Eastern sub-Mediterranean dry grassland

Open, xeric grasslands on carbonate rocks or flysh of the sub-Mediterranean zones of Trieste, Istria, the Balkan peninsula and of the Ostryo-Carpinion zone of Greece, where they coexist with steppic grasslands of the Festucetalia valesiacae (unit E1.21), developing in areas of lesser continentality than the latter, and incorporating a greater Mediterranean element than they do; like the steppic grasslands, however, they are often dominated by [Carex humilis]. Maintained by extensive mowing or grazing, they are invaded by tall herbs after abandonment.