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Diversity
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Plant Diversity on Islands
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Plant Diversity on Islands

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 16832

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Maria Panitsa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Interests: diversity of plant species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Islands are known as natural laboratories for research in biodiversity, biogeography, ecology, and evolution. They are characterized by different types (true islands and habitat islands, oceanic, continental, land-bridge and lake islands), different and often complex paleogeography, high environmental and topographical heterogeneity, different shapes and sizes, high diversity, and endemism. They harbor unique biota that are strongly affected by intensifying pressures and severe threats, mainly because of habitat loss, climate change and biological invasions. It is noteworthy that about one-third of the global biodiversity hotspots and one-fourth of the global centers of plant diversity encompass islands or archipelagos.

Islands host a considerable portion of all plant species worldwide, among which there are many endemic, rare, and range-restricted ones. Many islands remain quite unexplored concerning their plant species composition, and research in this topic is important since a substantial part of island plant diversity remains unknown to science. The plant diversity on islands is surprising, but without complete knowledge, successful conservation and protection cannot be realized. We welcome your contributions to this Special Issue, which provides a platform to highlight new research and significant advances concerning all aspects and different levels of plant diversity on islands and factors affecting it.

Dr. Maria Panitsa
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Island plant
  • Island flora
  • Floristic diversity
  • Species richness
  • Endemism
  • Spatial patterns
  • Spatial turnover
  • Temporal turnover
  • Island specialist taxa
  • Beta diversity
  • Oceanic islands
  • Land-bridge island
  • Continental island
  • Habitat island

