Contribution to the knowledge of the Flora of Mt. Paganuccio (Furlo Mts., Pesaro)

In this paper the results of a floristic survey of Mt. Paganuccio (province of Pesaro) are presented. This survey was organised by the group of the Società Botanica Italiana from Lazio and the Centro Ricerche Floristiche Marche (Pesaro), and took place in June (11-15) and September (10-11) 1996. The study site extends over 12 square km between 766 and 976 m a.s.l. It covers the highest part and the peak of Mt. Paganuccio. Lithology is mostly made by limestone formations, either covered by brown soils or present as outcrops. As for the climate, this area belongs to the temperate region. Vegetation consists mainly of woodlands (Scutellario-Ostryetum carpinifoliae, variant with Fagus sylvatica) and montane pastures (Asperulo purpureae- Brometum erecti). 580 species belonging to 73 families have been listed in the study area. The life form spectrum of the flora is dominated by hemicryptophytes (42%). This is in accordance with the temperate bioclimate of the area and the occurrence of wide grasslands. The high percentage of geophytes (16%) might be due to the maturity of woodlands and the presence of pastures. In the chorological spectrum the European-Asiatic element predominates (31%), especially in woodlands that are closer to the climax. The Mediterranean element is well represented (29%), since the geographical location of Mt. Paganuccio and the local aridity of soils particularly in pastures.