Floristic composition
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The vegetative species of the habitat is characterized by large biodiversity, with a significant presence of calcareous species. The habitat is considered priority, when there is also orchid species present (a fact that is verified by the project in this area of action).
In the area, there has been 29 different species of orchids recorded, 60% (17 species) are closely linked to the open spaces of the habitat where the Festuco-Brometea class, resides. Types of the Festuco-Brometea class include: Anacamptis pyramidalis, Dactylorhiza sambucina, Gymnadenia conopsea, Gymnadenia onoratissima, Ophryd fuciflora, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys insectifera, Orchis coriophora, Orchis macula, Orchis militaris, Orchis morio, Orchis papilionacea, Orchis purpurea, Orchis tridentata, Orchis ustolata, Spiranthes spiralis, Traunsteinera globosa. These orchids have a spring-summer reproductive cycle (flowering from April to August), with the exception of Spiranthes spiralis which flowers in autumn.
Another floristic characteristic of the habitat in the SCI is the presence of Mediterranean species, which over the Alps, present a fragmented and relict area because of the current climate and past glaciations. Thus, the Alps have naturally selected certain flora. Mediterranean species are subdivided into stenomediterrany species, poorly represented in Piedmont, and eurimediterrany species, which are more abundant in the interior areas (of the Alps).
Among the eurimediterrany species there are: Juniperus oxycedrus (present at Piedmont only in the SCI area), Cotinus coggygria and Colutea arborescens (rare in the Alps and located in the valleys with a continental climate). There are a lot of eurimediterrany herbaceous species which display characteristics of the Festuco-Brometea class (Eryngium campestre, Koeleria vallesiana, Lactuca perennis, Petrorhagia saxifraga, Linaria simplex, Minuartia fastigiata, Odontites lutea, etc). Among these species, there is also the very rare Leuzea conifer, which is also located in the Alps.
Many of the stenomediterrany species are extremely interesting and included in the area of the SCI: Asterolinum linum-stellatum, Euphorbia sulcata, Linum strictum, Coronilla minima, Linum suffruticosum, Plantago cynops, Ononis minutissima and Fumana ericoides. Among these species, Euphorbia sulcata is considered vulnerable according to the IUCN legislation.
From the regulatory point of view, among the species present in the area, the Regional Law 32/82 includes absolute protection of: Orchidaceae in general (Alyssoides utriculata, Brassica repanda, Echinops ritro, Euphorbia sulcata, Juniperus oxycedrus and Pulsatilla halleri).
