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Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants
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Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2023) | Viewed by 14193

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Saverio Sciandrello

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIOMLG), Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: plant ecology; vegetation and habitat diversity; endemic plants; biodiversity conservation; Mediterranean saltmarshes vegetation
Dr. Carmelo Maria Musarella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of AGRARIA, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy
Interests: botany; flora; vegetation; habitat; landscape; forests; botanical garden; parks; green cities; mangrove; Quercus; Pinus; Juniperus; Dominican Republic; Cuba
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ricardo Quinto-Canas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
2. CCMAR–Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: ecology; alien species; conservation biology; ecosystems services; sustainable planning; urban and rural landscape; urban green space; landscaping; green building
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that a forthcoming Special Issue titled Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants will be published in the journal Plants. The diversity and richness of plants in the Mediterranean area is amazing. At the same time, our knowledge on plant biodiversity is still significantly insufficient. We are now living in times of dramatic environmental changes triggered by human activities and climate changes. An increasing human population is accelerating biodiversity loss. In this context, work that seeks to understand the ecological and dynamic mechanisms that drive plant diversity is important to reverse the movement towards biodiversity loss. This Special Issue provides an exciting opportunity to combine and synthesize recent research in taxonomy, biodiversity and ecology to understand or promote the maintenance of plant diversity in the Mediterranean area.

Dr. Saverio Sciandrello
Dr. Carmelo Maria Musarella
Dr. Ricardo Quinto-Canas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 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

  • biodiversity
  • biogeography
  • endangered plant species
  • ethnobotany
  • flora extinction
  • habitat monitoring
  • habitat diversity
  • in situ and ex situ conservation
  • alien species
  • plant associations
  • plant conservation
  • plant ecology
  • plant taxonomy
  • population ecology
  • vegetation history

Published Papers (13 papers)

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17 pages, 934 KiB  
Article
Shipwrecked on the Rock, or Not Quite: Gypsophytes and Edaphic Islands
by Juan F. Mota, Fabián Martínez-Hernández, Francisco Javier Pérez-García, Antonio Jesús Mendoza-Fernández, Esteban Salmerón-Sánchez and M. Encarna Merlo
Plants 2024, 13(7), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070970 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 640
Abstract
Species–area relationships (SAR) constitute a key aspect of ecological theory and are integral to other scientific disciplines, such as biogeography, which have played a crucial role in advancing biology. The theory of insular biogeography provides a clear example. This theory initially expanded from [...] Read more.
Species–area relationships (SAR) constitute a key aspect of ecological theory and are integral to other scientific disciplines, such as biogeography, which have played a crucial role in advancing biology. The theory of insular biogeography provides a clear example. This theory initially expanded from true islands to other types of systems characterized by their insularity. One such approach was linked to geoedaphic islands, as seen in gypsum outcrops. While these continental areas have been considered insular systems, only limited and mostly indirect evidence thereof has been provided. This study utilized SAR to advance the understanding of gypsum outcrops as insular continental territories. It is hereby hypothesized that gypsum outcrops are edaphic islands, although their insular nature depends on the different functional or ecological plant types, and this nature will be reflected in the potential Arrhenius model z values. The results obtained support both hypotheses and provide insight into the ecological factors that help interpret the insularity of these areas. This interpretation goes beyond their mere extent and the distance among outcrops, emphasizing the importance of environmental filters. Said filters vary in permeability depending on the degree of gypsophily, or preference for gypsum, exhibited by different species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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38 pages, 6134 KiB  
Article
Ecological and Syntaxonomic Analysis of the Communities of Glebionis coronaria and G. discolor (Malvion neglectae) in the European Mediterranean Area
by Eusebio Cano, Ana Cano-Ortiz, Ricardo Quinto Canas, Jose Carlos Piñar Fuentes, Catarina Rodrigues Meireles, Mauro Raposo, Carlos Pinto Gomes, Valentina Lucia Astrid Laface, Giovanni Spampinato and Carmelo Maria Musarella
Plants 2024, 13(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050568 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 610
Abstract
Nitrophilous communities dominated by Glebionis coronaria and Glebionis discolor in the European Mediterranean area were studied. The nomenclature was corrected according to the current taxonomy, following the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). The statistical analysis revealed six new associations and one subassociation, [...] Read more.
