Plant communities of the summits of the Dund Saykhan mountain range (Southern Mongolia)

The vegetation of the summits of the Dund Saykhan mountain range (Southern Mongolia) has been assessed. The existing literature is set in context to the randomly examined relevés, presenting a detailed description of the montane vegetation of one of the core zones of the Gobi Gurvan Saykhan National Park. Two new associations, Junipero sabinae-Thalictetrum foetidii and Arenario meyeri-Festucetum valesiacae, and one regional sub-association, Papaver croceum-Artemisia pycnorrhiza, are described. The ecology of all associations and communities is related to their occurrence in the study area and the accompanying surrounding environmental characteristics. The landscape is dominated by Festuca valesiaca Rchb. Steppes. The southern slopes are covered by large Juniperus L. patches and, at similarly disturbed sites, Artemisia santolinifolia Bess, dominance stands are common. In contrast, the northern exposures are covered by a mosaic of dense mats of Kobresia Willd. and Festuca valesiaca rock steppes.