Institute of Biology, Ural Scientific Centre, Russian Academy of Science, pr. Oktyabrya 69, Ufa 450054, Russia

Abstract

Theoretical basis of ecologo-floristic classification according to Braun-Blanquet approach is discussed with the special attention to the contribution of Russian sientists. Principal results concern presentation of vegetation continuum in discrete classification units: polymodel conception of plant communities, principle of plural syntaxonomic decisions, pragmatic approach to classification, method of homological rows of plant communities, etc. Current ecologo-floristic classification of vegetation in Russia consists of 77 classes. This system is a good basement for estimation of rarity of plant communities and biodiversity protection. The first variant of "Red Book" of plant communities of Russia and other eastern European countries is discussed.