Nitrophilous communities dominated by Glebionis coronaria and Glebionis discolor in the European Mediterranean area were studied. The nomenclature was corrected according to the current taxonomy, following the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). The statistical analysis revealed six new associations and one subassociation, with four in Spain, one in Greece, and one in Italy. Additionally, a subassociation of high relevance due to its endemic character was identified. These grasslands exhibit requirements for organic matter and other edaphic nutrients that are closer to those of Malva neglecta communities than to those of Hordeum murinum subsp. leporinum. We confirmed the published syntaxon with the rank of Resedo albae-Glebionenion coronariae suballiance and its subordination to the Malvion neglectae alliance, and we established the type association for this suballiance. Sisimbrietalia officinalis J. Tüxen in Lohmeyer et al. 1962 em. Rivas-Martínez, Báscones, T. E. Díaz, Fernández-González & Loidi 1991. Stellarietea mediae Tüxen, Lohmeyer & Preising ex von Rochow 1951. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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10 pages, 398 KiB  
Article
Topographic Complexity Is a Principal Driver of Plant Endemism in Mediterranean Islands
by Leanne Camilleri, Katya Debono, Francesca Grech, Andrea Francesca Bellia, Gyllain Pace and Sandro Lanfranco
Plants 2024, 13(4), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040546 - 17 Feb 2024
Viewed by 579
Abstract
The frequency of endemism in the flora of Mediterranean Islands does not follow a straightforward species–area relationship, and the determinants of endemism are several and complex. The aim of this study was to estimate the explanatory power of a small number of variables [...] Read more.
The frequency of endemism in the flora of Mediterranean Islands does not follow a straightforward species–area relationship, and the determinants of endemism are several and complex. The aim of this study was to estimate the explanatory power of a small number of variables on the species richness of vascular plants on selected Mediterranean islands and archipelagos, and on the proportion of narrow endemism in each. We used a novel approach whereby the topographic complexity and isolation of an island were estimated through more detailed methods than those utilised previously. These parameters, along with island area and human population density, were used in a number of regression models with the number of taxa or proportion of endemics as the dependent variables. The results demonstrated that ‘topography’, a factor that was not specifically included in previous models for Mediterranean islands, exerted a consistent, statistically significant effect on both the number of taxa as well as the proportion of endemic taxa, in all models tested. The ‘isolation’ factor was not a significant predictor of the number of taxa in any of the models but was a statistically significant predictor of the proportion of endemic taxa in two of the models. The results can be used to make broad predictions about the expected number of taxa and endemics on an island, enabling the categorisation of islands as ‘species-poor’ or ‘species-rich’, potentially aiding conservation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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12 pages, 1404 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Heat Shock on Seed Dormancy Release and Germination in Two Rare and Endangered Astragalus L. Species (Fabaceae)
by Alba Cuena Lombraña, Ludovica Dessì, Lina Podda, Mauro Fois, Belén Luna, Marco Porceddu and Gianluigi Bacchetta
Plants 2024, 13(4), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040484 - 08 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Many Astragalus species exhibit seeds with physical dormancy (PY), but little is known about the ecological context of this dormancy. We focused on A. maritimus and A. verrucosus, two threatened Sardinian endemic species inside the subgenus Trimeniaeus Bunge. Fresh seeds collected from [...] Read more.
