe. The paper emphasises the biogeographical value of the Apennines, with its unique biogeographic pattern especially in the central Apennines, the high conservation value in terms of flora, vegetation and habitats, and the key role for monitoring climate change.