The Association Stipeto-Convolvuletum Compacti ASS. Nova in Kosovo

Serpentine vegetation of Kosovo represents a diversity which has not been sufficiently explored, yet. Kosovo's serpentine is spread in different parts of Kosovo at the altitudes of 400-2100 m. Large complexes with serpentine are found in the north of Kosovo, but the southern part of Kosovo is also rich in serpentine rocks and in endemic species.

Using the principles and methods of the Zürich-Montpellier School we have explored the serpentine flora and vegetation of Gurana, an area in the south-east of Kosovo near the border with the Republic of Macedonia. This area has not been sufficiently researched because of the militarized border areas. During the research of these fields, we found species that were not present on the other serpentines of Kosovo.

The species Convolvulus compactus Boiss. (syn. Convolvulus cochlearis) and Stipa mayeri dominate this terrain and create stands that we have classified as the association Stipeto-Convolvuletum compacti ass. nova. This association was researched during 2007-2010. Based on the results obtained and comparing them with the results of other authors, we have arrived at the conclusion that we are dealing with a new association which we called Stipeto-Convolvuletum compacti ass. nova.