Nuove prospettive per l’arboricoltura da legno in Sicilia: la coltivazione del noce Pecan

In funzione della promozione dell’arboricoltura da legno in Sicilia, vengono presentati i risultati di osservazioni condotte presso l’Orto botanico di Palermo, concernenti la coltivazione del noce pecan (Carya illinoensis). Essi vengono valutati positivamente anche in relazione alla crescita e alle caratteristiche del legno che potrebbe trovare localmente utile impiego.

Dihydrophenanthrenes from a Sicilian Accession of Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge Showed Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiproliferative Activities

The peculiar aspect that emerges from the study of Orchidaceae is the presence of various molecules, which are particularly interesting for pharmaceutical chemistry due to their wide range of biological resources. The aim of our study was to investigate the properties of two dihydrophenanthrenes, isolated, for the first time, from Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge (Orchidaceae) bulbs and roots. Chemical and spectroscopic study of the bulbs and roots of Himantoglossumrobertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge resulted in the isolation of two known dihydrophenanthrenes—loroglossol and hircinol—never isolated from this plant species. The structures were evaluated based on 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR…

The chemical composition of essential oil from Seseli tortuosum subsp. tortuosum and S. tortuosum subsp. maritimum (Apiaceae) aerial parts growing in Sicily (Italy)

Seseli L. genus, belonging to the Apiaceae family, includes more than eighty taxa, mainly growing in Europe and Asia. Due to the several biological properties, species of this genus have been largely investigated, showing to be a rich source of coumarins, as well as, of essential oils with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, cytotoxic, etc. properties. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oils from aerial parts of Sicilian accessions of Seseli tortuosum subsp. tortuosum and S. tortuosum subsp. maritimum were analysed by GC-MS. No one report has been previously published on the subsp. maritimum. The results showed the presence, in both oils, of large quantity…

Osservazioni morfoanatomiche su differenti popolazioni di Anthemis cupaniana Tod. ex Lojac. (Asteraceae)

Essential oil compositions of Teucrium fruticans, T. scordium subsp. scordioides and T. siculum growing in Sicily and Malta

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts of Teucrium fruticans L. collected in Sicily and Malta, Teucrium scordium subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang. and Teucrium siculum (Raf.) Guss., collected in Sicily, were evaluated by GC-MS. The main volatile components of both T. fruticans collections were germacrene D (29.4% and 50.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (19.6% and 21.9%), and 1-octen-3-ol (19.7% and 7.4%); T. scordium subsp. scordioides essential oil was rich in caryophyllene oxide (25.8%), α-pinene (19.4%) and β-pinene (8.5%); T. siculum essential oil was rich in (E)-β-caryophyllene (30.9%), 1-octen-3-ol (9.0%), α-humulene (8.6%) and germacrene…

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of Ammi crinitum Guss. (Apiaceae) endemic of Sicily (Italy)

Ammi L. is a small genus of economically important plants belonging to Apiaceae family that includes only six taxa. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Ammi crinitum Guss., a very rare plant, endemic of Sicily, was analyzed by GC–MS. No previously paper has been published on this species. The results showed the presence of large quantity of monoterpene hydrocarbons with sabinene (63.9%), as the most abundant component. Other metabolites present in good quantity were γ-terpinene (8.0%), and 4-terpineol (3.7%). Based on the composition of the essential oil of all the other Ammi taxa, several considerations have been carried out.

Caratteri ecologici e distributivi di Stipa sicula

Chemical composition of the essential oil from different vegetative parts of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum (Ucria) Coutinho (Umbelliferae) growing wild in Sicily

In the present study, the chemical compositions of the essential oils from roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum collected in Sicily were evaluated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the roots were terpinolene (33.15%), gamma-terpinene (12.18%) and fenchyl acetate (11.23%). Stems and leaves were very rich in alpha-phellandrene (36.85% and 41.59%, respectively) and beta-phellandrene (19.68% and 25.79%, respectively), whereas the main components of fruits were terpinolene (20.10%) and limonene (17.84%)These results were compared with those of the EOs of the same vegetative parts of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare, collected in the same station and in th…

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of four Phagnalon species collected in Sicily (Italy) and Greece

The genus Phagnalon Cass., included in the Asteraceae family, has a wide distribution, expanding from Macaronesia in the West to the Himalayas in the East, from South France and Nord Italy to Ethiopia and Arabian Peninsula. Various species of Phagnalon have been used in the popular medicine of several countries as medicinal herbs and food. The extracts and the secondary metabolites, have a varied application spectrum at several biological levels, with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, etc. properties having been reported. The essential oils of four taxa, Phagnalon rupestre, Phagnalon saxatile var. viride, and Phagnalon rupestre subsp. illyricum var. metlesicsii collected …

Sulla presenza di Ostrya carpinifolia (Corylaceae) nei substrati della serie evaporitica.

Monitoring of alien aquatic plants in the inland waters of Sicily (Italy)

Updated and reliable data on the presence and distribution of alien aquatic plant species in Sicily are lacking, and there is a need to fill this gap for a proper and efficient management of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. This paper reviews the available knowledge about alien aquatic vascular plants in the inland waters of Sicily (Italy). The aim is to provide an updated checklist, as a first step in the study of the impact of those plants on the native species and ecosystems of this Mediterranean island. The paper focuses on the strictly aquatic species (hydrophytes), excluding emergent macrophytes. Four species were listed, all of them free-floating and with American origin. Most…

Taxonomic implications of seed morphology and seed coat sculputures in Brassica sect. Brassica

