Search results for "Systematic"

Indagine biosistematica su Scilla sensu lato in Italia e generi affini

2008

The taxonomic assessment of the genus Scilla s.l. and its related genera growing in Italy is defined based on literature data and our own morphological, karyological and phenological studies. A cladistic analysis is also performed in order to test taxonomic role of the selected diagnostic characters. Results agree with the most recent revisions and give support for the proposed synoptical key.

Flower and fruit structure of the endangered species Petagnaea gussonei (Sprengel) Rauschert (Saniculoideae, Apiaceae) and implications for its repro…

2015

Petagnaea gussonei (Apiaceae) is an endangered species endemic to the Nebrodi mountains (north-eastern Sicily). Although an increasing number of studies have been performed on this species, its reproductive biology remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the structure of the flower and the fruit of Petagnaea, and the possible implications for its breeding system and seed dispersal mechanism. Results from fieldwork, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy suggest (1) the presence of protandrous hermaphrodite flowers; (2) geitonogamy, autogamy, and allogamy as breeding system mechanisms of P. gussonei, even if asexual reproduction is preferred b…

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…

Plant morphology: outdated or advanced discipline in modern plant sciences?

2019

In the last decades, with the increase of molecular studies, the study of plant forms has gone through a steady decline in interest, and researches on this topic are often neglected and underestimated. Notwithstanding, comparative morphology as integrative discipline still assumes a pivotal role in modern sciences, remaining fundamentally relevant to nearly all fields of plant biology, such as systematics, evolutionary biology, ecology, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, not to mention also agriculture, bioengineering, and forensic botany. Contrary to common belief, plant morphology is not a conservative finished science, but, like other sciences, it is open to constant innovations in…

Orobanche australis Moris ex Bertol. the correct name for O. thapsoides Lojac. (Orobanchaceae)

2022

The taxonomic relationships between Orobanche australis and O. thapsoides are analyzed through the study of the original material. These species are also compared with other morphologically similar ones occurring in the Mediterranean (O. canescens, O. pubescens, O. palaestina, O. amethystea). The lectotype of O. palaestina is designated. From the comparison of these taxa it is evident that O. australis and O. thapsoides refer to the same taxon, to which the name O. australis must be given by priority. The distribution of this species includes Sardinia, Sicily, Peninsular Italy and Southern France. It grows on pastures from the sea level to about 1000 m of altitude, host of Asteraceae. An id…

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

2023

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…

Marine macrophytes: diversity and applications

2023

The research activity deals with several aspects of biology, systematics and ecology of marine macrophytes, with a special focus on macrophytes inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, the research focuses on: 1) Marine alien macrophytes (e.g. Caulerpa, Asparagopsis, Halophila) and their interactions with autochthonous macrophytes, with particular attention to Marine Protected Areas. 2) Coralline red algae (Rhodoliths, Lithophyllum byssoides), characterized by a carbonate thallus, which form complex structures that increase the habitat biodiversity and are a key component in the cycle of carbonate budget. Thus, they are of high interest for conservation. 3) Brown algae belonging to …

Towards a Critical Flora of Italy: Assessing the Lycopodiophyta

2013

Life on the edge: Adaptations of Posidonia oceanica to hypersaline conditions in a Mediterranean lagoon system

2023

Hypersaline stress is a major stressor in semi-enclosed coastal lagoons, affecting the distribution and survival of key foundation species. In this study, we investigated how Posidonia oceanica meadows responded physiologically and morphologically to different salinity concentrations both in-situ, across a natural saline gradient occurring inside the lagoon system, and in a mesocosm experiment. Leaf water relations, organic osmolytes, photosynthesis, respiration, Chlorophyll-a fluorescence, pigments content, and leaf growth were studied in P. oceanica from three different sites within the Stagnone of Marsala lagoon, as well as after exposing P. oceanica to a salinity level of 46 psu in a 30…

Climate Effects on Breeding Phenology of Peregrine and Lanner Falcons in the Mediterranean

2022

We explored the effects of weather on the timing and reproduction of the Mediterranean Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus brookei and the Lanner Falcon F. biarmicus feldeggii living on the Mediterranean island of Sicily. We found that the start date of incubation has changed during 1979–2019 and analysed whether incubation timing affected the productivity of both populations and whether the change of incubation date and the quality of breeding sites depended on climatic conditions. Overall spring temperature and rainfall increased on Sicily and the incubation date of the Peregrine and the Lanner Falcon has shifted to be about one week later over the time period 1979 to 2019. Linear mixed mod…