Search

As part of a project aimed at investigating the specific and intraspecific taxa of Matthiola which grow spontaneously in Sicily (Italy), in this work our research has been focused on Matthiola tricuspidata and Matthiola sinuata. The phenolic and volatile compounds of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of the selected species have been characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS and SPME-GC/MS analyses. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity in vitro (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), reducing power and Fe2+ chelating activity assays) and the toxicity (Artemia salina lethality bioassay) of the extracts were investigated. The phytochemical analyses highlighted quite different phenolic and volatile profiles in the two species. Concerning the antioxidant properties, M. tricuspidata extract resulted the most active both in the DPPH and in the reducing power tests (IC50 = 1.20 ± 0.01 mg/mL and ASE/mL = 11.25 ± 0.97), whereas M. sinuata extract showed better secondary antioxidant properties (IC50 = 1.32±0.02mg/mL). The extracts resulted non-toxic in the Artemia salina lethality bioassay. Our findings indicate that both M. tricuspidata and M. sinuata represent new safe sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential.

Citrus lumia Risso Essential oil Antioxidant properties Anti-cholinesterase activity Cytotoxicity Neuroactive effects 1. Introduction Plants that produce essential oils (EOs) represent a large part of natural flora and an important resource in various fields such as pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries, due to their flavor, fra- grance and biological activity (Swamy et al., 2016). EOs play a pivotal role in the growth and colonization of plants, giving color and scent to reproductive organs, attracting pollinators, favoring seed dispersion (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2017), and defending the plant against abiotic (light, temperature, etc.) and biotics (herbivores, harmful insects and pa- thogen microbes) stressors (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2017). More than 250 types of essential oils are commercialized annually on the international market, some of which are used since ancient times in popular medi- cines (Jarić et al., 2015; Mahboubi, 2015), in aromatherapy, and as a therapeutic aid in the treatment of various pathologies including car- diovascular and neurological diseases, as well as diabetes and cancer (Swamy et al., 2016; Lillehei and Halcon, 2014; Solórzano-Santos and ABSTRACT The use of essential oils (EOs) is known since long time in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for the management of various oxidative stress-related disorders and has been further increased recently for their neuroprotective and anti-aging potentials as well as for reducing anxiety and stress. The purpose of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the chemical composition of Citrus lumia Risso EO and its antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, and neuroactive properties by cell-free and cell-based assays. The EO has shown strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, particularly in hydrogen atom transfer based assays (β-carotene bleaching and ORAC, IC50 22 μg/mL and 46 μg/mL, respectively), that can be attributed to the high content of monoterpenes, especially D-Limonene (48.905%), and Linalool (18.245%). Furthermore, the EO has shown an interesting anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 258.25 μg/mL). Data from MTT analysis indicate that the cytotoxicity of EO, evaluated on L929 mouse fibroblasts, is very low, with an IC50 higher than 500 μg/mL at 48 h. Rat neuronal networks subjected to EO showed a concentration-dependent in- hibition of spontaneous electrical activity. Results indicate that C. lumia EO could be an important source of natural antioxidants suggesting an im- portant preventive role in the onset of oxidative stress-related pathologies.

As part of a project aimed at investigating the Matthiola taxa endemic to Sicily (Italy), this study focused on Matthiola incana, an edible species used in the traditional medicine of various countries. Herein, the characterization of phenolic and volatile compounds, the antioxidant capacity in vitro (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), reducing power and Fe2+ chelating activity assays) and the toxicity test (Artemia salina lethality bioassay) of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of M. incana subsp. rupestris from Mt. Pellegrino (Palermo) and Mt. Erice (Trapani), and of M. incana subsp. pulchella are reported. The results are compared with those previously shown for M. incana subsp. incana, to achieve a comprehensive overview of the three subspecies. The HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS and SPME-GC/MS analyses led to the identification of 13 phenolics and 54 volatile compounds. Differences in the qualitative-quantitative profile of these phytochemicals have been highlighted between the M. incana subspecies. The antioxidant tests showed different activity for the extracts, which were found to possess better chelating properties. At last, none of the tested extracts displayed toxicity against brine shrimp larvae. These findings enrich the knowledge on the Matthiola taxa growing wild in Sicily, both from the strictly systematic point of view and for the possible applications as sources bioactive compounds that can be used in the nutraceutical field.

