J22
Hellenic-Aegean meso-Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex) and kermes oak (Quercus coccifera) forests with Arbutus andrachne, Asplenium onopteris, Cyclamen hederifolium, partly in combination with Pinus brutia-forests
Description
Densely closed evergreen or partly evergreen high forest (10-20 m) with Quercus ilex, Quercus coccifera, Arbutus unedo, Arbutus andrachne and Laurus nobilis in the tree layer, and more rarely Carpinus orientalis, Fraxinus ornus and Cercis siliquastrum. Of the leaf-shedding species, Fraxinus ornus (in the montane region) can co-dominate in mature stands while Carpinus orientalis recedes with the age of the stands. The shrub layer in mature, semi-natural stages is practically absent (and consists of sparse young upgrowths of trees). The herb layer is shaded the whole year round and as such is minimal or absent, consisting primarily of seedlings of trees. Open locations feature mosses.
Tree Layer
Quercus ilex (Holm Oak), Quercus coccifera (Kermes Oak), Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree), Arbutus andrachne (Strawberry Tree), Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel), Carpinus orientalis (Hornbeam (tiny - medium)), Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree), Fraxinus ornus (Common Ash); Pinus halepensis (Maritime Pine (small)), Pinus pinea (Stone Pine) and Pinus brutia (Maritime Pine) on special sites
Shrub Layer
Pistacia terebinthus (Terebinth), Phillyrea latifolia (Green Olive), Cotinus coggygria (Elder), Colutea arborescens (Common Ash Bush), Hippocrepis emerus subsp. Emeroides (Common Ash Bush)
Lianas
Smilax aspera (ivy-variant trees), Rubia peregrina (sweet_woodruff), Tamus communis (ivy-variant trees), Rosa sempervirens (English Elm Bush), Lonicera implexa (Common Ash Bush)
Herb Layer
Asplenium onopteris (fern), Ruscus aculeatus (Fruiting Holly Bush), Cyclamen hederifolium (alpine_bearberry), Carex flacca subsp. serrulata (bottle_sedge), Asparagus acutifolius (wood_horsetail), Carex halleriana (small_fescue)
Moss layer (incl. lichens)
Lophocolea heterophylla, Plagiochila porelloides among others
Southern Gondor
