General characteristics of the vascular flota and geobotanical division of the Góry Stołowe Mts, Sudety Mts. (Poland). Hartel H., Cilek V., Hebren T. A. Jackson & R. Williams (eds.) Sandstone Landscapes

The relatively small area of the Góry Stołowe Mts (about 180 sq. km) is highly differentiated, both geologically and climatically. This abiotic differentiation creates many kinds of habitats, available for various ecological groups of plants, which occur in the same type of area. Detailed analysis of the distribution of plants reveals an interesting pattern and provides grounds for a division of the whole range into smaller geobotanical units. Based on the collected data on the distribution of particular species and groups of vascular plants, the borders of the vegetation layers in the Góry Stołowe Mts range established. Indications are provided by the vertical distribution of species which are locally submontane (not exceeding the altitude of 650 m a.s.l.) and ones locally montane (not descending lower than 600 m a.s.l.) in character. The geobotanical division described here is based on differences found in the distribution of vascular plant taxa having a clearly definable type of distribution range. Based on an analysis of horizontal distribution of vascular plants in the Góry Stołowe Mts, six smaller geobotanical units have been distinguished, which are characterised by specific floristic features. The diversity of the units distinguished can be accounted for by their location, geological structure and management level.