Nova endemična združba z vrsto Schoenus nigricans v Jugovzhodnih Alpah in severnem delu Dinarskega gorstva

We studied the phytosociology of plant communities with Schoenus nigricans, a character species of the alliance Caricion davallianae, in western Slovenia. Most of our relevés are classified into the new association Astrantio carniolicae-Schoenetum nigricantis, whose stands grow on moist rocks and in the headwater section of springs and small brooks in dolomite wooded areas, especially in the Cerkno region, in the basin of the Idrijca river. Its character species and (geographical) differential species are Schoenus nigricans, Molinia arundinacea, Astrantia carniolica, Palustriella commutata, Carex flacca, Valeriana saxatilis, Salix glabra, Erica carnea and Primula carniolica. In addition to the typical form (subassociation -typicum) we described also the subassociation with predominating Cladium mariscus (-cladietosum marisci). The studied dolomite headwaters are a Natura 2000 habitat type and the sites of several vulnerable and protected species. Their role as a biotope is therefore significant and requires adequate protection.