Phytosociological studies on the Miscanthus-Eulalia grasslands in southeastern Harima, western Japan.

• Nozaki Reiji

  Department of Human Science, Kobe College

• Moriya Megumi

  Department of Human Science, Kobe College

• Sano Natsue

  Department of Human Science, Kobe College

Bibliographic Information

Other Title

• 東播磨南部におけるススキーウンヌケ型二次草原の植物社会学的研究

Abstract

In 1994, Eulalia speciosa (Poaceae) was found in a new locality in the southeastern Harima region, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. In this region, E. speciosa grows in Miscanthus-type dry grasslands formed on bald hills and on irrigation pond embankments. Phytosociological analysis revealed that these secondary grasslands were classified into one association and two communities. Eulalio speciosae-Miscanthetum sinensis, a newly recognized association peculiar to the southeastern Harima region, is characterized by the presence of a number of grassland species vulnerable in Japan, including E. speciosa, E. quadrinervis, Drosera peltata var. nipponica and Platycodon glandiflorum. The notable feature of the floristic composition of this association is a coexistence of tropical to subtropical Gramineous flora and cool-temperate herbaceous flora, both derived from regions in continental Asia with a relatively dry climate. Eulalio speciosae-Miscanthetum sinensis belongs to Arundinello-Miscanthion sinensis Suz.-Tok. et Abe 1959 ex Suganuma 1976, Miscanthetalia sinensis Miyawaki et Ohba 1970, Miscanthetea sinensis Miyawaki et Ohba 1970- Nearly all occurrencies of Eulalio-Miscanthetum sinensis are geologically restricted to areas with rhyolite pyroclastic rocks and lavas. The establishment of bald hills caused by fires and cutting, together with a dry climate and unique geology in the eastern Harima region, may be the main factors supporting the Eulalio speciosae-Miscanthetum sinensis in this region. Additionally, the existence of a large number of small grasslands on irrigation pond embankments seems to have provided suitable refugia for grassland species, through recent loss of grassland habitats caused by reforestation and progressive succession.

Journal

• Vegetation Science

  Vegetation Science 15 (2), 79-93, 1998

  The Society of Vegetation Science

Keywords

• Eulalia
• Eulalio speciosae-Miscanthetum sinensis
• phytosociology
• secondary grasslands
• southeastern Harima

Details

• CRID: 1390001204486279040
• NII Article ID: 110008145212
• NII Book ID: AA11347548
• DOI: 10.15031/vegsci.15.79
• ISSN: 21894809
• ISSN: 13422448
• Text Lang: ja
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • CiNii Articles
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed