0000000001205432
AUTHOR
S. Brullo
La vegetazione del litorale di Manfria, presso Gela (Sicilia), area soggetta a vincolo archeologico.
The results of a phytosociological investigation about a coastal area of S. Sicily, close to Gela, are presented. The coexistence of several lithological substrata, as well as the particular climatic conditions of this area, gives rise to a noteworthy floristic and vegetational biodiversity. As matter of fact, a set of N. African species are here localized, taking part to peculiar vegetation types, sometimes exclusive of this sicilian coast-stretch. The observed plant communities are represented by psammophilous associations of Cakiletea maritimae, Ammophiletea and Malcolmietalia, salt-marsh vegetation of Sarcocornietea and Phragmito-Magnocericetea, halophilous rupicolous shrublands of Crit…
Taxonomical remarks on Trifolium savianum Guss. and its relationship with T. uniflorum L.
In the frame of investigations on endemic or rare taxa of the Sicilian flora, Trifolium savianum Guss., a misappreciated species occurring in a small area of Peloritani mountains (NE Sicily) is examined. According to literature data, the species has been considered as a synonym of T. uniflorum L. (Lojacono, 1891; Zohary, 1969; Jafri, 1980; Zohary & Heller, 1984; Greuter, 1989), as a variety (Gibelli & Belli, 1892; Vierhapper, 1919; Fiori, 1925) or as a subspecies of the aforesaid species (Nyman, 1878; Coombe, 1968; Tutin et al., 1968; Pignatti, 1982). The analysis of morphological features, carried out on herbarium and living matherial, has highlighted that T. savianum can be considered as …
Prospero hierae (Hyacinthaceae), a New Species from Marettimo Island (Sicily)
A new species, Prospero hierae C. Brullo, S. Brullo, Giusso, Pavone & Salmeri (Hyacinthaceae), from Island of Marettimo (Egadi Archipelago, Sicily) is described and illustrated. Its chromosome number (2n = 14), leaf anatomy and ecology are examined. This small species with glaucous, adaxially flat leaves is closely related with the taxa belonging to the Prospero autumnale group and, in particular, it shows more affinities with P. corsicum, P. pulchellum and P. minimum.
The vegetation of temporary ponds of Sardinia
The Mediterranean temporary ponds are considered priority habitat in the Directive 92/43/EEC (habitat n. 3170*) and detailed information on their floristic composition and susceptibility to invasive species seems a central issue for their preservation, because the development and maintenance of seasonal vegetation is merely the resultant of the development and maintenance of its component individuals. Sardinia presents fairly large extensions of land where such habitats are still well represented, thought not investigated in depth. Basing on literature and unpublished data, a survey on the current phytosociological knowledge of the temporary ponds of Sardinia is presented. Our field studies…
The vegetation of mining dumps in SW-Sardinia
The vegetation of mining dumps of SW-Sardinia includes several endemic or rare species, that have been confined to such artificial habitats by a millennial mining activity. The extreme edaphic specialisation of these species reflects with unusual fidelity the heterogeneity of substrata, therefore creating a system of plant communities that largely contributes to the environmental diversity of this part of the island. The phytosociological study presented in this paper recognized eight associations, distinguished by the cluster analysis in two main groups, the first including hemicrypto-chamaephytic vegetation, the second including nanophanerophytic garigues. Six associations are belonging t…
Taxonomical and phytogeographycal remarks on Trifolium savianum Guss., a misappreciated species of the Italian flora.
The taxonomic position, chorology and phytosociological role of Trifolium savianum, a misappreciated species of the Italian flora, are examined. The species is closely related to T. uniflorum, E.-Mediterranean element, from which it differs in several morphological features regarding leaves, flowers and fruits. Distinction of the two taxa at the specific level is also supported by their geographical isolation dating back to the end of the Messinian period. From the phytosociological point of view, T. savianum is a member of an orophilous grassland rich in chamaephytes belonging to Plantaginion cupani, alliance of Molinio-Arrhenatheretea. This community is proposed as a new association, name…
Considerazioni tassonomiche sulle querce caducifoglie della Sicilia
On the basis of literature, herbarium and field investigations, a survey on the species of deciduous oaks occurring in Sicily is presented. A morphological description fitted with photos and drawings and completed by some chorological and ecological observations is reported for each species. Finally it is emphasized that the phenotypical variability observed in Sicily among the Q. pubescens group, even if let to consider the S.Thyrrhenian area as a probable speciation center of the group, on the other hand should also be related to the deforestation, which favoured the genetic mixing among populations.
Syntaxonomy of the Parietarietea judaicae class in Europe.
On the basis of literature and unpublished data, a syntaxonomical review about the chasmophilous sinanthropic vegetation occurring in the Mediterranean territories and in the Atlantic and Central Europe was carried out. These plant communities are linked to masonry walls and rocky faces heavily disturbed by men, which are colonized by a fairly specialized flora dominated by hemicriptophytes, chamaephytes and mosses. From the syntaxonomical point of view, in accordance with the greatest part of the authors who studied the matter, the wall vegetation must be considered in a well-distinguished class whose valid name is Parietarietea judaicae Oberd. 1977, rather than in the Asplenietea trichoma…
Contributo alla conoscenza della vegetazione forestale dell’Egeo.
Nell'ambito di ricerche fitosociologiche nell'area egea vengono presentati i risultati relativi alle formazioni forestali attualmente osservabili nelle isole dell'Egeo meridionale. Questo tipo di vegetazione è stato in precedenza oggetto di studio da parte di vari autori, fra cui in particolare Krause et al. (1963), Zohary & Orshan (1966), Barbero & Quezel (1980), Costa et al. (1984) e Géhu et al. (1989, 1990, 1992), che hanno esaminato sotto il profilo fitosociologico alcune isole dell'Egeo quali Eubea, Creta, Rodi e Karpatos. Allo scopo di ampliare le conoscenze su quest'area del Mediterraneo, ancora poco nota dal punto di vista vegetazionale, sono state effettuate indagini su numerose is…
The Lygeo-Stipetea class in Sicily
Basing on literature data and unpublished relevés from Sicily, a survey of the syntaxa belonging to the class Lygeo-Stipetea Rivas-Martínez 1978 is presented. This perennial vegetation is characterized by the dominance of big caespitose hemicryptophytes, and it is widely distributed in Sicily from the sea level up to 1500 m a.s.l. The class is represented in Sicily by two orders, floristically and ecologically well differentiated: Lygeo-Stipetalia, including the sole alliance Moricandio-Lygeion exclusively of clayey substrates, and Hyparrhenietalia hirtae, including five alliances (Hyparrhenion hirtae, Avenulo cincinnatae-Ampelodesmion mauritanici, Thero-Brachypodion ramosi, B…
Biosystematic researches on Allium cupani group (Amaryllidaceae) in the Mediterranean area.
Allium cupani Raf. is a species complex of the subgenus Allium L., which is taxonomically quite critical mainly for its marked karyological and morphological variability. In the present study, karyo-taxonomic characterization of some peculiar populations of this group from Italian, N African, Balcan and Aegean territories has been performed, using both living plants collected in the field and herbarium material. As a result, ten new species have been recognized and described within the A. cupani complex. They are A. panormitanum from N Sicily, A. samniticum from C Italy, A. mauritanicum from N Morocco and NW Algeria, A. balcanicum from mountains of Balkan Peninsula, A. tzanoudakisanum from …
A syntaxonomical survey of the Sicilian dwarf shrub vegetation belonging to the class Rumici-Astragaletea siculi
Basing on literature data and unpublished relevés from Sicily, a survey of the syntaxa belonging to the class Rumici-Astragaletea siculi Pignatti & Nimis 1980 em. Mucina 1997 (= Cerastio-Carlinetea nebrodensis Brullo 1984) is presented. The class groups orophilous plant communities dominated by dwarf- shrubs, often with a pulvinate and thorny growth form. The class is represented in Sicily by two orders: Rumici-Astragaletalia siculi Pignatti & Nimis 1980, including the sole alliance Rumici-Astragalion siculi Poli 1965, restricted to Mount Aetna, and Erysimo-Jurinetalia bocconei Brullo 1984, including two alliances: the acidophilous Armerion nebrodensis Brullo 1984 and the basiphilous Cerast…
La classe Parietarietea judaicae Oberd. 1977 in Italia.
