Search Results (14)

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the size and conservation status of the only Italian population of Centaurea pumilio (Asteraceae) and the threats to its survival. The population is located on a short stretch of sandy shoreline along the Ionian coast of Puglia, near Torre S. Giovanni (Ugento, Lecce). It was estimated in the 1990s to number about 500 plants, but in recent years a significant reduction, bringing the population to fewer than 100 individuals, has been observed. This study involved a census of the individuals (differentiating young plants from adult and reproductive ones) conducted with a precision GPS tool, phytosociological analysis and high-definition orthophoto image acquisition using a drone. Concerning the latter, to evaluate anthropic pressure from tourism, data were acquired in spring 2023 and autumn 2024 and compared using GIS geoprocessing, showing a significant increase in the area occupied by footpaths. GIS analysis also revealed that the survival of C. pumilio is strongly linked to the intensity of the walking routes, which have fragmented the population into small and isolated clusters. On the basis of all the collected data, the current conservation status of the species in Italy was assessed as critically endangered. Finally, our study provides a series of suggestions to improve the conservation status of the species and strategies to reduce the risk of extinction in Italy. Full article

Based on our karyological findings in the Anacamptis Rich., Ophrys L., and Serapias L. genera, we have identified chromosomal markers within some hybrids and elucidated their interrelationships. Mitotic chromosomes of fifteen taxa were analyzed using the conventional Feulgen staining method. Only for Anacamptis ×gennarii (Rchb. f.) H.Kretzschmar, Eccarius & Dietr. [A. morio (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase × A. papilionacea (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase] and its parental species were some data obtained and reported with the banding method with Giemsa, Hoechst 33258 fluorochrome, and the FISH techniques. Our research involved new chromosomal measurements of fifteen taxa, including six hybrids, along with schematic representations. Morphometric parameters, i.e., M_CA and CV_CL, were used to evaluate karyotype asymmetry. Of meaning were the analyses performed on chromosomal complements of selected hybrids, which distinctly revealed marker chromosomes present in one or both putative parental species. Among the parents identified in some hybrids, Ophrys tenthredinifera Willd. has shown some interest due to the presence in its karyotype of a pair of chromosomes (n.1) showing a notable secondary constriction on the long arm. Indeed, one of the homologs is clearly distinguishable in the analyzed hybrids, where it clearly emerges as one of the putative parents. Given the challenges in detecting certain karyomorphological features within the Orchidinae subtribe using alternative methods, such as Giemsa C-banding or fluorescence banding, the Feulgen method remains valuable for cytogenetic characterization. It helps us to understand the genomes of hybrids and parental species, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of their genetic composition. Full article

This work presents a summary of cytogenetic data, including new information, on several species within the tribe Neottieae, with an update of the karyotype for 23 species belonging to the genera Cephalanthera, Limodorum, Epipactis, and Neottia (including Listera). Each of these four genera also presents distinctive chromosomal features, such as bimodal karyotypes. Our research includes insights into the distribution of constitutive heterochromatin, measured using C-banding and, in some cases, specific fluorochromes for the detection of A-T- and G-C-rich DNA. In the Epipactis group, it is noteworthy that when using the Giemsa banding technique, certain species (e.g., E. placentina, E. meridionalis) with a chromosome number of 2n = 38 were observed to exhibit a conspicuous wide band of constitutive heterochromatin on the long arm of the third pair in a subcentromeric position, resembling what has been observed in E. helleborine. These differences also have the potential to contribute to the diversification of these species. Based on the karyological results obtained, a hypothesis regarding the origin of certain species within the E. helleborine group is proposed. Additionally, karyological analyses conducted on a specimen of E. microphylla revealed chromosome counts ranging from 36 to 40. Somatic metaphases exhibited evident structural alterations in certain chromosomes, showing rearrangements probably caused by translocation phenomena. Based on the data obtained from the species within the studied genera, it is conceivable that variations in chromosomes, both structurally and in the distribution of constitutive heterochromatin, exert a significant influence on the evolution of the karyotype. Moreover, in many entities belonging to the Neottieae tribe, these processes may also contribute to the diversification of the phenotype in some instances. Full article

Despite the wide amount of scientific contributions published on alien plant species, their diffusion dynamics, and their interactions with native taxa, it is increasingly difficult to slow down their spreading and their negative impact on habitats. Last recent years, in fact, a sharp rise in the number of new alien plant taxa introduced in Italy and Europe has been recorded. The aim of this work is to investigate most of the Italian territory in order to verify whether this alarming trend is still underway. Specimen collections and/or observations of alien plants have been performed in as many as 12 Italian regions. All the collected specimens are stored in public or private herbaria. Taxa have been identified according to the literature from the countries of origin of the investigated taxa, while the nomenclature followed the current international references. Updates on 106 taxa are reported. In particular, among 117 new records, 89 are first records, 27 are changes to status and there is 1 extinction. Seven new taxa for Italian alien flora are reported, two of which are new to Europe. The administrative regions with the highest number of records are Calabria (48), Sardegna (17) and Sicilia (15). Five of the surveyed taxa, for the first time, have been considered invasive aliens to Italian territory. The unfrequent amount of original results provided by this work, over the simple importance of data itself, proves how floristic investigation, still today, represents one of the most effective tools in broadening the current knowledge about alien taxa and their dynamics. Full article

