Professional paper
Manna Ash, Hop Hornbeam and Oriental Hornbeam in rehabilitation of burned karst area
Željko Španjol
; Šumarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Boris Dobrić
; Veleučilište “Marko Marulić” u Kninu, Odjel Poljoprivreda krša, Knin
Abstract
This article provides an overview of biological and ecological traits and forest tree breeding features of Manna Ash, Hop Hornbeam and Oriental Hornbeam as important Mediterranean species for forest melioration in karst areas.
In Croatia, Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) is common in forest areas located in warm and dry regions, especially in clearings with southern exposure, while in the Sub-Mediterranean it is identified in the area from the sea up to 1,000 meters above sea level. It is not a tall tree (reaching from 8 m to 15 m) and it grows in karst limestone terrains. Its bark is grey and smooth and it produces whitish tears (manna). It is a deciduous pioneer tree species, which renews itself quickly and effectively in burned areas. Manna Ash is not frequently used for the purpose of afforestation, as the latter is normally performed through sowing seeds and planting trees. Manna Ash stands play an important role in protection of habitat, soil fertility and erosion prevention. Ash wood is used by wheelwrights, as well as for making walking sticks and as fuelwood, to name a few.
Hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) occupies a similar ecological niche in the Mediterranean region as oak forests. It is a deciduous shrub or a tree reaching up to 20 m in height. Moreover, it is a heliophilic, thermophilic and xerophytic tree species and it grows with thermophilic oak trees. Hop Hornbeam habitats have high ecological value in the Mediterranean region where they exert a positive impact in terms of soil erosion prevention. Simultaneously Hop Hornbeam stands do not have a significant economic importance, but they do have ecological significance. It is an important species in terms of karst afforestation. As is the case with Manna Ash, Hop Hornbeam, as a common species in climazonal deciduous forest communities, is an integral part of black pine forest cultures, primarily in the phase of seedlings and young saplings. It plays a significant role in post-fire succession, soil erosion prevention and habitat amelioration.
Oriental Hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis Mill.) is widespread in Southeast Europe and West Asia, from Italy to Asia Minor and the Caucasus. It is a species typical of warm Sub-Mediterranean climate. Oriental Hornbeam is a species of a thermophilic Sub-Mediterranean forest community Carpinetum orientalis H-ić. It reaches 10 m to 15 m in height as a tree or it is a shrub in karst and limestone terrains in the Mediterranean region. It is a thermophilic and xerophytic tree species and it appears in terrains of different genesis. As is the case with the previously mentioned species, it is an integral part of climazonal vegetation and pine tree cultures. It renews effectively after forest fires and plays a significant role in natural post-fire succession in burned areas and in their amelioration. It is an important species in terms of karst afforestation. According to research findings, forest floor of Oriental Hornbeam mineralises quickly.
Keywords
Manna Ash; Hop Hornbeam; Oriental Hornbeam; biology and ecology; forest tree breeding features; burned area rehabilitation
Hrčak ID:
216959
URI
Publication date:
28.12.2018.
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