Many Astragalus species exhibit seeds with physical dormancy (PY), but little is known about the ecological context of this dormancy. We focused on A. maritimus and A. verrucosus, two threatened Sardinian endemic species inside the subgenus Trimeniaeus Bunge. Fresh seeds collected from the only two respective known populations were used to investigate the effect of mechanical scarification, heat shock, and water imbibition processes on PY release and germination. PY can be overcome through mechanical scarification of the water-impermeable seed coats, while no dormancy break was detected, nor a subsequent increase in seed germination due to fire-induced heat. This suggests that fire does not trigger dormancy release and seed germination in these species. The seeds tolerate relatively high heat shock temperatures (up to 120 and 100 °C for A. verrucosus and A. maritimus, respectively), but after 120 °C for 10 min, the number of dead seeds increases in both species. These facts suggest the capacity to develop a soil seed bank that can persist after fires and delay germination until the occurrence of optimal conditions. As regards water imbibition, both Astragalus species did not show the typical triphasic pattern, as germination started without further water uptake. This study emphasizes the significance of understanding germination processes and dormancy in threatened species. In fire-prone ecosystems, PY dormancy plays a crucial role in soil seed bank persistence, and it may be selectively influenced by post-fire conditions. Understanding such adaptations provides useful insights into conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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18 pages, 9049 KiB  
Article
The Orophilous Shrubby Vegetation of the Juniperetalia hemisphaericae Order in Sicily: A Refuge Habitat for Many Endemic Vascular Species
by Saverio Sciandrello and Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo
Plants 2024, 13(3), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030423 - 31 Jan 2024
Viewed by 632
Abstract
An in-depth analysis of the orophilous vegetation dominated by Juniperus hemisphaerica in Sicily, based on literature data and unpublished relevés, is presented. A total of 156 phytosociological relevés were processed and analyzed using classification and ordination methods. Overall, 151 vascular plant species were [...] Read more.
An in-depth analysis of the orophilous vegetation dominated by Juniperus hemisphaerica in Sicily, based on literature data and unpublished relevés, is presented. A total of 156 phytosociological relevés were processed and analyzed using classification and ordination methods. Overall, 151 vascular plant species were recorded, of which 38% were endemic species, with a dominant hemicryptophytic biological form (49%). Classification of the relevés, supported by ordination, showed two main vegetation groups: one including the Juniperus communities of Mt. Madonie (Cerastio tomentosi–Juniperetum hemisphaericae and Pruno cupanianae–Juniperetum hemisphaericae), and the other including the vegetation of Mt. Etna (Bellardiochloo aetnensis–Juniperetum hemisphaericae and Roso siculae–Juniperetum hemisphaericae ass. nova). Furthermore, a new alliance, Berberido aetnensis–Juniperion hemisphericae, is proposed for Sicily. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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21 pages, 4070 KiB  
Article
The Novel Invader Salpichroa origanifolia Modifies the Soil Seed Bank of a Mediterranean Mesophile Forest
by Iduna Arduini and Viola Alessandrini
Plants 2024, 13(2), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020226 - 13 Jan 2024
Viewed by 717
Abstract
The composition and structure of soil seed banks provide insight into the long-term implications of plant invasions on resident communities. The effect of Salpichroa origanifolia (Sa) on the seed bank of a coastal mesophile forest (Tuscany) was studied by growing Sa-rhizomes in soils [...] Read more.
The composition and structure of soil seed banks provide insight into the long-term implications of plant invasions on resident communities. The effect of Salpichroa origanifolia (Sa) on the seed bank of a coastal mesophile forest (Tuscany) was studied by growing Sa-rhizomes in soils from low and high invaded sites, in full sun and canopy shade. Sa growth patterns, and the composition, biomass, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of seedlings which emerged from seed banks were determined. Seed bank abundance and richness were also determined from under and 2 m apart established Sa populations. Sa plants’ leaf traits and biomass allocation changed in response to light conditions. The germination of seed bank seedlings was not affected or even promoted by Sa, while their biomass as well as N and P uptake were more than halved in both light conditions, leading to a progressive depletion of the forest seed bank. Richness was lower under established Sa populations. Sa seedlings exerted a greater suppression on residents than Sa adults, and these appeared more competitive against their own seedlings than on residents. Sa is an invader of concern for Mediterranean forests because of its adaptability to shaded conditions, the competitiveness of its seedlings, and its vegetative spread by means of rhizomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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17 pages, 7499 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Dieback in a Coastal Pinewood in Campania, Southern Italy, through High-Resolution Remote Sensing
by Rosario Nicoletti, Luigi De Masi, Antonello Migliozzi and Marina Maura Calandrelli
Plants 2024, 13(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020182 - 09 Jan 2024
Viewed by 792
Abstract
For some years, the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) forests of the Domitian coast in Campania, Southern Italy, have been at risk of conservation due to biological adversities. Among these, the pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) has assumed a primary role [...] Read more.