This study presents an updated analysis of cytogenetic data for several species within the 40,42-chromosome genera of the subtribe Orchidinae. The research includes insights into the distribution of heterochromatin obtained using C-banding and fluorochrome techniques. Our investigation confirmed variation in the distribution of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA sequences among species pertaining to Neotinea s.l. and Orchis s.str. These variations also potentially contribute to the diversification of these species. Cytogenetic analyses of the Neotinea group demonstrated that both H33258 and DAPI staining result in blocks of fluorescent regions on numerous chromosomes. Particular attention was paid to the cytological composition of the polyploid Neotinea commutata, focusing on its potential origin. Based on the karyological results acquired, a hypothesis concerning the origin of N. commutata is proposed. The most noteworthy revelations regard the O. mascula complex. In these species, the telomeric areas of all chromosome sets display extensive heterochromatin. Fluorochrome staining revealed telomeric blocks on many chromosomes that were not seen with Giemsa staining. This highlighted a distinct feature of O. mascula, where particularly large C-bands surrounding the centromeric regions of multiple chromosomes were found. However, in O. mascula, O. provincialis, O. pauciflora, and O. patens, C+ chromatin may not show a significant response to fluorochrome Hoechst or DAPI+ staining. The unique cytomorphological arrangement observed in the O. mascula species, unlike other members of the O. mascula complex, suggest epigenetic phenomena. Additional data are presented for the genera Dactylorhiza and Gymnadenia. A deeper understanding of the diversity of chromosomal structures among these orchids promises to shed light on the mechanisms underlying speciation, adaptation, and the remarkable diversity characteristic of the Orchidaceae family. Full article

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

A study of the distribution of orchid species in Puglia, based on an analysis of 2084 bibliographic reports from 2000 to 2022, was carried out with the aim of revising and updating the information on the consistency of the Orchidaceae family in Puglia, with a special focus on assessing threatened species occurring inside and outside protected areas. The work presents a checklist of the Orchidaceae taxa (genera, species, and subspecies) found in the region, including observations on genera and species that present taxonomic challenges. A total of 113 taxa (i.e., species and subspecies), distributed across 16 genera, are listed in alphabetical order. The most representative genera were Ophrys (51 taxa), Serapias (15 taxa), and Epipactis (11 taxa). Additionally, 49 taxa (43.4%) were found to be endemic to Italy, with 21 of these, mostly belonging to the Ophrys genus, being exclusive to Puglia. Our study notes two different trends of distribution: a predominantly coastal distribution for orchid records located in southern Puglia (the Salento peninsula) and a more widespread distribution for the other provinces. Our study also shows that the greatest number of records locate orchids in protected areas with a positive correlation between their presence and habitats cited in Directive 92/43/EEC. Full article

This paper presents the results of a research performed on Gargano Promontory (SE-Italy) on the populations of Scabiosa garganica, a species with little herbarium records and whose few morphological descriptions are outdated. S. garganica belongs to the S. holosericea aggr., a group including very similar taxa that still have different taxonomic classifications. Its typical location is Monte Sant’Angelo in the Gargano area. Surveys have ascertained the existence of many populations, whose stational data help to understand the distribution and ecological conditions S. garganica is linked to. The morphological analysis of a large sample (75 plants from 9 sites) allows for the description of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of this species. The new morphological framework highlights the species autonomy of S. garganica and can contribute to clarifying the relationship with S. holosericea and S. taygetea to which it is closer. In addition, for the correct delimitation of the species, the name Scabiosa garganica is lectotypified. Finally, the species was assessed against the IUCN criteria for the evaluation of its conservation status. Full article

In this paper, integrating field surveys and literature data, an analysis of Ophioglossum lusitanicum plant communities and related 92/43/EEC habitats are reported for Italy. Two new syntaxa, Euphorbio exiguae-Ophioglossetum lusitanici ass. nova hoc loco and trifolietosum scabri subass. nova hoc loco of the Rumici bucephalophori-Ophioglossetum lusitanici were described in the Apulia and Campania regions.Both types of vegetation identified in Apulia, Campania, and Sicily regions represent two different aspects of the same priority habitat: “pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea” (habitat code 6220*). A phytosociological and ecological dataset of the literature and new field surveys highlighting the soil type as parameters affecting the vegetation cover of this small fernlike plant, with the Trachynion distachyae Rivas–Martínez, 1978 alliance on calcareous soils and Helianthemion guttati Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et al., 1940 alliance on volcanic soils. Many species of other types of annual meadows have been identified within Ophioglossum communities due to the very small patches of land, where they have been found, and ecological conditions that facilitate this phenomenon of the transgression of other therophytes species. Full article

