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Woody Plant Life-Form Structure Reflects Major Ecological Gradients Within a Protected Temperate Ecosystem from
Madalina Iordache1,2,3, Catalina Marinescu2, Mihai Valentin Herbei1,3,4
1Department of Sustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" of Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
The life-form structure of woody plants in Romania
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Botany
- Plant Geography
Background:
- Temperate ecosystems with sub-Mediterranean influences present complex ecological gradients.
- Understanding woody plant life-form structure is crucial for assessing ecosystem health.
- Calcareous substrates influence plant community composition and ecological preferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if woody plant life-form structure reflects ecological gradients (moisture, temperature, soil reaction).
- To analyze the phytogeographical spectrum and ecological preferences of woody flora.
- To assess the ecological integrity and conservation status of the study area.
Main Methods:
- Conducted fieldwork in Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park, Romania.
- Analyzed 64 woody plant species, classifying life forms using Raunkiaer's system.
- Assessed phytogeographical elements and ecological preferences via Ellenberg indicator values.
Main Results:
- Woody flora dominated by nanophanerophytes, indicating complex vertical structure.
- Predominance of European and Eurasian elements, with sub-Mediterranean components.
- Dominance of mesophilous, mesothermal, basiphilous, and neutrophilous species, reflecting environmental conditions and calcareous substrate.
Conclusions:
- Woody plant life-form structure and ecological preferences accurately mirror ecosystem gradients.
- High native species proportion (>90%) suggests strong ecological integrity and invasion resistance.
- Life-form spectra and indicator values offer a robust framework for ecosystem assessment in protected areas.
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