Facebook groups as citizen science tools for plant species monitoring

I social network sono canali di comunicazione utilizzati per condividere enormi quantità di dati, che possono essere utilizzati per la ricerca scientifica, anche nel campo della biodiversità. Per sapere quanto i dati ricavati dai social network possono integrare quelli raccolti per scopi scientifici, è necessario individuarne i bias. Utilizzando i dati estratti da un gruppo Facebook specializzato nella flora vascolare siciliana, abbiamo analizzato quali sono i caratteri che aumentano la probabilità che una pianta spontanea venga fotografata e postata su un social network. A tal fine, abbiamo confrontato frequenze e attributi delle specie fotografate dai membri del gruppo Facebook con quelli…

The Essential Oil Compositions of Three Teucrium Taxa Growing Wild in Sicily: HCA and PCA Analyses

The chemical composition and the qualitative and quantitative variability of the essential oils of three taxa belonging to the Teucrium genus were studied. The investigated taxa, that grow wild in Sicily, were Teucrium flavum L. (section Chamaedrys (Mill.) Scheb.), Teucrium montanum and Teucrium capitatum L. of section Polium (Mill.) Scheb. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. In total, 74 compounds were identified. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were found to be the main group for T. flavum (48.3%). T. capitatum consisted essentially of monoterpene hydrocarbons (72.7%), with &alpha

Re-evaluation and typification of Foeniculum piperitum (Apiaceae), an underknown medicinal plant and crop wild relative

Foeniculum piperitum was described as Anethum piperitum based on plants collected in Sicily, Italy. Currently it is treated either as a synonym of Foeniculum vulgare, or as one of two subspecies within that taxon. Here we show that F. vulgare and F. piperitum are two different, sometimes co-occurring, taxa and that given clear morphological and ecological separation, they should be treated as distinct species. Anethum piperitum is typified. Owing to misapplication of names and wrong synonymizations, the ecology and chorology of F. vulgare and F. piperitum have to be better defined.

Indagini fitosociologiche sulla vegetazione a Bupleurum fruticosum (Umbelliferae) del versante tirrenico dei Nebrodi (Sicilia)

Centaurea erycina (Asteraceae), a new species from NW-Sicily.

Schede 49-54. In: MAZZOLA P. & RAIMONDO F. M. (eds) Schede per la flora ornamentale siciliana 49-54

An “Uncertainty Principle” for the Mediterranean annual dry grasslands

Preliminary results of diachronic researches on the spatial arrangement and species richness in Mediterranean annual dry grasslands (Tuberarietea guttatae) demonstrated that the patchiness resulted minimized and the temporal stability maximized at elevations offering the best compromise between the summer drought stress and the winter cold stress. Moreover, the temporal stability of the Mediterranean annul dry grasslands could not necessarily be related with their demographic inertia, meaning that the turnover and rearrangement of species within the community do not necessarily implicate significant changes in the average species composition over time. On the other hand, the survival chance…

A revision of Helichrysum panormitanum s.l. (Asteraceae) in the Italian and Maltese floras

As part of the ongoing researches on Asteraceae for the new edition of the Italian Flora, a revision of Helichrysum panormitanum s.l. is presented here. On the basis of previously published morphological and chemical data, as well as our morphological and chorological observations, we hereby propose to recognize six subspecies under H. panormitanum: subsp. panormitanum, subsp. stramineum, subsp. brulloi subsp. nov., subsp. messeriae, subsp. latifolium, and subsp. melitense comb. nov. All these taxa are endemic to Sicily and Egadi Islands (Italy), except H. panormitanum subsp. melitense which is endemic to Gozo island (Maltese archipelago). A diagnostic key for the six accepted subspecies is…

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #60 to #82

New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 8 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 49 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Campania, Calabria, Marche, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria. Relevés and figures are provided as Supplementary material respectively 1 and 2.

Osservazioni su uno caso di convergenza adattativa: Dianthus arrostii (Cariophyllaceae) e Plantago subulata subsp. humilis (Plantaginaceae)

Contributo alla conoscenza della vegetazione delle “Gole Tardara” (Sicilia sud-occidentale)

The ongoing naturalisation of Eucalyptus spp. in the Mediterranean Basin: new threats to native species and habitats

The genus Eucalyptus has been widely introduced into many regions of the world outside its native range and has become invasive in some Mediterranean biomes (e.g. in southern Africa and California). In the Mediterranean Basin and Europe, eucalypts were introduced at the end of the 18th century. However, natural regeneration events in these regions are recent in time and limited in terms of affected areas, except for the Iberian Peninsula. An updated overview about the natural spread of Eucalyptus species in Italy is still lacking. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap, using both published data and unpublished field data regarding naturalisation events, with a specific focus on Sicily.…

Ferulago nodosa Subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo from Sicily (Italy): Isolation of Essential Oil and Evaluation of Its Bioactivity

Ferulago nodosa (L.) Boiss. (Apiaceae) is a species occurring in the Balkan-Tyrrhenian area. The object of the present study is Sicilian F. nodosa subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo, classified as an endemic F. nodosa subspecies. Aerial parts of this plant species were subjected to hydrodistillation to obtain an essential oil. A total of 93 compounds were identified with 2,3,6-trimethyl benzaldehyde (19.0%), spathulenol (9.0%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.4%), and caryophyllene oxide (5.4%) as the main components. The biological activities of F. nodosa essential oil were also investigated. This oil showed an interesting antioxidant potential in a 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sul…

Genetic diversity in five populations of Galanthus from Sicily using isozymes

Lineamenti geomorfologici e climatici

New findings for the charophyte flora of Sicily (Italy)

Chemical Composition and Broad-Spectrum Insecticidal Activity of the Flower Essential Oil from an Ancient Sicilian Food Plant, Ridolfia segetum

Several species of the family Apiaceae are aromatic herbs that produce essential oils usable on an industrial scale for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food purposes. In particular, some essential oils, such as green insecticides for example, may replace synthetic insecticides, keeping most of their efficacy and avoiding environmental pollution or human poisoning. In the present study, we explored the insecticidal potential of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris essential oil (EO) against three different pests: Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Musca domestica L., and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval). For this purpose, the EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of flowers and its composition was achieved by…

