Lathyro asphodeloidis-Klaseetum lycopifoliae, a new plant association in the alliance Cynosurion cristati Tüxen, 1947 in Central Apennines

This study presents a new plant association discovered in the Central Apennines and named Lathyro asphodeloidis-Klaseetum lycopifoliae. It consists of a semi-natural meadow characterized by the co-dominance of two rare taxa, Klasea lycopifolia and Lathyrus pannonicus subsp. asphodeloides, occurring in Italy in only a few localities in the Central and Northen Apennines. The association was discovered on the Altopiano delle Rocche high plateau in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo region, Italy). Multivariate analysis of the relevés shows two floristic and ecological aspects, corresponding to two different subassociations: festucetosum circummediterraneae, with elements from the Festuco-Brometea class, growing in the outer portions of the plateau, and narcissetosum poëtici, corresponding to the most typical aspect and occupying the central part of the plateau, differentiated by meso-hygrophilous species of the Molinietalia and Trifolio-Hordeetalia orders. The plant association has great natural value, due to the presence of several rare plant species, and cultural importance in association with the traditional "Narcissus Fest" held each year in May