Variation in the Senecio aethnensis group (Asteraceae) along an altitudinal gradient

ABSTRACT The variability of the Senecio aethnensis group was investigated through morphometric analyses of seven populations along an altitudinal transect on Mt. Etna (E Sicily). The data obtained show a separation into two groups, one including the populations of the upper and middle belts, at and above 1700 m, the other including the populations from lower altitudes. In the first group a clinal morphological variation in several reproductive and vegetative characters was observed in relation to altitude. The analysis of leaf characters in progeny cultivated under uniform conditions confirmed the differentiation into the two groups, which are to be treated as separate species, i.e. S. aeth…

A taxonomic revision of the Capparis spinosa group (Capparaceae) from eastern Africa to Oceania

The variability, autecology and distribution of the Capparis spinosa group have been studied in eastern Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, Australia and Oceania. In these areas the taxonomic treatment of the group, also represented in holoarctic Regions of the Old World, is still critical. The forms widespread in the study area are here referred to four subspecies of C. spinosa . The recognized subspecies mostly show geographical vicariance, except in some contact areas of the Middle East and western Himalaya. Two nomenclatural novelties, i. e. C. spinosa subsp. cordifolia comb. et stat. nov. and C. spinosa subsp. himalayensis stat. nov., are proposed. Among the recognized taxa, C. spinosa …

Capparaceae

L’exceptionnelle richesse floristique de la Nouvelle-Calédonie est mondialement connue. Plus de 3 400 espèces de plantes vasculaires indigènes y sont répertoriées, dont les trois-quarts sont endémiques de l’archipel. L’endémisme ne concerne pas seulement les espèces, mais aussi les genres (près d’une centaine) et même trois familles. La diversité se décline aussi sur le plan écologique, en lien avec l’histoire géologique originale de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, qui a favorisé le micro-endémisme et les espèces inféodées aux substrats ultramafiques. De nouvelles espèces continuent à être découvertes, aussi reste-t-il nécessaire de poursuivre prospections et recherches botaniques, afin de mieux com…

Conservation of genetic diversity in artificially regenerated holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) populations

Reforestation with autochtonous species should take into account the preservation of the variability and the geographical structure of genetic diversity in forest species. In order to provide empirical data, genetic composition of an artificial population of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) and its natural seed-origin population in Andalusia were analysed with six microsatellite loci. The genetic diversity indices applied show a reduction in the artificial stand if compared with the natural one, probably due to an inappropriate forester seed collection strategy limited to a few trees.

A new species of Thilachium (Capparaceae) from the Analanjirofo Region, Madagascar

Madagascar is a centre of speciation for the genus Thilachium Lour., which includes several species of small trees and shrubs occurring in a wide range of habitats. A new species of Thilachium, T. latifolium Fici, from the Analanjirofo Region of northeastern Madagascar is here described and illustrated. It is characterised by 1-foliolate leaves, leaf blades widely ovate or elliptic with shortly acuminate or acute apices, flowers in terminal, dense subumbels or corymbs, short pedicels and ellipsoid, ribbed fruit. The new species is related to T. madagascariense Fici, a species recently described from eastern Madagascar, differing in the wider, coriaceous leaves with shorter, mucronulate tip,…

The vascular flora of Nature Reserve “Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto” (NW Sicily)

A floristic investigation was carried out in “Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto” Nature Reserve, one of the largest in Sicily. In spite of the considerable botanical interest of this area, few data were available from classic and recent literature. Based on field investigations, coupled with bibliographic and herbarium researches, we have listed 951 infrageneric taxa belonging to 103 families and 446 genera. A lot of these entities are reported in this area for the first time, for others ancient records are confirmed. Life form analysis shows the dominance of therophytes (44,79%) and hemicryptophytes (27,77%). From a chorological point of view, Mediterranean elements show a grea…

Narrow genetic base in forest restoration with holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Sicily

International audience; In order to empirically assess the effect of actual seed sampling strategy on genetic diversity of holm oak (Quercus ilex) forestations in Sicily, we have analysed the genetic composition of two seedling lots (nursery stock and plantation) and their known natural seed origin stand by means of six nuclear microsatellite loci. Significant reduction in genetic diversity and significant difference in genetic composition of the seedling lots compared to the seed origin stand were detected. The female and the total effective number of parents were quantified by means of maternity assignment of seedlings and temporal changes in allele frequencies. Extremely low effective ma…

The contribution of archaeological plant remains in tracing the cultural history of Mediterranean trees: The example of the Roman harbour ofNeapolis

