This book presents the first assessment of the high-elevation flora of the Central Caucasus with a community ecology emphasis. Following a geostatistical-climatological description of the region (in comparison to the European Alps), it describes the montane, alpine and nival plant assemblages on the basis of an ecological approach that combines moisture, soils and local habitat peculiarities. Highlights include the famous giant herb communities in treeless parts of the upper montane belt, the various facets of alpine turf, and the unique assemblages and settings in the nival region. Further chapters address potential niche conservation between the Caucasus and the Alps, as well as a compilation of plant species habitat preferences (indicator values) that applies to a concept developed for the Alps. Richly illustrated and featuring extensive quantitative data on species abundance, the book offers a unique guide to the plant species diversity of this prominent mountain range, and a valuable resource for comparative ecology and biodiversity assessments of warm temperate mountain systems.

A Geostatistical and Bioclimatological Comparison of the Central Great Caucasus and the Central Alps.- Vegetation of the Central Great Caucasus Along W-E and N-S Transects.- Plant Diversity of the Central Great Caucasus.- Quantitative Analysis of the Phytosociological Relevés From the Central Greater Caucasus.- A Comparison of Climatic Niches of the Same Alpine Plant Species in the Central Caucasus and the Alps.- New Indicator Values for Central Caucasus Flora.