The class Parietarietea judaicae Oberd. 1977 in Italy. On the basis of literature and unpublished data, a synthesis on the synanthropic chasmophilous perennial vegetation occurring in the Italian territories has been carried out. These plant communities are linked to masonry walls and rocky faces heavily disturbed by man, and are dominated by hemicryptophytes, chamaephytes and bryophytes. From the syntaxonomical point of view, in accordance with the majority of the authors who studied the matter, the wall vegetation should be ascribed to a well-distinguished class, Parietarietea judaicae Oberd. 1977, rather than to the Asplenietea trichomanis class, as proposed by other authors. Within the …
Il supporto della SISV alla realizzazione di un manuale nazionale per il monitoraggio degli habitat della Direttiva 92/43/EEC in Italia
A partire dall’entrata in vigore della Direttiva 92/43/EEC, la sorveglianza dello stato di conservazione degli habitat elencati nell’Allegato I ed il relativo monitoraggio periodico a intervalli di sei anni sono diventati un obbligo per tutti i paesi membri dell’UE, in base a quanto previsto negli Articoli 11 e 17. Nel 2011 è stato pubblicato un documento che fornisce le linee guida di riferimento europee per il monitoraggio di habitat e specie (Evans & Arvela 2011). Su questa base metodologica, la Società Italiana di Scienza della Vegetazione (SISV), avvalendosi di un ampio gruppo di soci esperti, ha avviato un dibattito interno su principi, criteri, parametri e strumenti per il monitoragg…
The SISV support to the implementation of a national manual for monitoring the Habitats of the 92/43/EEC Directive in Italy.
The 4th National Report ex Art. 17 of the 92/43/EEC Directive in Italy (period 2013-2018) will try to fill a number of gaps still affecting the former versions of the Italian Reports, where territorial data were still missing for large parts of the country and the assessment was mostly based on the use of the expert opinion. Similar inconsistencies also emerged in other European countries (State of nature in the EU, EEA 2015). In order to reach this aim, a nationally shared protocol for monitoring the vegetation-based Annex I Habitats is currently under development. The most prominent issues addressed by the ongoing project are: i) fixing standardized, updated and scientifically grounded me…
Phytosociological notes on the Lygeum spartum grasslands from Crete.
Lygeum spartum grasslands from Crete have been studied by the application of the phytosocological method. A new alliance, Scorzonero creticae-Lygeion sparti and three new associations and have been recognized. The first, Limonio hyssopifolii-Lygeetum sparti occurs on halomorphyc badlands in the Sitia territory (NE Crete); the second Erodio crassifolii-Lygeetum sparti grows on heavily eroded clayey outcrops close to Hyerapetra (SE Crete); the third Convolvulo oleifolii-Lygeetum sparti, substitutes the previous one some Km eastward from Hyerapetra, on stratified marls alternated to conglomerates. Within the last association, two subassociations have been recognized: limonietosum roridi (typic…
What is Allium paniculatum? Establishing taxonomic and molecular phylogenetic relationships within A. sect. Codonoprasum
Allium paniculatum L. is commonly recorded from the Euro-Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. Evidence from literature and herbarium collections revealed that many different taxa of A. sect. Codonoprasum Rchb., all characterized by big size, diffuse and densely flowered umbrella, very long spathe valves, long pedicels, and cylindrical-campanulate perigon, have been wrongly attributed to this species thus affecting records on its geographic distribution and morphological characterization. In order to define the true identity of A. paniculatum, we analyzed specimens coming from the type locality (Don River), and provided details on morphology, ecology, karyology, leaf anatomy, seed morph…
The orophilous dwarf-shrub vegetation of Mt. Troodos (Cyprus).
A phytosociological survey on the orophilous dwarf-shrub vegetation of Mt. Troodos (Cyprus) is presented. Four associations are described, the first three being linked to the upper supramediterranean bioclimatic belt: Nepeto troodi-Hypericetum stenobotryos, dwelling the summit plateaux on ultramaphic sediments, Salvietum willeanae, substituting the previous one in hollow sites, where the snow-cover lasts longer, Onosmo troodi-Astragaletum chionistrae, colonizing eroded soils on steep, windy slopes, Alysso cyprici-Genistetum crudelis replacing the Nepeto troodi-Hypericetum stenobotryos at lower altitudes, within the lower supramediterranean belt. Due to the noteworthy floristic autonomy of t…
Towards a checklist of the Italian gypsophilous vascular flora.
