Different historical backgrounds determine contrasting phylogeographical patterns in two co-distributed Erica species (Ericaceae) across the Strait of Gibraltar

Erica australis and Erica arborea are morphologically and ecologically similar heather species. Erica australis is restricted to the western Mediterranean Basin where it overlaps with the westernmo ...

From the Strait of Gibraltar to northern Europe: Pleistocene refugia and biogeographic history of heather (Calluna vulgaris, Ericaceae)

Abstract Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) is the most widespread and prevalent woody species of the European dry heathland, from the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar to northern Europe. However, previous biogeographic analyses of this species have ignored the western Mediterranean region, despite its preponderant role as a major glacial refugium for European biota. Here, we explore the existence of further Pleistocene glacial refugia for C. vulgaris in the Iberian Peninsula and the Strait of Gibraltar area and provide new insights into the post-glacial colonization of Europe by this emblematic heathland species. We carried out phylogeographical analyses of C. vulgaris samples from 44 loc…

Influence of habitat patchiness on diversity patterns of a habitat specialist plant community

Localizadas en Antequera (Málaga) las primeras poblaciones para Europa continental de la hepática mundialmente rara, Riella affinis

Riella Mont. es un género de plantas acuáticas talosas, con unas características morfológicas y ecológicas muy singulares que las hacen destacar sobre el conjunto de las hepáticas. Una de sus peculiaridades es que crecen sumergidas en aguas dulces y salobres, principalmente en lagunas temporales de zonas áridas o semiáridas, aunque también lo hacen en arroyos someros y de forma más rara en lagos permanentes. Las lagunas temporales, su principal hábitat, son humedales con una fase seca recurrente que, en la región Mediterránea, suele coincidir con el verano.

Floristic distinctiveness and endemic richness of woody plants highlight the biodiversity value of the herriza among all Mediterranean heathlands

Background: Heathlands are relatively abundant in the landscape of the western Mediterranean region, especially in the Strait of Gibraltar region, where it is locally known as herriza. They are ass...

A Complete Description and Conservation Assessment of Riella affinis Howe & Underwood (Riellaceae, Sphaerocarpales) New to Continental Europe

Riella affinis Howe & Underwood is a rare species that is thus far known from eight populations worldwide. Only half of these were recorded in the last 50 years and none were recollected since first reported. Study of a Spanish population of R. cossoniana Trab., recorded in 2002 from Las Lomas, Malaga province, revealed that it belongs to R. affinis. The correct identity of the populations, which had not been available for study, was already suggested by reproductive and ecological characteristics of the plants mentioned in the original publication. The three main lagoons from the Las Lomas endorheic system, where the plants had been recorded, were sampled and living plants of R. affinis we…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 41

WOS: 000348594500007

Floristic distinctiveness and endemic richness of woody plants highlight the biodiversity value of the herriza among all Mediterranean heathlands

Background: Heathlands are relatively abundant in the landscape of the western Mediterranean region, especially in the Strait of Gibraltar region, where it is locally known as herriza. They are associated with a mild Mediterranean climate regime and with acid, nutrient-poor soils. They harbour a high plant diversity, often viewed as a consequence of the transition between European Atlantic heathland and Mediterranean sclerophyllous shrubland floras. Aims: To determine whether species-rich Mediterranean heathlands, including the herriza, constitute distinct heathland formations rather than transitional vegetation units between Atlantic heathlands and Mediterranean garrigue shrublands. Method…