For some years, the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) forests of the Domitian coast in Campania, Southern Italy, have been at risk of conservation due to biological adversities. Among these, the pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) has assumed a primary role since its spread in Campania began. Observation of pine forests using remote sensing techniques was useful for acquiring information on the health state of the vegetation. In this way, it was possible to monitor the functioning of the forest ecosystem and identify the existence of critical states. To study the variation in spectral behavior and identify conditions of plant stress due to the action of pests, the analysis of the multispectral data of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, acquired over seven years between 2016 and 2022, was conducted on the Domitian pine forest. This method was used to plot the values of individual pixels over time by processing spectral indices using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The use of vegetation indices has made it possible to highlight the degradation suffered by the vegetation due to infestation by T. parvicornis. The results showed the utility of monitoring the state of the vegetation through high-resolution remote sensing to protect and preserve the pine forest ecosystem peculiar to the Domitian coast. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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22 pages, 13000 KiB  
Article
Comparative Cytogenetic of the 36-Chromosomes Genera of Orchidinae Subtribe (Orchidaceae) in the Mediterranean Region: A Summary and New Data
by Alessio Turco, Antonella Albano, Pietro Medagli, Robert Philipp Wagensommer and Saverio D’Emerico
Plants 2023, 12(15), 2798; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12152798 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 871
Abstract
This article provides a summary of the current knowledge on the cytogenetics of four genera, which are all composed of 36 chromosomes, within the Orchidinae subtribe (Orchidaceae). Previous classical studies have revealed differences in karyomorphology among these genera, indicating genomic diversity. The current [...] Read more.
This article provides a summary of the current knowledge on the cytogenetics of four genera, which are all composed of 36 chromosomes, within the Orchidinae subtribe (Orchidaceae). Previous classical studies have revealed differences in karyomorphology among these genera, indicating genomic diversity. The current study includes an analysis of the current knowledge with an update of the karyotype of 47 species with 36 chromosomes from the genera Anacamptis, Serapias, Himantoglossum, and Ophrys. The study discusses comparisons of karyotypes among these genera that used traditional techniques as well as karyotype asymmetry relationships with various asymmetry indices. Additionally, the study reports new findings on polyploidy in Anacamptis pyramidalis and Serapias lingua, which were observed through karyotype and meiotic metaphase analyses in EMC. Moreover, the study detected B chromosomes for the first time in A. papilionacea and A. palustris. The article also describes the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization in some specimens of A. papilionacea and A. collina to locate different sites of the 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA and 5S rDNA ribosomal complexes on chromosomes. The information derived from these cytogenetic analyses was used to refine the classification of these orchids and identify evolutionary relationships among different species and genera. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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14 pages, 1854 KiB  
Article
Monitoring Genetic Erosion of Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Species in Alentejo (South Portugal)
by Orlanda Póvoa, Violeta Lopes, Ana Maria Barata and Noémia Farinha
Plants 2023, 12(14), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142588 - 08 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1304
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to study the genetic erosion risk of plants with aromatic, medicinal and gastronomic applications in Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo region. The target species were coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), hart’s pennyroyal (Mentha cervina L.) [...] Read more.