The strict relationship between plants and particular types of substrate has long been known to botanists and plant ecologists who have dealt with this issue. The peculiar flora growing on Italian gypsum substrates has been underlined since the nineteenth century (1, 2, 3). The concept of plant gypsophily can be defined as the exclusiveness or marked preference for living on gypsum outcropping rocks. Thus, only those plant species which show preference, or even exclusivity, for gypsum substrates, should be classified as gypsophilous (4). The main aim of this research has been to provide a checklist of the Italian gypsophilous flora. The study was made possible through international collabor…
THE CLASS QUERCO-FAGETEA SYLVATICAE IN SICILY: AN EXAMPLE OF BOREO-TEMPERATE VEGETATION IN THE CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN REGION
A syntaxonomical revision of the class Querco-Fagetea sylvaticae in Sicily, based on literature data and unpublished relevés, is presented. This class groups the mesophilous woods characterized by the dominance of deciduous trees (e.g. Fagus sylvatica, Quercus sp. pl., Acer sp. pl.), and more rarely by conifers (Taxus baccata, Pinus nigra subsp. calabrica), as well as by other broadleaved trees, such as Betula aetnensis, Populus tremula, Castanea sativa. In Sicily, these woody communities are widespread in the northern and north-eastern districts of the island, chiefly on the highest peaks (Madonie, Nebrodi, Peloritani, and Etna). This class is represented in Sicily by two, both flor…
The forest vegetation from the Garda lake
A study about the forest vegetation occurring along the shores of the Garda lake is presented. The investigation emphasized a noteworthy vegetation diversity, related both to the habitat heterogenity and to the still present traces of several climatic changes that affected the area beginning from the Quaternary period. The examinated woodlands are the result of a compenetration between evergreen characteristic species of the Quercetea ilicis class, representing relicts of the climacic vegetation during the peak of the post-glacial anathermic phase, and deciduous mesothermophilous elements belonging to the Querco-Fagetea class order, which better reflect the present macroclimate. On the basi…
Contribution to the knowledge of flora and vegetation of Krissi islet (Crete,SE Mediterranean sea)
The results of a floristic and vegetational investigation on the Aegean islet of Krissi are presented. Its vascular flora numbers 172 taxa (species, subspecies and hybrids), 92 of which are new records. A species new to science, Limonium chrissianum, is described and illustrated and two new combinations, Limonium roridum and Teucrium dumulosum, are proposed. Furthermore, an iconography of the fruited Bupleurum gaudianum, a rare endemic known up to now only from the islet of Gaudos is provided. The phytosociological analysis identifies 8 associations, including relevés of maquis, phrygana, salt marshes, psammophilous and rupicolous vegetation. The observed association, six of which are here …
A survey of the weedy communities of Sicily
As Sicily has been a central crossroads of human activity for thousands of years, it offers a major perspective on the Mediterranean weedy plant communities. This syntaxonomical survey of the Sicilian weedy vegetation groups together for the first time 30 plant associations, that have been described from the main and neighboring island in the last three decades. The surveyed vegetation is ascribed to the classes Papaveretea rhoeadis and Stellarietea mediae, whose floristic autonomy is here discussed, and to the orders Aperetalia spicae-venti and Papaveretalia rhoeadis for the former, Polygono-Chenopodietalia polispermi, Solano-Polygonetalia convolvuli, Thero-Brometalia and Urtico-Scrophular…
Charybdis glaucophylla (Asparagaceae), a new species from Sardinia
Charybdis glaucophylla (Asparagaceae), a new species from Sardinia, is described and illustrated. It is a diploid species with 2n = 20 chromosomes growing along the rocky coast, sandy dunes and mountain top in the south-western part of the island. Within the genus, this species results taxonomically well isolated and differentiated due to relevant morphological and phenological features, such as the leaves wide and short, very rigid and glaucous-pruinose, as well as the very late foliation (winter). It shows only some relationships with C. pancration for the whitish bulb tunics and the diploid chromosome complement, and with C. maura and C. aphylla due to the glaucous leaves.
