Phytocoenotic originality of the N-Adriatic coastal sand dunes (Northern Italy) in the European context: The Stipa veneta-rich communities

The particular habitat of Stipa veneta, a priority species of the European Community Directive 92/43, is here described. The phytosociological analysis led to the description of a new association (Teucrio capitati-Chrysopogonetum grylli), endemic of the N-Adriatic fixed sand dunes. Given the high importance of the species, the conservation of its specific community should be included in a broad protection plan of this unique coastal system in the European context.