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 7756 KiB  
Article
Botany Teaching–Learning Proposal Using the Phytosociological Method for University Students’ Study of the Diversity and Conservation of Forest Ecosystems for University Students
by Ana Cano-Ortiz, José Carlos Piñar Fuentes, Carmelo Maria Musarella and Eusebio Cano
Diversity 2024, 16(12), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120708 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 728
Abstract
We propose a method consisting of four steps for phytosociological research and education on flora and vegetation diversity. We demonstrate the application of this method using as an example a territory of special interest due to its high index of endemism (Dominican [...] Read more.
We propose a method consisting of four steps for phytosociological research and education on flora and vegetation diversity. We demonstrate the application of this method using as an example a territory of special interest due to its high index of endemism (Dominican Republic Island), which is a biodiversity hotspot and hosts several protected areas, such as the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve. Nonetheless, this model, based on teaching the phytosociological method, can be extrapolated to any location worldwide. As an example, we analyzed the dry and humid forests. Through the four research phases, this study revealed a greater number of endemic species in the dry forest compared to the humid forest, with more endemics found in districts A12 and A16. The sequenced teaching of the research phases allows for the training of university students, future managers, and educators. The model enables learning sampling techniques, developing analysis and interpretation skills, and assessing the need for conservation of habitats rich in endemic species. The teaching outcomes of this study provide optimal training for the management and dissemination of ecological values, which allow broader society to learn to respect the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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21 pages, 2399 KiB  
Article
A Contribution to the Study of the Flora and Vegetation of Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
by Alan Barrett, Lorraine Raby Bronkhorst and Leslie Brown
Diversity 2024, 16(9), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090579 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1824
Abstract
Swahili coastal forests, spanning the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines and the Zanzibar Archipelago, are integral to the biodiverse Eastern Arc and Coastal Forest region. These forest ecosystems face considerable anthropogenic threats. This study contributes to the available knowledge on the floral composition and [...] Read more.
Swahili coastal forests, spanning the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines and the Zanzibar Archipelago, are integral to the biodiverse Eastern Arc and Coastal Forest region. These forest ecosystems face considerable anthropogenic threats. This study contributes to the available knowledge on the floral composition and plant community assemblages of Mnemba Island, a small sandy cay in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which helps to establish baseline data for conservation purposes. Two main coastal forest plant communities were identified: (1) the Casuarina cunninghamiana–Suriana maritima open to closed sandy dry coastal forest, and (2) the Eugenia capensis–Mimusops obtusifolia coastal forest. A total of 91 different plant species belonging to 54 plant families were identified for the island. Community 2, an indigenous forest, supports diverse bird breeding colonies and is a crucial habitat for the threatened Aders’ duiker. Understory development is limited due to the historical Suni antelope overpopulation. Environmental factors like salt spray, allelochemicals, herbivore browsing, and climate fluctuations influence the vegetation abundance and composition. The study underscores differences in species diversity and composition between the planted Casuarina community and the natural atoll vegetation. The natural vegetation shows affinities with the Zanzibar–Inhambane edaphic coral-rag scrub forest and the transitional rainforest. Several species characteristic of Indian Ocean atolls were identified, providing insights into invasion ecology and conservation strategies. The study contributes conceptually to our understanding of vegetation dynamics in island ecosystems by highlighting the interplay between plant communities, environmental processes, and human activities. The fragile yet resilient nature of Mnemba’s unique ecosystem is emphasised, offering insights for conservation management, long-term monitoring, and adaptive approaches tailored to island environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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27 pages, 3928 KiB  
Article
Plant Communities of the Tern Sanctuary on the Matsu Islands as a Breeding Habitat for Seabirds
by Wei Wang, Chun-Min Wang, Yi-Chiao Ho, Kuan-Chen Tang, Min-Chun Liao, Hui-Wen Lin and Hsy-Yu Tzeng
Diversity 2024, 16(8), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16080501 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1668
Abstract
The Matsu Islands Tern Refuge comprises eight reefs located at a relay station on the East Asian bird migration route, and it attracts many transiting, wintering, or breeding birds to inhabit and live on the reefs every year. In order to understand the [...] Read more.
The Matsu Islands Tern Refuge comprises eight reefs located at a relay station on the East Asian bird migration route, and it attracts many transiting, wintering, or breeding birds to inhabit and live on the reefs every year. In order to understand the compositions of plant communities as a breeding habitat for seabirds, we investigated the plant communities of the eight reefs. A total of 130 plots of 10 × 10 square meters were established, from which we found 107 species of plants in 102 genera and 51 families. Among this, we found one critically endangered (CR) species, four vulnerable (VU) species, and three near-threatened (NT) species. The result of two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and indicator value (IndVal) showed 130 samples were divided into 11 vegetation types; most of the vegetation types had significant indicator species. We also use the two-way to present the plot of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) by vegetation types and reefs. Moreover, this result reveals that these samples were more clearly cluster divided by islands. Our results reveal that the compositions and characteristics of plant communities were related clearly to the environmental factors for each reef in the Matsu Islands Tern Refuge. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that species composition of vegetation yielded high correlation with soil property, especially with soil pH. In addition, we found that the traces of bird activity is relevant to the characteristics and structures of plant communities. We found that the plant communities comprising low-grass shrubs would provide relatively soft nesting materials and sheltering effects for eggs or hatchlings for terns. Compared to low-grass shrubs, the traits of high-grass shrubs would not be beneficial to nest for breeding of terns on the ground, and no nested trace was found in these plant communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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24 pages, 26619 KiB  
Article
An Updated Taxonomic Appraisal of Narcissus (Amaryllidaceae) in the Maltese Islands
by Stephen Mifsud and Sandro Lanfranco
Diversity 2024, 16(7), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16070397 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 944
Abstract
A previous study of Narcissus species on the Maltese Islands had suggested the existence of a natural hybridogenous species. A fresh study on Narcissus in Malta was conducted in 2021 and 2023 with the primary aim of studying the previously reported populations of [...] Read more.
A previous study of Narcissus species on the Maltese Islands had suggested the existence of a natural hybridogenous species. A fresh study on Narcissus in Malta was conducted in 2021 and 2023 with the primary aim of studying the previously reported populations of intermediate forms and to update the taxonomy of Narcissus in Malta. Four main taxa of native species were identified: N. deficiens, two distinct morphotypes of N. tazetta, and a new hybrid species. The species identified as N. deficiens replaces records of N. serotinus and N. obsoletus. One of the two morphotypes (“autumn-flowering”) is now combined as subsp. aequilimbus (previously described from Maltese material as Hermione aequilimba) and the other one (“spring-flowering”) corresponds to subsp. tazetta. The new hybrid is derived from N. deficiens and N. tazetta and is named N × briffae. This hybrid was previously incorrectly reported as N. elegans. Detailed morphometric analysis and ecological data justify these new taxonomic appraisals. A dichotomous identification key for eight Narcissus taxa (including non-native ones) is provided to facilitate the identification of the occurring and doubtful species recorded on the Maltese Islands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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12 pages, 2682 KiB  
Article
Factors of Detection Deficits in Vascular Plant Inventories—An Island Case Study
by Michael Ristow, Maria Panitsa, Stefan Meyer and Erwin Bergmeier
Diversity 2022, 14(4), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040303 - 16 Apr 2022
Viewed by 2175
Abstract
The degree of completeness of large-scale floristic inventories is often difficult to judge. We compared prior vascular plant species inventories of the Mediterranean island of Limnos (North Aegean, Greece) with 231 recent records from 2016–2021. Together with the recent records, the known number [...] Read more.
The degree of completeness of large-scale floristic inventories is often difficult to judge. We compared prior vascular plant species inventories of the Mediterranean island of Limnos (North Aegean, Greece) with 231 recent records from 2016–2021. Together with the recent records, the known number of vascular plant species on the island is 960 native taxa, 63 established neophytes, and 27 species of as yet casual status for a total of 1050 taxa. We looked at a number of traits (plant family, size, flower color, perceptibility, habitat, reproduction period, rarity, and status) to investigate whether they were overrepresented in the dataset of the newly found taxa. Overrepresentation was found in some plant families (e.g., Poaceae and Chenopodiaceae) and for traits such as hydrophytic life form, unobtrusive flower color, coastal as well as agricultural and ruderal habitats, and late (summer/autumn) reproduction period. Apart from the well-known fact of esthetic bias, we found evidence for ecological and perceptibility biases. Plant species inventories based on prior piecemeal collated data should focus on regionally specific species groups and underrepresented and rare habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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18 pages, 14597 KiB  
Article
A Cryptic Invader of the Genus Persicaria (Polygonaceae) in La Palma and Gran Canaria (Spain, Canary Islands)
by Filip Verloove, Rainer Otto, Steven Janssens and Sang-Tae Kim
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110551 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2782
Abstract
A cryptic invader of the genus Persicaria has recently increased in the damper, northern parts of La Palma and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands (Spain) and locally behaves as an invasive species. Examination of historical herbarium specimens showed this species to be [...] Read more.
A cryptic invader of the genus Persicaria has recently increased in the damper, northern parts of La Palma and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands (Spain) and locally behaves as an invasive species. Examination of historical herbarium specimens showed this species to be present in Gran Canaria since the 1960s and the same probably applies to La Palma. Up to now, this species had been assigned to the Old World weed P. maculosa. However, morphologically, these plants clearly correspond with P. hydropiperoides, a common and widespread weed native to the New World, and indeed morphologically similar to P. maculosa. Diagnostic features for these two species, as well as for another similar species (P. decipiens, originally described from the Canary Islands), are compared, thoroughly discussed, and copiously illustrated. The current distribution, ecology, and naturalization status of P. hydropiperoides in the Canary Islands are also assessed. The variability of P. hydropiperoides is discussed, more precisely the taxonomic position of a southern ‘race’ of it that is sometimes referred to as a distinct species, P. persicarioides, and to which the Canarian plants belong. The taxonomic value of the latter appears to be clear, although at a lower level. A new combination, at varietal rank, is proposed and validated. In addition to our morphology-based study, a molecular phylogenetic analysis has been conducted on the nuclear ITS region and the plastid DNA region trnL-F. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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Graphical abstract