The aim of the study was to investigate the micromorphology of Mentha pulegium leaves and flowers harvested in three different Sicilian (Italy) areas with peculiar pedo-climatic conditions, and to characterize the phytochemical profile, the phytotoxic activity, and the eco-compatibility of their essential oils (EOs) for potential use as safe bioherbicides. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) highlighted that M. pulegium indumentum consists of non-glandular and glandular trichomes of different types. Peltate trichomes of plants from the different sites showed few significant differences in dimension and abundance, but they were characterized by a surprisingly high number of secretory cells both in leaves and flowers. Phytochemical analyses showed that oxygenated monoterpenes were the most abundant class in all the EOs investigated (92.2–97.7%), but two different chemotypes, pulegone/isomenthone and piperitone/isomenthone, were found. The complex of morphological and phytochemical data indicates that soil salinity strongly affects the expression of the toxic metabolite pulegone, rather than the EO yield. Phytotoxicity tests showed a moderate activity of EOs against the selected species as confirmed by α-amylase assay. Moreover, the low toxicity on brine shrimp provided a rationale for the possible use of investigated EOs as eco-friendly herbicides.

The first attempts to draw up plant biodiversity maps in Italy are identified, some of which represent re-workings of data collected for chorological atlases of geographic areas of different extents. These were based particularly on the UTM grid, introduced and codified in Italy by Pignatti [6]. The limited examples made in Italy concern regional, provincial or district areas, some also in protected natural areas. As examples considered original, the maps developed at the Phytotaxonomy and Phytogeography Laboratory of the University of Palermo are presented. These involve the province of Palermo, the Madonie Natural Park in Palermo province, and the eastern Sicani mountains. The map of this last differs from the first two only in the type of reticule adopted for the smaller extent of the base quadrant. The three maps presented constitute complements of more complex maps that focus on the plant landscape of the mapped areas. In these, plant diversity attributed to the individual quadrants of the grid is represented by quantitative data for the specific and infra-specific taxa surveyed, expressed in different color classes. The quantitative incidence of endemic taxa is shown on each map with different symbols (red circles of different diameters), also expressed here by diametric rather than color classes. For the Madonie Natural Park, plant diversity has been mapped with the same quantitative/color criteria, also showing the phytocoenotic richness of this important plant area.

In this paper we discuss current methodologies for measuring biodiversity, analyse pros and cons at different scales, and finally propose distribution mapping as the most suitable method for measuring floristic biodiversity on small Mediterranean islands. These territories often host endangered flora and habitats, and have peculiarities that distinguish them from the mainland and the larger islands.

After a brief review of the recent acquisition in some native genera of family Asteraceae from southern Italy and Sicily, a new endemic species of Anthemis (sect. Hiorthia) is described from Sicily and named Anthemis parlatoreana. The locus classicus of the new taxon, falling in the NW Tyrrhenian coast of the island (Castellammare del Golfo, Trapani), coincides with that of Ptilostemon greuteri, another endemic very rare species of the Sicilian flora. Data on the morphology, distribution, ecology and conservation status of the new species are provided. The taxonomic relationships with the other Sicilian taxa of the same section, in particular A. cupaniana, are also analyzed. The simultaneous presence in the same site of other endemic plants enriches the area of the limestone reliefs of Castellammare del Golfo and all of north-western Sicily with biogeographic significance and biogenetic importance.

The relationship of two geographically and ecologically separated populations of Turraea socotrana Styles and F. White (Meliaceae), a vulnerable and scattered shrub from the island of Socotra (Yemen), was explored using preliminary molecular data. The nuclear ribosomal ITS region was used to screen the level of genetic divergence of T. socotrana from ecologically distant localities in comparison to a few other species of Turraea and closely related genera. The individuals from the inland (Diksam) differed from the western coastal ones (Ma’alah) by vegetative characters and by the rbcL gene. This may be due to the fact that the population from Ma’alah grows on lithosoil slopes directly exposed to moist winds coming from the sea, whereas the population of Diksam occurs on arid cliffs overlooking the inland of the island. The ITS sequences grouped the studied populations from Socotra together and separated them from other species of Turraea that are morphologically similar andoccurring in East Africa. Considering the differences recorded in the rbcL gene, we suggest that the populations of T. socotrana investigated here on only a few specimens from two different areas on the island, deserve more research. Our preliminary study potentially indicates that there may be independent evolutionary significant units in this species, however, more research including a wider sampling and comparison to other taxa is needed.

According to projects and practices that the Italian botanists and ecologists are carrying out for bringing “more nature in the city”, new insights for a factual integration between ecological perspectives and more consolidated aesthetic and agronomic approaches to the sustainable planning and management of urban green areas are provided.

