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Résumé :
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This paper presents the distribution of Q. ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis in Greece, its basic ecological requirements such as rock and soil characteristics, topography, climatic and bioclimatic factors and chorological and life form spectra of its forests. Data were collected with questionnaires sent to all Forest Service offices around the country and were further completed with field observations. The results suggest that Q. ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis forests cover an area of 29,631.8 ha in the form of stands, thickets and groups, in lowlands and uplands of continental and insular Greece. Furthermore, isolated individuals are scattered throughout the country. The subspecies develops in a variety of rock and soil types, slope inclinations, aspects and different types of Mediterranean bioclimates. It prefers low to middle altitudes, on the sub-humid bioclimate and on shallow to moderate deep calcareous soils. All these characteristics, combined with human activities, influence vegetation types in each region. Due to climate and various human interventions, the Mediterranean elements dominate and only in the forests found in the more northern regions the percentage of the submeditteranean elements increase considerably. Additionally, Q. ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis forests are characterized by the dominance of therophytes.
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