Elementi espressivi della flora vascolare nel Piano di Gestione "Monti Madonie" in Sicilia

Indagini anatomiche e micromorfologiche fogliari su alcune specie del genere Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae)

Application of RUSLE model for the assessment of soil erosion in the western sector of Palermo Mountains (north-western Sicily)

The aim of this work is to study the impact of vegetation cover on water erosion phenomena by exploiting an integrated approach to the assessment of soil loss rates. The investigated area is located in the western portion of the mountainous group named “Monti di Palermo” and occupies an area of approximately 475 km2; this area, which extends from sea level up to about 1,300 m, is mainly characterized by the presence of lithosols and luvisols laying above carbonate and terrigenous substrates. The assessment of erosion intensity was indirectly obtained by applying the RUSLE model, that allowed to estimate soil loss produced by rill-interrill erosion phenomena. Starting from topographical and …

Ecologia e distribuzione di Fraxinus excelsior (Oleaceae) in Sicilia

Chemical Composition and Evaluation of Insecticidal Activity of Calendula incana subsp. maritima and Laserpitium siler subsp. siculum Essential Oils against Stored Products Pests

The problems of the environment and human health related to the use of synthetic and broad-spectrum insecticides have increasingly motivated scientific research on different alternatives and among these, the use of green systems, such as essential oils, have been explored. Several species of the Apiaceae and Asteraceae families, aromatic herbs rich in secondary bioactive metabolites, are used in the industrial field for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food purposes. Different essential oils extracted from some species of these families have shown acute toxicity and attractive and/or repellent effects towards different insects. In our work, we investigated the toxic potential of Calendula inca…

The chemical composition of essential oil from Seseli bocconei (Apiaceae) aerial parts growing in Sicily (Italy)

Seseli is a large genus of aromatic and economically important herbs of the Apiaceae family that includes eighty-seven taxa, mainly distributed in Europe and Asia. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various popular medicines and based on their traditional uses, much research concerning biological activities have been carried out. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Seseli bocconei Guss., a rare plant endemic of Sicily, was analysed by GC-MS. No one report has been previously published on the essential oil of this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons wher…

Osservazioni sulla vegetazione a Quercus ilex dei substrati gessosi di Valle dell’Aquila (Caltanissetta, Sicilia)

The relictual woodlands with Laurus nobilis L. of Sicily (Italy): phytosociological, phytogeographical, ecological and distributional considerations

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Ptilostemon gnaphaloides subsp. pseudofruticosus (Asteraceae) growing in Kythira Island, Greece

Ptilostemon is a small genus of the subtribe Carduinae (Asteraceae) that includes 15 species as annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs, spread in the Mediterranean arch, from Crimea and Turkey to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. Several species of this genus have been studied for the content of non-volatile metabolites whereas few investigations have been carried out on their essential oils. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Ptilostemon gnaphaloides subsp. pseudofruticosus, belonging to Section Ptilostemon, endemic of South Greece and Turkey, and collected in the island of Kythira, was analyzed by GC-MS. The result showed the presen…

Kali dodecanesicum (Chenopodiaceae, Salsoloideae) a new species from Greece

Kali dodecanesicum, a new species from some islands (i.e. Rhodes, Kos and Nisyros) of the Dodecanese in the south-eastern Aegean (Greece), is described and illustrated. According to recent literature, Kali is treated as a distinct genus from the polyphyletic Salsola s.l., which includes several annual species. The new species is morphologically well separated from the other Kali taxa mainly for the shape of the fruiting perianth, showing closer relationships with Kali ponticum. Its ecological requirements, distribution, and conservation status are also examined, together with an analytic key of the Kali species occurring in the Mediterranean area.

The temporary wetland complex of Anguillara and its key role for the botanical heritage of western Sicily

Temporary wetlands are endangered throughout the entire Mediterranean area (1). Contrary to the permanent wetlands, that (usually) cover larger surfaces and are now protected after a long period of siege and ‘reclamation’ attempts, temporary ponds and wetlands are small, scattered areas still under pressure and threatened by human activities. This fact represents a serious threat for biodiversity, since many species only occur in these peculiar sites. To secure their protection Mediterranean temporary ponds are listed as “priority habitat” in the EU “Habitats” Directive (92/43/EEC). The temporary ponds of Anguillara, located near Calatafimi in Western Sicily, host a huge amount of rare plan…

Studi morfologici su differenti popolazioni siciliane di Euphorbia bivonae Steud. (Euphorbiaceae)

The role of Characeae in the communities of the vegetation class Potametea

The stonewort vegetation is commonly classified into the phytosociological class Charetea fragilis F. Fukarek ex Krausch 1964; however, the Characeae are not exclusively found in vegetation stands ascribed to this class but also in other habitat types. In our preliminary investigations, we draw the attention to the relationship between the classes Charetea fragilis and Potametea pectinati Klika in Klika & Novák 1941 in some Sicilian biotopes. In some cases, the Charetea vegetation is ecologically and spatially distinct, although close, from that referable to the Potametea. In some other cases, one or more species of Characeae are structurally intrinsic to the vegetation of Potametea: on…

Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Genus Doronicum (Asteraceae)

The genus Doronicum, belonging to tribe Senecioneae (Fam. Asteraceae), is found mainly in the Asia, Europe and North Africa. This genus of plant has always been used in traditional medicinal treatments due to the many biological properties shown such as killing parasitic worms and for relieving constipation, as well as to improve heart health, to alleviate pain and inflammation, to treat insect bites, etc. According to the World Flora the genus Doronicum contains 39 subordinate taxa.[1-3] The purpose of this article, which covers data published from 1970 to 2021 with more than 110 articles, aims to carry out a complete and critical review of the Doronicum genus, examining traditional uses a…