In this paper, we present a detailed record of the plant remains recovered on the palaeo-seafloors of Neapolis harbour, spanning ≈700 years, between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD, thus intersecting the entire Roman Imperial Age. The site preserved many cultivated or cultivable plant remains, especially from food related trees. This particular feature provided the opportunity to reconstruct the puzzling history of planting them and the Roman economy, especially with respect to food production, the market and to dietary habits. The evidence suggests that Prunus persica, Castanea sativa, Juglans regia and Pinus pinea were locally grown all along the investigated period, testifying …

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS ON THE FLORA OF THE PERMANENT BANQUETTES IN WESTERN SICILY

The banquettes, landed clusters of dead leaves of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, represent a deposited biomass from sea to land that protects the shoreline from wind and sea erosion as well as constitutes a reserve of nutrients and organic matter for sea prairies. These wracks can become a potential biodiversity hotspot as indicated by a recent investigation on invertebrates that has shown high levels of consumption of detritus (1). This biodiversity, greater than that found in coastal areas without such accumulations, can be explained by the margin effect between the marine and the terrestrial environment. The banquette can therefore be considered an ecotone (2, 3) where communities of su…

Il ruolo degli interventi di rinaturazione per la conservazione di formazioni forestali isolate: il caso del lecceto di Santocanale in Sicilia.

Micromorphological observations on leaf and pollen ofCapparisL. sect.Capparis(Capparaceae)

Sect. Capparis is represented by a single species, Capparis spinosa L., divided into several intraspecific taxa showing plesiomorphic features and disjunct distributions in the Old World. Leaf surface and pollen features were investigated in the whole group by SEM and light microscope observations. The section is characterized by simple hairs, a reticulate to undulate cuticle, anomocytic stomata surrounded by a peristomal rim, and trizonocolporate, prolate pollen grains. The characteristics of the indumentum appear constant, while the studied taxa are fairly differentiated with respect to cuticular patterns and dimensions of the stomata, and show slight differences in pollen size and exine …

Evidences of adaptive traits to rocky substrates undermine paradigm of habitat preference of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica

AbstractPosidonia oceanica meadows are acknowledged as one of the most valuable ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. P. oceanica has been historically described as a species typically growing on mobile substrates whose development requires precursor communities. Here we document for the first time the extensive presence of sticky hairs covering P. oceanica seedling roots. Adhesive root hairs allow the seedlings to firmly anchor to rocky substrates with anchorage strength values up to 5.23 N, regardless of the presence of algal cover and to colonise bare rock without the need for precursor assemblages to facilitate settlement. Adhesive root hairs are a morphological trait common on plants li…

Holocene treeline in the northern Andes (Ecuador): new evidence from soil charcoals

Soil charcoals represent a record for palaeoecological studies. For the first time pedoanthracology is applied to northern Andes of Ecuador to study the Holocene treeline. The first results show that the upper treeline was lower than today in the late Pleistocene and in the Middle Holocene. A wide amount of charcoals dated ca. 13000 cal. yr. BP could be caused by fires linked to the first presence of man at these altitudes.

A taxonomic revision of the genus Capparis (Capparaceae) in New Caledonia

A revision of the genus Capparis has been carried out in New Caledonia, a global biodiversity hotspot with a high rate of endemism in its vascular flora. The taxonomic treatment of Capparis in this area required study because of some incompletely known taxa and deviating forms. Based on morphological and distributional investigations carried out on historical and recent herbarium collections, four species are recognised in New Caledonia: C. spinosa, belonging to sect. Capparis; C. quiniflora, belonging to sect. Monostychocalix; and C. parvifolia and C. artensis, both belonging to sect. Busbeckea. Capparis spinosa is represented by subsp. cordifolia, a taxon widespread in several Pacific isl…

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. III: A new species from the deciduous forest of the Hin Nam No National Protected Area

A new species of Capparis, Capparis hinnamnoensis, is described from the Khammouan Province, central Lao PDR. The new species is characterized by the indumentum constituted by stellate, two-armed and simple hairs, and by the terminal racemes bearing trifid bracts and mediumsized flowers. It is so far known from a single locality in the Hin Nam No National Protected Area, where it has been observed in the deciduous forest on Permo-Carboniferous limestone. Its conservation status is assessed.

A new narrow-leaved species of Capparis (Capparaceae) from central Palawan, Philippines

A new species of Capparis, C. tagbanuorum, is described and illustrated from Palawan Island in the Philippines. It is known from a single locality in Mount Victoria, in forest habitats at medium elevation. The new species is characterized by a peculiar leaf morphology, with blade up to 9 times as long as wide, by the racemose inflorescence and by the size of the petals and the number and length of the stamens. The diagnostic characters are discussed and a key is given for the species of Capparis known from the Philippines.

