Numerical classification and ordination of Finike (Antalya) Forest vegetation

This investigation was carried out during 2012–2013 in order to bring out the forest vegetation of the Finike Forest Planning Unit. The study area is located in the Southwestern part of Turkey within the Mediterranean Basin. Field sampling was undertaken using the old Braun-Blanquet method, and 77 sampled relevés were sampled from the study area. The database consists of 214 vascular plant taxa, dominated by the Mediterranean phytogeographical region and Hemicryptophytes. The sampled relevés were classified using the Modified TWINSPAN, and distribution patterns of the plant communities were analysed using non-metric multidimensional scaling with the integration of the R-Project and JUICE program. Topographic factors were assessed for the interpretation of the differentiation among communities. Five associations, four ( Lino corymbuloso - Genistetum acanthocladae , Rhamno nitidae - Quercetum cocciferae , Asparago acutifoli - Pinetum brutia , and Lamio striati - Cedretum libani ) of which are new, were defined as belonging to the Mediterranean bioclimatic strata within five classes. The distribution of these five plant associations was highly affected by altitude.