Contribution to a Taxonomic Revision of the Sicilian Helichrysum Taxa by PCA Analysis of Their Essential-Oil Compositions

The chemical profile of the essential oils in ten populations of the genus Helichrysum Mill. (Asteraceae), collected in the loci classici of the nomenclatural types of the taxa endemic to Sicily, were analyzed. Our results confirm that the analysis of secondary metabolites can be used to fingerprint wild populations of Helichrysum, the chemical profiles being coherent with the systematic arrangement of the investigated populations in three main clusters, referring to the aggregates of H. stoechas, H. rupestre, and H. italicum, all belonging to the section Stoechadina. The correct nomenclatural designation of the investigated populations is discussed and the following two new combinations ar…

Multi-analytical study of the medieval wall paintings from the rupestrian church Grotta del Crocifisso at Lentini (eastern Sicily): new evidence of the use of woad (Isatis tinctoria)

AbstractThis study presents the results of the examination and characterisation of the wall paintings that decorate the rupestrian church named Grotta del Crocifisso, which is located in the territory of Lentini (eastern Sicily, few tens of kilometres from Catania and Syracuse). The earliest mural paintings in the church date back to the twelfth century AD. A multi-analytical approach was adopted for the characterisation of stone materials, secondary degradation products, and pigments. For this purpose, the following techniques were used: reflected light microscopy (RLM), polarised light microscopy on thin sections (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP),…

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #37 to #44

In this contribution, Italian new data concerning the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3150, 3170*, 3260, 4090, 91L0, 91M0, 9340 are reported. In detail, 20 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 30 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Campania, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Umbria.

Indagini fitosociologiche sulla vegetazione a Bupleurum fruticosum (Umbelliferae) del versante tirrenico della Sicilia orientale

Phytosociological researches on the Bupleurum fruticosum vegetation on the tyrrhenian side of Eastern Sicily. The results of a phytosociological study carried out on some Bupleurum fruticosum shrubby formations, recorded in the Tyrrhenian side of eastern Sicily, are presented. This plant com- munity, characterized by a high occurrence of sclerophylls, is proposed as a new association named Spartio juncei-Bupleuretum fruticosi (holotypus: ril. n° 13 in Tab. 1), included in the suball. Pruno- Rubenion (Pruno-Rubion, Prunetalia, Rhamno-Prunetea).

The Nonvolatile and Volatile Metabolites of Prangos ferulacea and Their Biological Properties

Abstract Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. (Fam. Apiaceae), an orophilous species of eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, possesses a number of biological properties that are worthy of exploitation in different fields. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of coumarins, prenyl-coumarins, and furano-coumarins as the main constituents of this species, as well as several flavonoids. Among prenyl-coumarins, osthol is a promising apoptotic agent quite selective toward cancer cells. In addition, the essential oils have been extensively investigated, and several chemotypes have been identified. This work reviews the literature on this species published between 1965 and 2018, describes …

Caratterizzazione fitopastorale e produttiva di pascoli naturali ricadenti nella riserva naturale orientata di Ficuzza.

Dianthus minae (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from the Madonie Mountains (N-Sicily).

Dianthus minae, a new endemic species from Sicily belonging to the D. caryophyllus group, is here described from the Madonie Mountains, where it is exclusive to the limestone cliffs between 600-800 m altitude. Remarks on its ecology and taxonomic relationships, especially with D. arrostii C. Presl, are also given.

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of S. spreitzenhoferi Heldr. (Lamiaceae) growing in Kythira island (Greece)

Stachys is a large genus of economically important plants belonging to Lamiaceae family that includes about 300 species as annual or perennial herbs. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various traditional medicines. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Stachys spreitzenhoferi Heldr., a very rare plant, belonging to Section Candidae, endemic of South Greece and collected in the island of Kythira, was analysed by GC-MS. No one reports have been previously published on this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of diterpenoids with manoyl oxide (22.1%), as the most abundant component. Other metabolites pr…

Problematiche relative alla conservazione degli ambienti umidi effimeri nelle aree protette siciliane

Emergenze floristico-vegetazionali della “Gola della Tardara” (Agrigento, Sicilia).

Aspetti della flora e vegetazione dei pascoli.

Osservazioni sulla flora pteridologica della Sicilia

Biogeographia vol. XXX - 2071 (Pubblicato il 23 dicembre 2011) La Biogeografia della Sici/ia Osservazioni sulla flora pteridologica della Sicilia ANGELO TROIA, VTNCENZO ILARDI, FRANCESCO MARIA RAIMONDO Universita di Palermo - Dz'partz'mem.‘0 a’z' Biologia Ambientale e Biodiversita, via Arckirafi 38, I—90]23 Palermo (Italy); e—mail: ange[0.tr0z'a @[z'ber0.z'2f Key words: flora, pteridophytes, Lycopodiophyta, Monilophyta, ferns, Sicily SUMMARY An updated checll—list of Sicilian pteridophytes is presented: in total, there are 55 taxa, including 49 ferns in the strict sense (“monilophytes”) and 6 lycopodiophytes. Aspleniaceae is the most represented family in terms of speci…

I pantani di Anguillara (Calatafimi Segesta, Trapani): dati preliminari sulla biodiversità a supporto della tutela del biotopo

Vengono presentati i risultati preliminari di una indagine multidisciplinare condotta in una zona umida nel territorio di Calatafimi Segesta in provincia di Trapani. L'area è di grande interesse per la presenza di rare specie animali e vegetali, di habitat minacciati tutelati da normative nazionali ed internazionali, ma anche perché è una delle ultime zone umide superstiti dell'entroterra trapanese. L'area ha subito in tempi recenti un pesante disturbo antropico che rischia di portare alla distruzione questo ambiente e il suo biota di pregio. Con questo contributo gli autori intendono supportare la richiesta di adeguata e urgente tutela del sito. Anguillara Ponds (Calatafimi Segesta, Trapan…

