COST Action E 52 - vTI - Bund.de

sylvatica and Fagus orientalis or represents populations of Fagus sylvatica adapted to intermediate
site conditions (Moulopoulos 1965). Other studies (e. g. Gömöry et al. 1999) have suggested that
populations of the putative taxon of Fagus moesiaca from the Balkan Peninsula seem to form an
independent group. In recent studies, based on morphological and molecular variation, and Flora
books (e. g. Strid 1989, Strid, Kit 1991) the two species are considered as subspecies of the cluster
species Fagus sylvatica (e. g. Fagus sylvatica subsp. sylvatica and Fagus sylvatica subsp. orientalis).
Fig. 1: Map showing distribution of beech in Greece
In Greece, beech is considered as a cold resistant species, it requires rich (in humus and nutrients)
and humid soils, high air humidity and average mild climate close to Atlantic conditions. The climate
where beech grows belongs to the mountainous supra-Mediterranean climate, characterized by high
annual precipitation, high relative humidity and short dry periods (Dafis 1969, Athanasiadis
1985, 1986, Anon. 1991, 1996, Spanos et al. 1998, Larsson 2001). Beech forests belong to the subzone
Fagion moesiacae (beech forests) of the Fagetalia (mixed beech-fir and mountainous supra-
Mediterranean conifers) forest vegetation zone (Fig. 2).
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