Abstract:
In this paper, we aimed to
analyze the structure, ecology and
syntaxonomy of the communities dominated
by Ailanthus altissima, in the Eastern
Romania (Moldavia). This study has been
achieved during our research on alien
plants, conducted in 2009-2010. A number
of 20 vegetation relevés have been carried
out according to the Braun-Blanquet's
methodology, in the spontaneous
communities of Ailanthus altissima. The
investigations led to the description of a
new plant association (Balloto nigrae-
Ailanthetum altissimae ass. nova). It is
subordinated to the alliance Balloto nigrae-
Robinion Jurko ex Hadač & Sofron 1980,
order Chelidonio-Robinietalia Jurko ex
Hadač & Sofron 1980, class Robinietea
Jurko ex Hadač & Sofron 1980. Recognition
species are Ballota nigra and Ailanthus
altissima. Besides these, among the
characteristic species of higher syntaxa
(alliance, order, class), the following species
stand out: Bromus sterilis (constant), Urtica
dioica and Galium aparine (sub-constant).
The stands are found on sunny lands, on
roadsides, railway embankments, railway
stations, steep slopes, ravines, abandoned
fields, abandoned orchards or vineyards on
terraces, ruderal lands, sandy lands,
degraded pastures, or on the edge of Robinia
pseudacacia plantations. They are situated
between 38 and 265 m a.s.l. In ecological
terms, the association Balloto nigrae-
Ailanthetum altissimae includes
heliophilous (sub-heliophilous), moderate
thermophilous, xero-mesophilous,
neutrophilous and moderate nitrophilous
phytocoenoses. The results are discussed
against the background of similar
investigations of anthropogenic woody plant
communities carried out by others authors.