A new species of Silene sect. Dipterosperma (Caryophyllaceae) from Sicily

Silene kemoniana, a new species of the section Dipterosperma from NW Sicily, is described and illustrated. It is a therophyte that occurs in mountains near Palermo, where it grows on Mesozoic limestones in xerophilous garigues. Its relationships with S. colorata and allied species are also examined. A key of the species belonging to sect. Dipterosperma is provided. Se describe e ilustra Silene kemoniana, una nueva especie del NW de Sicilia perteneciente a la sección Dipterosperma. Se trata de un terófito que habita en algunas montañas próximas a Palermo, donde crece sobre calizas mesozoicas entre matorrales mediterráneos xerófilos. Se estudian sus relaciones con S. colorata y otras especies…

Aspetti del Rosmarino-Thymetum capitati Furnari, 1965 presso la Torre di Monterosso (Sicilia centro-meridionale)

A phytosociological study on the garrigue characterized by Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymbra capitata, settled on coastal lithosols unsuitable for agriculture, in the municipality of Realmonte (Southern Sicily, Agrigento province), is presented. The field work allowed, as well, to ascertain the vulnerability of the studied sites, due to the instability and erosion of the substrates, along with anthropogenic threats related to the urban sprawl affecting the area.

New Data on Native and Alien Vascular Flora of Sicily (Italy): New Findings and Updates

In this paper, based on fieldwork and herbaria surveys, new data concerning the presence of 32 native and alien vascular species for Sicily (Italy) are provided. Among the native species, the occurrence of the following taxa is reported for the first time or confirmed after many decades of non-observation: Aira multiculmis, Arum maculatum, Carex flacca subsp. flacca, Mentha longifolia, Oxybasis chenopodioides, Najas minor and Xiphion junceum. Furthermore, we document the presence of three native species (Cornus mas, Juncus foliosus and Limonium avei) that, despite being repeatedly observed in Sicily and reported in the literature, are inexplicably omitted by the most recent authoritative ch…

Silene crassiuscula (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Sicily

Silene crassiuscula,, a new species of S. sect. Dipterosperma, is described and illustrated from North-Western Sicily. It is an annual halophyte with succulent growing on carbonatic or calcarenitic rocks of coastal stands. From the morphological point of view , S. crassiuscula appears to be similar to the species belonging to the S. colorata group especially to S. nummica, from Sardinia, from which it differs in several features chiefly regarding the habit, leaves, inflorescences, floral pieces and seed micro-morphology. An analytical key of the taxa belonging to this section is also provided.

Daucus carota subsp. maximus (Desf.) Ball from Pantelleria, Sicily (Italy): isolation of essential oils and evaluation of their bioactivity

Daucus is a genus of economically important plants belonging to Apiaceae family spread in temperate regions. Species of this genus are used as food and several biological properties have reported. The chemical composition of the essential oils from different organs (roots, stems and flowers) of Daucus carota subsp. maximus, a species not previously investigated, was analyzed by GC-MS. Our results showed the presence of β-phellandrene as the most abundant component of stems and flowers and of γ-terpinene as a major compound of the oil from the roots. Flower essential oil caused a greater increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) i…

Chemical composition of volatile and fixed oils from of Salvia argentea L. (Lamiaceae) growing wild in Sicily.

The chemical compositions of the essential oil and of the non-polar extracts (petroleum ether, dichloromethane) of the aerial parts (flowers, leaves and stems) of Salvia argentea L. were determined by GC-FID and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. 14-Hydroxy-α-humulene (40.1%) was recognised as the main constituents of the essential oil of S. argentea, together with 1,3,8-p-menthatriene (12.1%), globulol (7.4%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (5.8%). Tritriacontane (9.9% and 14.1%), heptacosane (8.4% and 10.5%), hentriacontane (8.3% and 10.9%), tetradecanal (8.4% and 10.2%) and methyldotriacontane (7.9% and 7.6%) were recognised as the main constituents of the extracts in petroleum …

Dianthus borbonicus (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Sicily

Dianthus borbonicus a new species occurring in North-Western Sicily is described and illustrated. It is a rare chasmophyte belonging to the D. sylvestris group, which is exclusive of a rupestrian stand near Rocca Busambra (Ficuzza). Its macro- and micromorphological features (seed testa sculptures, and leaf anatomy), ecology, conservation status and a comparison with the related species are provided too.

Anatomical and micromorphological study on Hypericum sp. Pl. (Clusiaceae)

Composition and biological activities of the essential oil from a Sicilian accession of Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. (Fam. Apiaceae), is an orophilous species of eastern Mediterranean and western Asia which possesses several biological properties, which are worthy of exploitation in different fields. With the aim to provide new insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this species, a local accession growing in Sicily (South Italy) was investigated as well. Notably, the P. ferulacea essential oil chemical composition and the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cytotoxic activities have been studied. This analysis allowed to identify a new chemotype and to report good biological results for this oil. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & F…

Contributo alla conoscenza della flora vascolare del SIC “Complesso Monti di Castellammare del Golfo” (Sicilia sud-occidentale)

Contributo allo studio morfoanatomico e micromorfologico fogliare di elementi espressivi della Flora siciliana: Periploca laevigata subsp. angustifolia (Asclepiadaceae) e Cymbalaria pubescens (Scrophulariaceae)

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of Acinos alpinus subsp. nebrodensis (Lamiaceae) growing in Sicily (Italy)

Acinos is a small genus of economically important plants belonging to Lamiaceae family whose botanical collocation is quite problematic due to the disagreement among the botanists and the presence in literature of several names and synonyms from different sources. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Acinos alpinus subsp. nebrodensis (Strobl) Brullo & Brullo collected in Central Sicily was analyzed by GC-MS. The result showed the presence of large quantity of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons with germacrene D (37.9%) as the most abundant component followed by (E)-β-caryophyllene (5.1%). Among the oxygenated monoterpenes thymol (8.3%) was the …

