Climax epiphytic communities in Mediterranean Spain

Abstract The Antitrichetalia curtipendulae epiphytic climax communities of Smarda & Hadac from the Spanish Mediterranean area have been classified by numerical and traditional floristic methods. Ninety-eight phytosociological releves have been recorded from a number of Iberian forests. Our results indicate two clusters that can be easily related to two different alliances: Lobarion pulmonariae ( Nephrometum resupinati ) and Pterogonio gracile-Antitrichion californicae ( Antitrichietum californicae ). A phytogeographical and syntaxonomical discussion is followed by a suggested Red List of threatened lichens and bryophytes occurring in these communities in the Spanish Mediterranean area with the aim of advancing conservation of endangered and vulnerable species.