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. IV: A new species from the Khammouan Province

A new species of Capparis, C. florida, is described and illustrated from the Hin Nam No National Protected Area, Khammouan Province in central Lao PDR. The new species, collected in forest habitats of the Khammouan karst, belongs to sect. Monostichocalyx. It is an erect shrub characterized by the widely ovate or elliptical leaf-blade, by the flowers serial in supra-axillary rows, and by the slender ovary with evident style. Its affinities with related taxa, such as the widespread C. micracantha, are discussed and its conservation status assessed.

Effect of number of seed parents on the genetic diversity of artificially regenerated stands of holm oak

Artificial populations of holm oak (Quercus ilex L. s.l.) and their natural seed origin populations selected from Andalusia (Southern Spain) and Sicily (Southern Italy) were analysed with six nuclear microsatellite loci to explore the effect of seed collection methods. Low effective allele numbers (3.07-6.67) and extremely low effective populations sizes (35.4-102.9) were detected in both reforestation stands, probably due to an inappropriate forester seed collection strategy limited to a few mother trees. Analysis of simulated progenies showed that optimal sampling size to obtain seed collections genetically similar to the origin populations should range from 20 to 50 individuals, but coul…

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. V: A new species from limestones of the Luang Prabang Province

A new species of Capparis L., C. lianosa Fici & Souvannakhoummane, is described and illustrated from limestones of the Muang Ngoi District, Luang Prabang Province, in northern Lao PDR. Th e new species, belonging to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx Radlk., is related to C. zeylanica L., differing in several characters as the shorter stipular thorns, the leaves with apex acuminate, the shorter, glabrous or glabrescent gynophore and the flattened stigma.

Distribuzione, fenologia e status di conservazione di Calendula suffruticosa Vahl subsp. maritima (Guss.) Maikle (Asteraceae)

The genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Laos and Cambodia

SummaryA taxonomic revision of the genus Capparis in Laos and Cambodia was undertaken. Based on examination of historical and recent herbarium collections coupled with field investigations, 25 species and 7 intraspecific taxa, all belonging to sect. Monostichocalyx, were recognised in the study area. Among these, a new species, C. averyanovii, and a new subspecies, C. acutifolia subsp. thamphae, from central and northern Laos are described and illustrated. A key to the species is provided, along with descriptions, synonyms, distribution ranges, autecological and phenological data, and 31 lectotypes are selected. When available, vernacular names and traditional uses of the species are also g…

Thilachium madagascariense (Capparaceae), a new species from eastern Madagascar with a key to the species of the genus

SummaryThilachium madagascariense Fici, a small tree characterised by 1-foliolate leaves with articulate petioles, leaf blades elliptic or narrowly obovate with base attenuate and apex acuminate, flowers in groups of 2 – 3 at the top of lateral twigs and a high number of stamens, is described and illustrated from forest habitats of eastern Madagascar. The new species is similar to T. laurifolium Baker, a species endemic to central and eastern Madagascar, differing in the longer leaves with acuminate apex, flowers conferted at the top of lateral twigs, shorter pedicels, higher number of stamens and shorter gynophore. Its affinities are discussed and an updated key is provided for all the spe…

Capparis tchaourembensis, a new species of Capparaceae from Mayotte, Comororian Archipelago

A new species of Capparis, C. tchaourembensis Fici, is described and illustrated. Its conservation status is assessed and its affinities with related taxa are discussed.

ASPETTI VEGETAZIONALI E PAESAGGISTICI DI SETTEFRATI (CEFALÙ, SICILIA SETTENTRIONALE), BIOTOPO MERITEVOLE DI CONSERVAZIONE

The area of Settefrati, lying along the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily, shows noteworthy naturalistic value. This biotope was so far untouched by the intensive urbanistic development which affected in the last decades the coastal belt of the Palermo district. In this paper the results of a plant landscape survey of Settefrati, including a vegetation map (scale 1:10.00), are presented. It is underlined the presence of an interesting aspect of mediterranean maquis (Myrto communis-Pistacietum lentisci), as well as of patches of Tamarix africana xerophilous woodlands and Populus nigra riverine formations. Along the coast psammophilous (Salsolo-Cakiletum maritimae and Sporobolo arenarii-Agropyretum …

Morpho-anatomical investigations on Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae) in Tunisia.