Chemical Composition and Evaluation of Insecticidal Activity of Seseli bocconei Essential Oils against Stored Products Pests

In this study, the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from different aerial parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) of Seseli bocconei Guss., a wild species endemic of Sicily, was investigated. Furthermore, the EOs’ biocidal effects towards two pests of stored products, Sitophilus oryzae and Callosobruchus maculates, were evaluated. This activity was evaluated in Petri dish bioassays to establish the survival rate of adults treated with the EOs comparing them with solvent and a commonly used insecticide (pyrethrum). The data obtained from the toxicity bioassay evidenced that stems’ EOs and leaves’ EOs have a contact/fumigation effect towards the two insec…

The plant landscape of an interesting stretch of coastline in southern Sicily: the area between Punta Grande and Capo Rossello (Realmonte, Agrigento), biotope worthy of preservation

Phytosociological analysis of the Genista sp. pl. garrigues of the Cisto-Lavanduletea and Rosmarinetea officinalis classes in the South-Tyrrhenian area (Mediterranean Region).

The study reviews the Genista sp. pl. garrigues ascribable to the classes Cisto-Lavanduletea (acidophilous communities on volcanics and quartzarenites) and Rosmarinetea officinalis (basiphilous communities on calcareous and calcareous-dolomite substrates), in the southern territories of the Italo-Tyrrhenian Province. The floristic-synecological characterization of the identified coenoses led to the description and/or redefinition of various new syntaxa. They are distributed in the two new suballiances Calicotomo villosae–Genistenion tyrrhenae and Genisto aristatae–Calicotomenion infestae of the class Cisto- Lavanduletea (Lavanduletalia stoechadis and Calicotomo villosae–Genistion tyrrhenae)…

Effect of the pasture, in different seasons, and of the ripening time on the Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese

The Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese is made processing Cinisara cow milk, which shows very interesting qualitative characteristics (Bonanno et al., 2004). The aim of this research was to study the effect of the pasture, in different seasons, and of different ripening on the yield in cheese after 24 h and on the chemical composition of the Caciocavallo Palermitano cheese

Centaurea saccensis (Asteraceae), a new species from SW-Sicily.

Centaurea saccensis, a new species endemic to Sicily is described and illustrated here. It belongs to the Centaurea cineraria group and is confined to the Tardara Gorges, near Sciacca town (SW-Sicily). The differences with the related taxa are discussed.

Effetto delle variazioni quanti-qualitative del pascolo primaverile sulla produzione di latte di bovine Cinisare

Distribution, ecology, vegetation and conservation survey on the relictual population ofCarex panormitanaGuss. (Cyperaceae) in Sicily (Italy)

We report the results of research on the Carex panormitana Guss. (Cyperaceae) population in Sicily, carried out within its locus classicus at the Oreto River (Palermo). The survey led to a morphological, biological and autoecological characterization, to the definition of the current distribution in the site, to an estimate of the number of individuals and to an analysis of its conservation status. The risk status was also assessed and the species was ascribed to the category Critically Endangered (CR), in accordance with the CR B1ab (ii, iii, v) and EN C1 IUCN criteria. Moreover, the phytosociological survey carried out on the meso-hygrophilous vegetation in which the species is dominant a…

Bio-ecological, phytosociological and conservation aspects of relictual and disjointed populations ofSimethis mattiazzi(Vandelli) Sacc. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in the Channel of Sicily

Abstract Two populations of Simethis mattiazzi (Xanthorrhoeaceae) were recently discovered in the Channel of Sicily – (1) Punta Bassana (Marettimo Island) and (2) Mount S. Giuliano (western Sicily) – at a considerable distance from the nearest stations hitherto known, located in southern Sardinia, the Pontine Islands Archipelago and Tunisia. The taxonomical and distributive aspects of this species are analysed to highlight the relictual and biogeographical significance of the disjointed and fragmentary nuclei distributed in several small islands of the Channel of Sicily, the Italian Peninsula and North Africa. Some morphological, biological, ecological and phytosociological aspects of the t…

Limonium poimenum (Plumbaginaceae), a new chasmophyte species from Sicily

Limonium poimenum is here proposed as a new species for Science. It is a very peculiar and extremely localized species, growing on a calcareous mountain of NW Sicily (southern Italy), where it grows on rupestrian places together with many other rare chasmophytic endemics. Iconography, morphological features, ecology and conservation status are provided, as well as a morphological comparison with L. todaroanum.

The ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological properties of genus Ferulago – A review

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance The genus Ferulago, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is found mainly in the Mediterranean area, Southwest and Middle Asia, the Caucasus and North Africa. Since ancient times, species of this genus have been largely employed in traditional medicine for their biological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, insecticidal, and anti-malaria, cholinesterase inhibition effects, etc. Aims The scope of this paper is to present a comprehensive respect review of this interesting genus including traditional uses, chemical composition of volatile and non-volatile metabolites, and in vitro and in vivo biological properties either util…

Endangered plant species of Marettimo Island (Sicily, Italy)

Discovery of a second locality for the narrow endemic Anthemis ismelia (Asteraceae) in NW Sicily

A new population of Anthemis ismelia (Asteraceae) has been discovered on Mt Pecoraro (Cinisi, NW Sicily), a limestone headland at about 14 km from Mt Gallo (Palermo), the locus classicus et unicus of this species described in 1884. Taxonomic framework, distribution update, habitat characterisation, ecology and phytosociological framework are provided, as well as meta-population numerical estimates and risk status assessment.