An updated overview of the 29 threatened crop wild relatives (CWRs) endemic to Italy is presented, namely: Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. nebrodense, Barbarea rupicola, Brassica baldensis, Brassica glabrescens, Brassica macrocarpa, Brassica rupestris subsp. hispida, Brassica rupestris subsp. rupestris, Brassica tardarae, Brassicatrichocarpa, Brassica tyrrhena, Brassica villosa subsp. bivonana, Brassica villosa subsp. brevisiliqua, Brassica villosa subsp. drepanensis, Brassica villosa subsp. tineoi, Brassica villosa subsp. villosa, Daucus broteroi, Daucus carota subsp. rupestris, Daucus nebrodensis, Diplotaxis scaposa, Festuca centroapenninica, Lathyrus apenninus, Lathyrus odoratus, Malus crescimannoi, Phalaris arundinacea subsp. rotgesii, Vicia brulloi, Vicia consentina, Vicia giacominiana, Vicia ochroleuca subsp. ochroleuca, Vicia tenuifolia subsp. elegans. Data concerning geographical distribution, ecology (including plant communities and habitats of the Directive 92/43/EEC), genetics (chromosome number, breeding system, and/or the existence of gene pools), threat status at the national and international level (Red Lists), key plant properties, and in situ and ex situ conservation were analyzed and shown. At present, most of the listed endemic CWRs, 23 out of 29, have no gene pool at all, so they are CWRs only according to the taxon group and not according to the gene pool concept. In addition, there is a serious lack of data on the ex situ conservation in gene banks, with 16 species identified as high priority (HP) while 22 taxa have high priority (A) for in situ conservation. With the aim of their protection, conservation, and valorization, specific and urgent actions are recommended. Full article

The study presents an updated overview of the 29 endemic threatened Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) in Italy: Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. nebrodense, Barbarea rupicola, Brassica baldensis, Brassica glabrescens, Brassica macrocarpa, Brassica rupestris subsp. hispida, Brassica rupestris subsp. rupestris, Brassica tardarae, Brassica trichocarpa, Brassica tyrrhena, Brassica villosa subsp. bivonana, Brassica villosa subsp. brevisiliqua, Brassica villosa subsp. drepanensis, Brassica villosa subsp. tineoi, Brassica villosa subsp. villosa, Daucus broteroi, Daucus carota subsp. rupestris, Daucus nebrodensis, Diplotaxis scaposa, Festuca centroapenninica, Lathyrus apenninus, Lathyrus odoratus, Malus crescimmanoi, Phalaris arundinacea subsp. rotgesii, Vicia brulloi, Vicia consentina, Vicia giacominiana, Vicia ochroleuca subsp. ochroleuca, and Vicia tenuifolia subsp. elegans. Geographical distribution, ecology (with plant communities and habitat 92/43/EEC aspects), genetics (focused on gene pools), property, and in situ and ex situ conservation were analyzed. In addition, with the aim of their protection and valorization, specific actions are recommended. Full article

The tradition of floristic studies in Italy has made it possible to obtain a good knowledge of plant diversity both on a national and regional scale. However, the lack of knowledge for some areas, advances in plant systematics and human activities related to globalization, highlight the need for further studies aimed at improving floristic knowledge. In this paper, based on fieldwork and herbaria and literature surveys, we update the knowledge on the Italian vascular flora and analyze the floristic similarities between the administrative regions. Four taxa, all exotic, were recorded for the first time in Italy and Europe. In detail, Elaeodendron croceum, Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, and Sedum spathulifolium var. spathulifolium were found as casual aliens, while Oxalis brasiliensis was reported as historical record based on some herbarium specimens. Furthermore, Kalanchoë laxiflora was confirmed as a casual alien species for Italy and Europe. Status changes for some taxa were proposed at both national and regional levels, as well as many taxa were reported as new or confirmed at the regional level. Currently the Italian vascular flora comprises 9150 taxa of which 7547 are native (of which 1598 are Italian endemics) and 1603 are exotic at the national level. The multivariate analysis of updated floristic data on a regional scale showed a clear distribution along the latitudinal gradient, in accordance with the natural geographical location of the regions in Italy. This pattern of plants distribution was not affected by the introduction of alien species. Despite some taxonomic and methodological issues which are still open, the data obtained confirm the important role of floristic investigations in the field and in herbaria, as well as the collaborative approach among botanists, in order to improve the knowledge of the Italian and European vascular flora. Full article

The study presents an updated overview of the 14 non-endemic threatened crop wild relatives (CWR) in Italy: Aegilops biuncialis, Ae. uniaristata, Ae. ventricosa, Asparagus pastorianus, Beta macrocarpa, Brassica insularis, B. montana, Crambe hispanica subsp. hispanica, C. tataria subsp. tataria, Ipomoea sagittata, Lathyrus amphicarpos, L. palustris, Vicia cusnae and V. serinica. Geographical distribution, ecology (with plant communities and habitat 92/43/EEC aspects), genetics (focused on gene pools), property, and in situ and ex situ conservation were analyzed. In addition, with the aim of their protection and valorization, specific actions are recommended. Full article