Adhesive root hairs facilitate Posidonia oceanica seedling settlement on rocky substrates

Posidonia oceanica, the dominant Mediterranean seagrass, has been historically described as a species typically growing on mobile substrates whose development requires precursor communities. During more than 10 years of direct observations, we noticed that P. oceanica seedlings were often firmly anchored to rocky reefs, even at exposed sites. Thus, we analysed the ultrastructural features of seedling root systems to identify specific traits that may represent adaptations for early seedling anchorage on rocky bottoms. Subapical sections of adventitious roots were obtained from 2-3 months old specimens collected in the field and were observed at SEM revealing an extensive coverage of adhesive…

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. II: A new species from the Khammouan karst

A new species of Capparis, Capparis lanceolatifolia, is described and illustrated from central Lao PDR, where it is known from a single limestone doline in the Hinboun District, Khammouan Province. The new species is characterized by narrowly lanceolate leaves, racemose inflorescence bearing trifid bracts and small size of flower. Its affinities with related taxa and conservation status are discussed.

A new species of Capparis (Capparaceae) from ultramafic substrata in New Caledonia

A new species of Capparis, C. parvifolia, is described and illustrated from New Caledonia, where it is known from a few localities on Mont Kaala on ultramafic substrata. The new species is characterized by the relatively small, linear leaf-blade and by the small size of the sepals, petals, stamens, gynophore and fruit. Its affinities with related taxa are discussed and its conservation status assessed.

A taxonomic revision of the Capparis spinosa group (Capparaceae) from the Mediterranean to Central Asia

A revision of the Capparis spinosa group has been carried out in southern Europe, northern Africa, western and central Asia, in order to provide a uniform taxonomic treatment of its representatives. The xerotropical origin of this group, showing disjunct distribution in several holoarctic and paleotropical regions, is underlined and the different species concepts historically adopted are discussed. In the present treatment a single species is recognized, C. spinosa , represented in the study area by two subspecies. C. spinosa subsp. spinosa shows derived characters, high polymorphism and a wide distribution range from the Mediterranean eastwards to China and Nepal. C. spinosa subsp. rupestr…

The Capparis spinosa L. group (Capparaceae) in Australia

Summary The Australian form of the Capparis spinosa group, at present treated as var. nummularia (DC.) Bailey, has been studied through field and herbarium investigations. Cultivations away from the distribution range were also carried out to test the maintenance of diagnostic characters in this taxon. Based on the obtained data, coupled with phytogeographical considerations and comparisons with the variants widespread in other areas, for the Australian form the subspecific rank is here proposed. Its distribution and autecology are also discussed.

A new species of Capparis L. (Capparaceae) from Sumatra (Indonesia)

A new species of Capparis L., C. irenae Fici, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Tigapuluh Mts., Riau Province of Sumatra, where it is known from a single locality in forest communities. The new species, belonging to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx Radlk., is related to C. diffusa Ridl., differing in several characters as the glabrous twigs, longer petioles and leaves, flowers arranged in racemes with cataphylls at the base, longer petals hairy outside and longer filaments. Its affinities with other related taxa and its conservation status are discussed. Moreover a distribution map of the new species and an identification key to the species of Capparis recognized in Sumatra are prov…

Seed dispersal of Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae) by mediterraean lizards.

Capparis macrantha sp. nov. (Capparaceae, Brassicales), a new shrub species from a deciduous forest of the Nam Kading National Protected Area (central Lao PDR)

Capparis macrantha Souvannakhoummane, Fici & Lanorsavanh sp. nov., a new shrub species characterized by erect or ascending habit, stipular thorns, large lanceolate-elliptic leaves and large flowers in supra-axillary rows, is described and illustrated from the deciduous forest in Nam Kading National Protected Area (central Lao PDR). The new species belongs to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx Radlk. and is morphologically similar to C. radula Gagnep., a shrub widespread in the Indochinese area, differing in the shorter, straight stipular thorns, larger leaves, larger sepals and petals, higher number of stamens with longer filaments and longer gynophore and ovary. Its affinities with related…

Capparis kebarensis, a new species of Capparaceae from Papua Barat, Indonesia

The new species Capparis kebarensis Fici (Capparaceae) is here described and illustrated. Its affinities are discussed.