La vegetazione della Gola della Tardara (Sicilia sud-occidentale)

Chemical Composition of Thymus leucotrichus var. creticus Essential Oil and Its Protective Effects on Both Damage and Oxidative Stress in Leptodictyum riparium Hedw. Induced by Cadmium

The chemical profile of the essential oil (EO) of the aerial parts of Thymus leucotrichus var. creticus (Lamiaceae), a taxon not previously studied, was investigated by GC–MS analysis, using a DB–Wax polar column. Oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons dominate the EO, with thymol (46.97%) and p-cymene (28.64%) as the main constituent of these two classes, respectively. The ability of the EO of T. leucotrichus to reduce Cd toxicity was studied in aquatic moss Leptodictyum riparium. To study EO-induced tolerance to Cd toxicity, apex growth, number of dead cells, DNA damage and antioxidant response in gametophytes were examined. The exogenous application of the EO yields a resum…

The naturalization of the almond Prunus dulcis in different ecological contexts in the Mediterranean: An underestimated process?

Although Prunus dulcis has been frequently listed in non-native floras all around the world, its naturalization has been rarely studied in the field. Probably, because this species has generally invaded synanthropic habitats. We assessed the density of natural regeneration of almond, biometric parameters (height and basal stem diameter), and the distribution in life stage classes in three different ecological contexts in Sicily (Mediterranean Italy): one natural habitat (maquis), one pine afforestation and two prickly pear orchards. We recorded 236 naturally regenerating almond individuals, with density ranging from 140 individuals per hectare (prickly pear orchard 1) up to 2,400 individual…

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of Ferulago nodosa (L.) Boiss. (Apiaceae) growing wild in Crete (Greece)

Ferulago nodosa (L.) Boiss. (Apiaceae) is a species occurring in the Balkan-Tyrrhenian area being present in Crete, Greece, Albania, and probably in Macedonia. Although the western disjointed population of Sicily has been classified as an endemic sub-species, F. nodosa subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo, its official acceptance is quite controversial. In order to verify the existence of two different sub-species, we investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil of F. nodosa, collected in Crete (Greece), not previously reported, and we compared it with the previously oil compositions reported in literature. Main constituents of the Cretan accessions of F. nodosa were…

Brassica trichocarpa (Brassicaceae), a new species from Sicily

A new species of Brassica from Sicily, namely B. trichocarpa, is described and illustrated. This suffrutex was found on a calcareous peak of a mount near Palermo, where it is represented by a single population occupying a really small surface. It is well differentiated from the other perennial species belonging to B. sect. Brassica mainly in having hairy ovary and very short, thickened, hairy, not torulose fruits. Its relationships and taxonomical position within this group are examined too. An analytical key of the current taxa belonging to the genus Brassica sect. Brassica is also provided. 

Fatty Acids as Biomarkers of the Production Season of Caciocavallo Palermitano Cheese

Simple Summary In the Mediterranean environment, climatic variability determines a discontinuity in the forage availability of pastures. Caciocavallo Palermitano is a cheese obtained from the milk of the Cinisara cattle breed, mainly raised on pasture. The present study investigated the fatty acid profile of cheeses produced in two typical farms in the four seasons of the year, with the aim of identifying specific fatty acids that can be used as biomarkers to discriminate the productions obtained in the different seasons, in order to economically enhance those seasonal productions that have better health characteristics. The results revealed the possibility of distinguishing spring producti…

Relevant habitats neglected by the Directive 92/43 EEC: the contribution of Vegetation Science for their reappraisal in Sicily

Field investigation carried out by the Sicilian botanists in the last 20 years enabled them to identify eight habitat types of high biogeographic and conservation interest, neglected by the Directive 92/43, which deservead hocconservation measures. For each of these habitats, a syntaxonomic interpretation of the corresponding plant communities, their main ecological, physiognomic and syndynamic traits and a list of diagnostic species are provided. Their classification into the macrotypes listed in the Annex I of the Directive 92/43 and the respective correspondence in EUNIS habitat classification are proposed. The habitats here described integrate those already proposed by the Italian Botan…

Phytosociological characterization of the Juniperus phoenicea L. subsp. turbinata (Guss.) Nyman formations in the Italo-Tyrrhenian Province (Mediterranean Region)

The Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata formations of the Italo-Tyrrhenian biogeographical province (Mediterranean Region), are analyzed on the basis of literature data and unpublished relevés. The floristic-synecological characterization of the identified phytocoenoses, confirmed by multivariate analysis on a synoptic basis, has allowed their breakdown in four different alliances of the order Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni: 1) Periplocion angustifoliae, with the association Periploco angustifoliae-Juniperetum turbinatae; 2) Juniperion turbinatae, with the associations Junipero turbinatae-Quercetum calliprini, Rusco aculeati-Quercetum calliprini, Phillyreo angustifoliae-Juniperetum…

Aspetti residuali di vegetazione psammofila nel litorale tirrenico del Palermitano (Sicilia centro-settentrionale)

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of Italian Prangos trifida (Mill.) Herrnst. & Heyn

In this work, the essential oil of the aerial parts of a not previously investigated accession of Prangos trifida (Mill.) Herrnst. & Heyn (Apiaceae), collected in Northern Italy, was analysed by GC/MS. Twenty-five compounds were identified, accounting for 91.30% of the total oil, which is characterised by a high content of monoterpene hydrocarbons (71.26%). The main constituents of the essential oil were cis-beta-ocimene (18.12%), alpha-phellandrene (12.14%), sylvestrene (11.32%), p-mentha-1,3,8-triene (9.56%) and alpha-pinene (8.85%). The essential oil of P. trifida showed a good antimicrobial activity directed above all against Gram-positive bacteria, and had an interesting antioxidan…

One Chara does not make Charetea in the Mediterranean aquatic vegetation

The results of preliminary phytosociological investigations on freshwater communities of Sicily biotopes with a significant presence of Characeae are presented. In spite of the relatively frequent occurrence of Characeae, a typical Charetea intermediae vegetation is rather rare in the investigated biotopes. Indeed, the Characeae are mainly part of communities attributable to the classes Potamogetonetea, Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Juncetea maritimi and Isoeto-Nanojuncetea. Some ecological and functional implications are discussed, along with some consequences on conservation measures and policies, caused by the lack of knowledge on the Characeae of Sicily.

