A revised phytosociological nomenclature for the Italian Quercus cerris woods

This paper aims to revise the phytosociological nomenclature of the Quercus cerris woods occurring in Italy with particular attention to associations, subassociations and suballiances. The syntaxa included in this revision were selected on the basis of a physiognomical criterion, i.e. woods with dominance or codominance of Quercus cerris. The nomenclatural revision complied with the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. Correct names and Authors’ citations were considered for all the syntaxa analysed (121) and, in most cases, other information about nomenclatural types, localities, synonyms, classification and other notes was reported. As regards the alliance level, the correct application of the name Melittio albidae-Quercion frainetto - whose original diagnosis and type-association ocurr in Italy – was discussed. In all, 31 syntaxon names were validated or described: two suballiances (Campanulo medii-Ostryenion carpinifoliae and Pulmonario apenninae-Carpinenion betuli), 9 associations and 20 subassociations. Five lectotypes were also designated.