Syntaxonomic survey of the class Pegano-Salsoletea in Italy
After a general outline on the syntaxonomical framework of the class Pegano harmalae-Salsoletea vermiculatae Br.-Bl. & O. Bolos 1958, the occurrence of this vegetation in the Italian territory is examined. In Italy, this vegetation is mostly found on clayish or marly substrata, particularly if slightly enriched with nitrates and chlorides. With reference to the Rivas-Martı´nez bioclimatic classification, the Italian stands have an infra- to thermo-Mediterranean thermotype (marginally up to the meso- Mediterranean one) with dry or arid ombrotype. In particular, this vegetation is well represented in Sicily, while in Sardinia and along the Italian Peninsula, it progressively becomes more rare…
Festuca humifusa (Gramineae), a new species from Sicily.
Festuca humifusa, a new species from Cape Tyndaris (NE-Sicily) is described and illustrated. Its ecology, distribution and relationships with the allied species are discussed.
Syntaxonomical analysis of the beech forests from Sicily
The results of a phytosociological investigation on the beech forests occurring in Sicily are given. On the basis of literature and unpublished data, four well differentiated associations have been identified and classified within the Doronico-Fagion, alliance of Querco-Fagetea. All the surveyed woodlands are localized in the mountain belt of North and North-Eastern Sicily. The associations have been examined from the floristical, ecological, chorological and nomenclatural point of view. Besides, a numerical analysis applied to the phytosociological relevés emphasizes the differences among the associations.
Indagine fitosociologica sulle praterie a Brachypodium retusum (Pers.) Beauv. della Sardegna.
The grasslands characterized by the dominance of Brachypodium retusum occurring in Sardinia are examined. These communities, belonging to the Thero-Brachypodion ramosi alliance (Lygeo-Stipetea class), are quite widespread in the Island, where they usually grow on carbonate substrata from the sea level up to 1300 m of altitude. On the basis of several phytosociological relevés, it has been possible to recognize six associations well-differentiated from the floristic, ecological and syndynamic point of view. The autonomy of these associations is also supported by a numerical multivariate analysis based on quantitative data (dendrogram and P.C.A.). The associations surveyed are the following: …
Aggiornamenti e novità sulle conoscenze di Pancratium maritimum (Amaryllidaceae)
Pancratium maritimum L., bulbosa perenne degli ambienti dunali costieri, è un taxon relativamente recente se comparato con le specie del genere a gravitazione mediterranea. Gli studi noti su questa specie hanno analizzato vari aspetti della biologia (riproduttivi, biochimici, filogenetici, genetici, ecc.). Tuttavia, esistono ancora lacune scientifiche, tra cui l’assenza di studi su ampio areale di genetica di conservazione e sugli adattamenti eco-morfofisiologici alle condizioni di stress. Per ampliare le conoscenze su P. maritimum, la Fondazione Nando Peretti nel novembre 2012 ha finanziato un progetto triennale sulla conoscenza e la salvaguardia di questa specie (Progetto 2012-83). In que…
Allium makrianum (Alliaceae), a new autumnal species from Greece
Allium makrianum is described as a new species growing on the limestone of the Chios, north-eastern Aegean island (Greece). It is a very rare autumnal geophyte, showing some relationship with A. archeotrichon from Rhodos. Its iconography, morphology, chromosome number (2n=16), leaf anatomy, ecology and taxonomy are examined.
A methodological protocol for Annex I Habitats monitoring: the contribution of Vegetation science.
The methodological foundations of the recently published Manual for Annex I Habitats monitoring in Italy, edited by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) with the scientific support of the Italian Society for Vegetation Science (SISV), are here presented, discussed and related to the most consolidated and acknowledged scientific advances in the field of Vegetation science. The proposed methodologies aim at offering simple, yet effective, protocols and procedures towards a harmonized data collection, by way of standardized and shared technical tools, resulting in comparable evaluations of the conservation status of Annex I Habitats. The methodological framew…