Caratterizzazione fitopastorale e produttività di pascoli naturali ricadenti nella riserva naturale orientata di Ficuzza.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MSn) Analysis and Bioactivity Useful for Prevention of “Diabesity” of Allium commutatum Guss

This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the chemical profile obtained by HPLC-ESI-MSn analysis, the inhibitory activity of enzymes linked to obesity (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase) and the antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching tests) of ethanol extracts of bulbs (BE) and aerial parts (APE) from Allium commutatum Guss. (known in Italy as “aglio delle isole”). The chemical profile revealed alliin as the main abundant compound with values of 31.5 and 38.8 mg/g extract for BE and APE, respectively. APE is rich also in quercetin (38.5 mg/g extract) and luteolin (31.8 mg/g extract). Bulbs extract exhibited the highest activity as inhibitor of enzymes linke…

Analisi del genoma di popolazioni di Centaurea gruppo cineraria della Sicilia occidentale

Bio-ecological, phytosociological and conservation aspects of relictual and disjointed populations of Simethis mattiazzi (Vandelli) Sacc. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in the Channel of Sicily

Two populations of Simethis mattiazzi (Xanthorrhoeaceae) were recently discovered in the Channel of Sicily – (1) Punta Bassana (Marettimo Island) and (2) Mount S. Giuliano (western Sicily) – at a considerable distance from the nearest stations hitherto known, located in southern Sardinia, the Pontine Islands Archipelago and Tunisia. The taxonomical and distributive aspects of this species are analysed to highlight the relictual and biogeographical significance of the disjointed and fragmentary nuclei distributed in several small islands of the Channel of Sicily, the Italian Peninsula and North Africa. Some morphological, biological, ecological and phytosociological aspects of the two new po…

Limonium cophanense (Plumbaginaceae), a new species from Sicily

Limonium cophanense is described and illustrated as a new species from the rocky coast of northwestern Sicily. It is a very rare and localized chamaephyte occurring near the sea on calcarenitic substrate, where it grows together with other halophytes. Its morphology, ecology, conservation status and relationships with the species belonging to the L. bocconei group are also examined.

La biodiversità vegetale di Monte Gibliscemi (Mazzarino, Sicilia)

Brassica tardarae (Brassicaceae), a New Species from a Noteworthy Biotope of South-Western Sicily (Italy)

A new species of Brassica sect. Brassica is described here from Sicily (Italy), which is known to be one of the centers of the diversification of wild taxa of this group. The new species (named Brassica tardarae) is restricted to the carbonate cliffs in the Tardara Gorges between Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia (Agrigento province), an area with a peculiar geological history and where another strictly endemic species was recently described. The morphological relationships between the new species and other similar taxa are discussed, and an analytical key to the Sicilian taxa belonging to the genus Brassica sect. Brassica is also provided.

Platanus orientalis L. In Rossi G., Foggi B., Gennai M., Gargano D., Montagnani C., Orsenigo S., Pedrini S.: Schede per una Lista Rossa della Flora vascolare e crittogamica Italiana.

In situ conservation strategies of a threatened species: the case of Carex panormitana Guss. in Sicily

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of Achillea cretica L. (Asteraceae) growing wild in Crete (Greece)

Achillea cretica (L.) (Asteraceae) is a suffruticosa camefite plant, mainly distributed in Crete, Aegean Islands, and eastern Mediterranean area. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of a not previously investigated accession of Achillea cretica, collected in Crete, was analysed by GC-MS. The results showed the presence of large quantity of α-bisabolol (53.88%) followed by the related compound α-bisabolol-oxide (2.76%), and spathulenol (5.94%). Based on the composition of the essential oils of all the other Achillea taxa, several consideration have been carried out.

Silene nefelites (Caryophyllaceae) a new annual species from Sicily

A new species of Silene sect. Dipterosperma, named S. nefelites C. Brullo, S. Brullo, Giusso & Ilardi spec. nova, from Sicily is described and illustrated. Some of the characteristics are pinnately nerved leaves, 10–25 mm long bracts and 10– 15 mm long filaments. It is a therophyte occurring on the top of Mt. Erice, near Trapani, where it grows on calcareous rocky stands. Its relationships with S. colorata and allied species are also examined. A key to the Sicilian species belonging to S. sect. Dipterosperma is provided Eine neue Art von Silene sect. Dipterosperma, nämlich S. nefelites C. Brullo, S. Brullo, Giusso & Ilardi spec. nova von Sizilien wird beschrieben und illustriert. Einige der…

Contributo allo studio morfoanatomico e micromorfologico fogliare di elementi espressivi della Flora siciliana: Periploca laevigata subsp. angustifolia (Asclepiadaceae) e Cymbalaria pubescens (Scrophulariaceae)

Effect of the pasture on milk production from Cinisara cows over the seasons

Cinisara is a Sicilian autochthonous breed of dairy cow and its milk is processed to make Caciocavallo cheese. The pasture is the basis of the diet during all the year, but its production is not continuous and homogenous, because of environmental constrains (Alabiso et al., 2005). The feeding integrations are concentrate, hay and or straw, and their quantities given to the animals are different during the year in relation to the pasture resources. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the pasture on milk production from Cinisara cows over the seasons

Indagini biosistematiche preliminari su popolazioni siciliane di Valantia muralis L. e V. deltoidea Brullo (Rubiaceae)