This paper discusses the geographic trends in the distribution of the Pontic phytogeographical element (including Pontic-Mediterranean species) from the northern Adriatic coasts (Trieste Karst region) to the South-East Alps and pre-Alps.
The number of Pontic species decreases slightly from the Karst towards the pre-Alps, with a sensible reduction from the pre-Alps towards the centre of the Alpine chain. This pattern can be related to temperature. The geographic variation of life forms shows a simplification of the life form spectrum: the geophytes, being less dependent on environmental conditions, are the life form with the lowest geographic variation.