32 pages, 5416 KiB  
Article
Bryophyte Diversity along an Elevational Gradient on Pico Island (Azores, Portugal)
by Márcia C. M. Coelho, Rosalina Gabriel, Helena Hespanhol, Paulo A. V. Borges and Claudine Ah-Peng
Diversity 2021, 13(4), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13040162 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4848
Abstract
The study of elevational patterns is a valuable method for inferring the influence of the climate and other variables in the regional distributions of species. Bryophytes are ideal for revealing different environmental patterns in elevational studies, since they occur from sea level to [...] Read more.
The study of elevational patterns is a valuable method for inferring the influence of the climate and other variables in the regional distributions of species. Bryophytes are ideal for revealing different environmental patterns in elevational studies, since they occur from sea level to above the tree line. Taking advantage of the long elevational transect of Pico Island and the use of standardized survey methods, our main aims were: (1) to identify and characterize the alpha and beta diversities of bryophytes across the full elevational gradient (12 sites of native vegetation, ranging from 10 to 2200 m above sea level [a.s.l.]); (2) to detect the ecological factors driving bryophyte composition; (3) to identify bryophytes’ substrate specificity; and (4) to check the presence of rare and endemic species. The identification of 878 microplots yielded 141 species (71 liverworts and 70 mosses), almost half of those known to occur on Pico Island. The bryophyte species richness followed a parabolic unimodal pattern with a mid-elevation peak, where the richest native forests occur. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of the bryophyte composition and explanatory variables revealed the effect of the elevation, precipitation, disturbance, richness of vascular plants and bark pH in explaining bryophyte compositions at regional levels. Very few species of bryophytes showed substrate specificity. Pico Island’s elevational gradient could be an asset for studying long-term changes in bryophyte species composition and alpha diversity under global change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity on Islands)
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