La "Macchia di Settefrati" (Cefalù, Sicilia Settentrionale): interesse naturalistico e proposte di tutela

Hybridization in Capparis spinosa L.: Molecular and morphological evidence from a Mediterranean island complex

Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers and morphological analysis were used in order to characterize wild populations and cultivated forms of orphan crop species Capparis spinosa L. in a Mediterranean island complex. Nineteen wild populations belonging to two different subspecies, C. spinosa subsp. spinosa and subsp. rupestris, were sampled in different environments in Sicily and the surrounding islets Lampedusa, Pantelleria and Salina. Different biotypes cultivated in Pantelleria and Salina were analyzed. Six ISSR primers were selected for genetic characterization, and all clear and reproducible bands were scored and analyzed. Among the 47 ISSR bands obtained, 97.5% were pol…

Transcriptome analysis and codominant markers development in caper, a drought tolerant orphan crop with medicinal value.

AbstractCaper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a xerophytic shrub cultivated for its flower buds and fruits, used as food and for their medicinal properties. Breeding programs and even proper taxonomic classification of the genus Capparis has been hampered so far by the lack of reliable genetic information and molecular markers. Here, we present the first genomic resource for C. spinosa, generated by transcriptomic approach and de novo assembly. The sequencing effort produced nearly 80 million clean reads assembled into 124,723 unitranscripts. Careful annotation and comparison with public databases revealed homologs to genes with a key role in important metabolic pathways linked to abiotic stress t…

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. VI: a new species from the Bolikhamxai Province

A new species of Capparis, C. phatadke, is described and illustrated from the Bolikhamxai Province, central Lao PDR. The new species is characterized by lianous habit, brown-reddish indumentum, straight stipular thorns, laminar bracts, large flowers arranged in terminal corymbs or subumbels, long filaments and large ovary. It is so far known from a single locality, where has been observed in mixed deciduous forest and secondary forest in a limestone area. Its ecology and phenology are discussed, and its conservation status is assessed.

Soil charcoals as proxies of past vegetation on high northern Andes (Ecuador).

Studies on the genusCapparisL. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR

Southeastern Asia is one of the main centres of diversity of the genus Capparis in the Old World. Morpho-chorological investigations carried out on collections from Lao PDR provided new data on the variation and distribution of some intrageneric taxa that were critical, poorly known or unrecorded in the country. The variability of Capparis pyrifolia and Capparis zeylanica is discussed, while Capparis acutifolia subsp. acutifolia and Capparis tenera are respectively confirmed and first recorded in Lao PDR. A new variety of Capparis micracantha is described and 12 lectotypes are designated. For each taxon morphological, chorological and autecological data are given.

Capparis spinosa (Capparaceae); A Survey on Morpho-ecologic Variation for Different Populations of Iran

Capparis spinosa grows naturally from the Atlantic coast of the Canary Islands and Morocco to the Black Sea, in Crimea and Armenia, and to the east side of the Caspian Sea in Iran. Capparis species are valuable as a resource for medicine, food, improving soil fertility, stabilizing dunes, fuel, timber, and livestock feed. In this research, sixteen populations of Capparis spinosa were collected from different locations in Iran and quantitative and qualitative data of morphological characters were revised. A multivariable statistical analysis was performed for the morphological characters of Capparis populations. The populations were classified into two main groups using a Ward's hierarchical…

<p><strong>Studies on the genus <em>Capparis</em> L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. IV: A new species from the Khammouan Province</strong></p>

A new species of Capparis, C. florida, is described and illustrated from the Hin Nam No National Protected Area, Khammouan Province in central Lao PDR. The new species, collected in forest habitats of the Khammouan karst, belongs to sect. Monostichocalyx. It is an erect shrub characterized by the widely ovate or elliptical leaf-blade, by the flowers serial in supra-axillary rows, and by the slender ovary with evident style. Its affinities with related taxa, such as the widespread C. micracantha, are discussed and its conservation status assessed.

Le banquette di Posidonia oceanica in Sicilia occidentale: mappatura, tipizzazione e indagini sulla mesofauna associata.

Conservazione e biologia di Calendula suffruticosa Vahl subsp. maritima (Guss.) Meikle (Asteraceae)

An Updated Checklist of the Genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Vietnam, including a New Species from Hon Tre Island

The Indochinese Peninsula is a main center of speciation of Capparis, but the taxonomic treatment of the genus is still critical in this area. With regard to Vietnam, a discordant number of species was recorded by different authors during the last century, whereas various new species have been recently described. An updated checklist of the intrageneric taxa occurring in the country is here presented, including a new species from the island of Hon Tre, Khanh Hoa Province. The genus comprises in Vietnam 37 species, 9 subspecies and 3 varieties, all belonging to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx. The study area, with 10 endemic species, is confirmed as one of the hotspots of the genus. Three lec…