Phytosociological study of the vascular plant communities of the lower Neretva delta (southeastern Adriatic)

The Neretva delta (estuary) is an internationally important wetland included in the Ramsar list and is one of the Important Plant Areas (IPA) in Croatia. The paper presents data from phytosociological research collected in the lower Neretva delta in the period 2006-2021. Based on 28 phytosociological relevés, 15 associations and one subassociation were identified and classified into 13 alliances, 12 orders and 11 vegetation classes. The most valuable communities belong to halo-nitrophilous short-lived pioneer vegetation on sand and gravel beaches (Cakiletea maritimae) and salt-marsh herblands and scrub (Therosalicornietea, Salicornietea fruticosae). Anthropogenic impacts on the delta are strong, and the diversity of flora and vegetation is threatened by habitat degradation and loss, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, and pollution