The main goal of this work was to study the genetic erosion risk of plants with aromatic, medicinal and gastronomic applications in Portugal, particularly in the Alentejo region. The target species were coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), hart’s pennyroyal (Mentha cervina L.) and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.). The methodology involved direct observations and surveys (2002/2003 and 2011). The GE formula applied in Hammer’s studies was used to estimate genetic erosion. The main factors causing genetic erosion were the primary drivers of biodiversity loss: habitat loss, invasive species, and overexploitation influenced by human intervention such as the clearing of watercourses, vegetation control, grazing and desertification. The results indicate a reduction in individuals per species in Alentejo, with a net erosion loss of 11% for M. pulegium, 32% for M. cervina and 33% for C. sativum. The overall loss of accessions (genetic erosion risk) was higher in cultivated accessions (33%) than in wild accessions (11%), with an annual genetic erosion rate of 3.7% and 1.2%, respectively. The annual risk of genetic erosion for M. pulegium accessions collected in a natural habitat was 0.6%, which is much lower than the 3.7% for M. cervina. These results consolidate the importance of collecting and conserving genetic resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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15 pages, 1316 KiB  
Article
Shrub Cover and Soil Moisture Affect Taxus baccata L. Regeneration at Its Southern Range
by Giacomo Calvia, Paolo Casula, Emmanuele Farris, Giuseppe Fenu, Sergio Fantini and Gianluigi Bacchetta
Plants 2023, 12(9), 1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091819 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1140
Abstract
The effect of key ecological and anthropic factors on the recruitment of the common yew (Taxus baccata L.) in Sardinia (Italy) has been analyzed. After bibliographic and cartographic research, followed by field surveys, we found 232 sites where yew grows in Sardinia [...] Read more.
The effect of key ecological and anthropic factors on the recruitment of the common yew (Taxus baccata L.) in Sardinia (Italy) has been analyzed. After bibliographic and cartographic research, followed by field surveys, we found 232 sites where yew grows in Sardinia (as opposed to 69 previously reported in the literature). Among them, we selected 40 sites, located in 14 different mountain chains, characterized by a number of individuals ranging from 11 to 836 adult yews with an average diameter at breast height (DBH) from 13 to 130 cm. By means of generalized linear modeling, we investigated and weighted the effect of ecological, structural, and anthropic factors on the amount of T. baccata recruitment. Our analyses showed that stand recruitment was positively correlated to shrub cover and soil moisture. In particular, shrub cover had a stronger effect, clearly showing that a thicker shrub layer, both bushy and/or spiny, corresponded to a higher number of yew seedlings and saplings. Secondarily, moister sites had a higher number of seedlings and saplings, showing that habitat suitability improved with higher humidity. On the contrary, recruitment was negatively correlated to browsing (both from livestock and wild animals). Our data confirm that the presence of a protective layer of shrubs is a crucial factor for seedling and sapling survival, mostly in relation to protection from summer drought and the browsing of large herbivores. Finally, guidelines for the conservation and restoration of T. baccata communities, referred to as the EU priority habitat 9580* (Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods), have been outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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11 pages, 2395 KiB  
Article
Carpological Analysis of Two Endemic Italian Species: Pimpinella anisoides and Pimpinella gussonei (Apiaceae)
by Valentina Lucia Astrid Laface, Carmelo Maria Musarella, Gianmarco Tavilla, Salvatore Cambria, Gina Maruca, Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo and Giovanni Spampinato
Plants 2023, 12(5), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051083 - 01 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
This study aims to clarify the taxonomic doubts, which have varied over the centuries, on the only two endemic species of the genus Pimpinella growing in Italy: P. anisoides and P. gussonei. For this purpose, the main carpological characters of the two [...] Read more.
