Flora and Vegetation of “Elenova gora” Natural Forest Reserve, Central Balkan Range (Bulgaria)

The study aims to investigate the flora, medicinal plants and vegetation diversity of “Elenova Gora” natural forest reserve, situated on the southern slopes of Central Balkan Range. The reserve occupies an area of 53.88 ha. The flora without mosses comprises of 132 vascular plant species, classified into 50 families and 108 genera. The most species-rich families are Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Apiaceae, Aspidiaceae, Rubiaceae, Rosaceae. Sixty five medical plants and 8 species of conservation concern were found (2 Balkan endemics, 3 species included in the Red List of Bulgarian vascular plants and in the Biodiversity Act and 3 species included in Appendix II of CITES). Eight relevés were collected during 2014 following the Braun-Blanquet approach. The vegetation diversity is represented by 3 classes (Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae, Mulgedio- Aconitetea and Thlaspietea rotundifolii), 3 alliances (Fagion sylvaticae, Petasition of icinalis and Stipion calamagrostis), 4 associations (Asperulo odoratae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Petasitetum hybrido-kablikiani, Parietarietum of icinalis) and 1 plant community (Abies alba-Fagus sylvatica). On the territory of the reserve was established 1 habitat type (9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests) protected by Directive 92/43/EEC and the Bulgarian Biodiversity Act. Although its small size “Elenova Gora” natural forest reserve harbors relict beech forests and related herbaceous riverside communities with significant plant diversity and conservation value for maintenance of the beech forests of Central Balkan mountain and of the country.