Search results for "Botanica"

Invasive Amphisteginids conquer the Sicily Channel and knock on the door of the Western Mediterranean Sea

2018

This study reports an updated overview of the current distribution and establishment status of the invasive species Amphistegina lobifera Larsen, 1979 and of other non-indigenous foraminifera in the Sicily Channel. The dispersal of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) by human activities is redefining the biogeography of the oceans and is one aspect of global change. Understanding the role of NIS in altering the structure of marine communities requires accurate information on their temporal occurrence, spatial distribution and effect on native ecosystems. However many NIS, particularly those belonging to small-sized unicellular taxa, such as benthic foraminifera, are largely unrecognized and…

Antimicrobial Activity of the Desert Truffles "Tirmania pinoyi" and "Terfezia claveryi" Against Human Pathogens

2015

The development of novel antimicrobials in the struggle against pathogens and antibiotic resistance is one of the most important global challenges of our time. Medicinal mushrooms represent an unlimited source of polysaccharides with nutritional, antitumoral, antibacterial and immune stimulating properties1. In recent years the traditional studies on epigeous higher Basidiomycetes have been joined by those on hypogeous fungi and in particular on the so-named “desert truffles”. Ali2 demonstrated that organic extraction of truffles of genus Tirmania and Terfezia possess antimicrobial activity with broad-spectrum effects against Gram positive, Gram negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria …

Presentazione / Foreword

2011

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

2016

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…

Lectotypification of six names of species of Scabiosa S.L. (Caprifoliaceae) endemic to north Africa and related taxonomic notes

2020

As part of an ongoing project for the investigation of the Algerian-Tunisian flora, six names of species of Caprifoliaceae subfam. Dipsacaceae, endemic to central and western North Africa, described in the 19th and 20th Centuries under the genus Scabiosa, are here lectotypified. They are: Scabiosa camelorum Cosson & Durieu, Scabiosa cartenniana Pons & Quézel, Scabiosa daucoides Desf., Scabiosa farinosa Cosson, Scabiosa parielii Maire, and Scabiosa robertii Barratte. Taxonomic notes, distributisson and new unpublished data about plant phenology of these taxa are given.

Tamarix, from archaeological to contemporary landscape

2018

One of the most well-known references to the presence of Tamarix species in ancient times is reported in Genesis (21:33). At that time, the tamarisks were used as decorative elements in oaths, purification, and divination. The tamarisk leaves were also used in concoctions and to ward away evil influence, and the branches to construct magic circles. The landscape surrounding the Abraham well in Beersheba is still characterized by the presence of Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge. This species is particularly widespread along the banks of the sacred Jordan and Jabbok Rivers. In some old and recent paintings we can recognize habitus, habitat and, morphological features of tamarisk species such …

The genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) from archaeological to contemporary landscape

2018

This review includes the data concerning the presence of Tamarix species in old and contemporary landscapes, and their presence in archaeological areas. Their role as wild and ornamental plants, their use in sacred places, and their depiction in old relief sculpture, old and more recent paintings is also reported. Notes on the presence of Tamarix species in current landscapes and their invasiveness are discussed.

Urban green: taxonomic and distributive update of phytoindividuals found in the “Giardino Inglese” of Palermo (Sicily).

2021

Elementi di Botanica forestale

2012

The unnoticed northward expansion of Najas marina subsp. armata (Hydrocharitaceae) in the Mediterranean area: an effect of climate change?

2022

Recent reports of Najas marina L. (Hydrocharitaceae) from Sicily have been interpreted as a confirmation of its presence on the island, where it was earlier mentioned in the 1800s. However the recent finds do not represent “N. marina” (currently N. major All.) but N. marina subsp. armata Horn (= N. delilei Rouy), a different taxon, previously not recorded from Sicily. According to those reports and several new finds presented here, it appears to be invading reservoirs and lakes in southern Sicily and seems to be naturally expanding its range. Climate change is suggested as possible cause of this shift. The same trend appears to be taking place across the whole N Mediterranean area, from Por…