This study aims to clarify the taxonomic doubts, which have varied over the centuries, on the only two endemic species of the genus Pimpinella growing in Italy: P. anisoides and P. gussonei. For this purpose, the main carpological characters of the two species were examined, analyzing the external morphological traits and their cross-sections. Fourteen morphological traits were identified, obtaining datasets for the two groups using 40 mericarps (20 per species). The obtained measurements were subjected to statistical analysis (MANOVA and PCA). Our results highlight that at least 10 of the 14 morphological traits analyzed support the distinction between P. anisoides and P. gussonei. In particular, the following carpological characters are very significant ways to distinguish between the two species: monocarp width and length (Mw, Ml), monocarp length from base to maximum width (Mm), stylopodium width and length (Sw, Sl), length/width ratio (l/w) and cross-section area (CSa). In particular, the fruit of P. anisoides is larger (Mw 1.61 ± 0.10 mm) than that of P. gussonei (Mw 1.27 ± 0.13 mm), the mericarps of the first species are longer (Ml 3.14 ± 0.32 vs. 2.26 ± 0.18 mm) and the cross-section area (CSa) of P. gussonei is larger (0.92 ± 0.19 mm) than that of P. anisoides (0.69 ± 0.12 mm). The results also highlight the importance of the morphological traits of the carpological structures for the specific discrimination of similar species. The findings of this study contribute to an evaluation of the taxonomic significance of this species within the genus Pimpinella, and also provide valuable information for the conservation of these two endemic species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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8 pages, 2207 KiB  
Communication
Soil Quality Enhances Seed Germination Success in Ephedra major—A Pilot Experiment
by Kevin Cianfaglione, Florin Crișan and Dan Gafta
Plants 2023, 12(3), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030438 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1398
Abstract
There are currently knowledge gaps in the environmental context related to successful seed germination of Ephedra major. Therefore, we herein explore the influence of soil quality and water availability on the germination performance through a garden experiment that mimics natural site conditions. [...] Read more.
There are currently knowledge gaps in the environmental context related to successful seed germination of Ephedra major. Therefore, we herein explore the influence of soil quality and water availability on the germination performance through a garden experiment that mimics natural site conditions. One hundred seeds were extracted from fifty ripe strobili collected randomly from the ramets of a single female plant. Ten seeds per pot were sown in ten pots, which were equally split by receiving different watering treatments (watered versus control) and soil types (S0–shallow and stony; S1–like S0 but slightly deeper; S2–like S0 but even deeper and rich in woodland humus; S3–clay-layered alluvial; S4–anthropogenic). No significant interaction effect was detected between the two manipulated factors. Watering only had a marginal effect on the germination rate, but the latter was significantly higher in S2 when compared to the other soil types. These outcomes suggest that soil quality is more important than moisture for the germination success. Its rate is expected to be higher under the open canopy of woodlands compared to open rupicolous habitats, since seeds can benefit from higher humus availability and reduced evapotranspiration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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11 pages, 1606 KiB  
Brief Report
Floristic Richness in a Mediterranean Hotspot: A Journey across Italy
by Marco D’Antraccoli, Lorenzo Peruzzi, Fabio Conti, Gabriele Galasso, Francesco Roma-Marzio and Fabrizio Bartolucci
Plants 2024, 13(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010012 - 19 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1650
Abstract
Species richness is a fundamental property of biodiversity patterns and is properly expressed by the species–area relationship (SAR), namely the increase in the number of species with the area. Here, we studied and explored the species–area relationship with respect to vascular plant species [...] Read more.
Species richness is a fundamental property of biodiversity patterns and is properly expressed by the species–area relationship (SAR), namely the increase in the number of species with the area. Here, we studied and explored the species–area relationship with respect to vascular plant species in Italy and compared vascular plant richness among Italian administrative regions. Concerning the entire vascular flora (native and alien), the best-performing formula is the Arrhenius’ Power function: S = c Az. The constants of this function are c = 241.2 and z = 0.281. The best-performing formula concerning just native (c = 245.2 and z = 0.263) and alien (c = 10.1 and z = 0.404) richness is the Power function as well. The floristically richest Italian regions considering the entire flora are Liguria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige, which are also the regions that are richest in alien flora unfortunately. Regions of particular naturalistic interest are Abruzzo, Valle d’Aosta, and Molise, because only these three regions exhibit native floristic richness that is higher than expected, and this is coupled with an alien floristic richness that is lower than expected. On the contrary, four regions (Lombardia, Veneto, Toscana, and Emilia-Romagna) show potentially severe conservation problems due to biological invasions since they experience native floristic richness that is lower than expected, with an alien floristic richness that is higher than expected. This study offers for the first time the ‘c’ and ‘z’ constants specifically calibrated at the national level for Italian vascular flora. The availability of such constants allows the calculation of the number of expected species for a given area to be investigated, providing a robust starting hypothesis for floristic studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Mediterranean Plants)
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