Brezales: biodiversidad, usos y conservación

Abstract

Current research assesses Ericaceae genus and species richness, paying special attention to Erica species distribution in the Iberian Peninsula. In addition Ericaceae richness in the continental vegetation is studied at different syntaxonomical levels (vegetation classes). Different assessment models following 92/43/EEC Directive criteria are shown for Ericaceae communities (heathlands). New data from field studies about wet heathland distribution in Galicia (Spain) are provided, particularly abundance, frequency and nearest neighbour distance metrics. In the field of cultural diversity, names, traditional and present uses of heathlands and their changes are assessed.