In Italia, secondo la recentissima sintesi di Bartolucci et al., la flora vascolare nativa sarebbe rappresentata da 1092 generi di piante vascolari. Fra di essi ricorre Sorbus L. (Rosaceae) a cui vengono attribuiti 11 taxa specifici e sottospecifici (ivi compresi alcuni taxa ibridogeni) e un dodicesimo taxon da confermare nel territorio italiano. In questo contributo si vuole porre attenzione proprio alla recentissima checklist europea di Sorbus s.l. basata su acquisizioni di carattere filogenetico sul gruppo e, più in generale, sulle Pyrinae. In particolare, si fa riferimento allo studio di Sennikov, Kurtto in cui Sorbus L. viene praticamente smembrato in numerosi altri generi, mentre i taxa totalmente o in parte ibridogeni vengono riferiti ad altri di nuova istituzione. Quest’ultimo trattamento, se accettato, avrà riflessi sulla diversità intergenerica della flora europea e quindi anche di quella italiana che si arricchirebbe così di ben altri 5 generi (Aira, Cormus, Chamaemespilus, Torminalis e Hedlundia). A seguito del nuovo arrangiamento, il taxon generico linneano finisce con il comprendere una sola unità specifica (Sorbus aucuparia). Dunque, il quadro generale della flora europea viene a subire una considerevole variazione introducendo ben 9 generi aggiuntivi fra cui Aira, Cormus, Chamaemespilus e Torminalis nonché i nuovi: Hedlundia, Carpatiosorbus, ×Borkhausenia, ×Ma jovskya e ×Normeyera. Per la flora italiana, le variazioni quantitative sono più a livello generico piuttosto che specifico: 6 generi al posto di uno; 11 taxa specifici e sottospecifici distribuiti in 6 generi piuttosto che in uno solo. Si riporta il prospetto dei generi e dei taxa specifici e sottospecifici correlati a Sorbus s. lato e riferiti al territorio italiano in base al suddetto recente studio.

Based on recent literature, in the Primrose family the genus Lysimachia L. absorbed Anagallis L. (1). As a result, new name combinations have been introduced for this genus, thus involving the increase of specific and intraspecific taxa (for Italian flora see 2 and 3). A further consequence, focused in this contribution, concerns the binomial combination Lysimachia arvensis (L.) U.Manns & Anderb., which has different synonyms and includes several specific and intraspecific taxa. As far as the taxonomic history of the annual taxa of Anagallis is concerned, different authors preferred to include some of them in A. arvensis and in A. foemina at the level of variety (4) or subspecies (2), while others recognized their specific rank (5, 6, 7). Among these taxa, A. parviflora Hoffmanns. & Link is frequently reported, even included among the synonyms of A. arvensis (5) and then considered as a distinct species (7). The already complex status is further complicated by the occurrence of hybrids, as reported by Pignatti (6). The cited case would regard A. foemina and A. parviflora, but other taxa are also mentioned in literature [cf. Anagallis × intermedia Giraudias = Lysimachia × intermedia (Giraudias) B.Bock [(Lysimachia arvensis (L.) U.Manns & Anderb. × Lysimachia foemina (Mill.) U. Manns & Anderb.]. The analysis of the variability observed in a Sicilian population referable to this group (Fig. 1) revealed a quite critical case, introducing additional variables in the different interpretations of varieties, forms and hybrids of this group of complex species. Plant samples collected in the territory of Palermo particularly showed new colours of the corolla and different dimensions of petals. This recurrence of form and colour observed in the same station for two years, with the presence of congeneric taxa, allows to hypothesize a temporary recurrence of the mentioned features; the authors were induced to interpret this population at variety level or consider it the result of recurringhypothesize a temporary recurrence of the mentioned features; the authors were induced to interpret this population at variety level or consider it the result of recurring hybridization processes. Field researches were extended on this basis and a second population was found in the territory of Misilmeri, near Palermo. Both populations coexist with the best known and widespread A. arvensis (incl. A. phoenicea Scop.) and A. foemina. The possible hybrid origin of the new type – elsewhere reported by amateurs not just in Italy – led to start genetic investigations which are still in progress.

Different species and varieties of bean, spread in Sicily, are representative of local agricultural practices, as result of a careful exploration. Many landraces have become obsolete due to the spread of commercial varieties, but are still cultivated in small areas of Nebrodi Mountains (ME-Italy) and are endangered. The Sicilian bean landraces are often poorly known but represent a genetic heritage to be preserve and to enhance. The ex situ conservation of Sicilian bean landraces was carried out in “Living Plants Germplasm Bank” of Ucria (ME-Italy), founded by the Nebrodi Regional Park, and in “Sicilian Plant Germplasm Repository” of STEBICEF Department - University of Palermo. Within ex situ germplasm conservation the “core collection” represents the maximum genetic diversity without redundancy stored in a gene bank, providing an overall view of the properties to be found in a whole collection and increasing the efficiency of characterization and utilization of collection. The aim of this study was to develop a core collection of representative Sicilian bean genotypes, by morphological characterization. Flowers, pods and seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L., Phaseolus coccineus L. and Vigna unguiculata L. cultivars were collected from plants grown under same pedo-climatic condition at “Living Plants Germplasm Bank” of Ucria and used for morphological characterization according to the IPGRI descriptors. The analysis of the seeds has allowed to identify 35 morphotypes within the collection, indicated by a number code (5 descriptors). The 68,4% of landraces showed seed coat with pattern and the 46% exhibited a cuboid shape. The main representative seed-morphotype was the 27513 code (6 landraces) characterized by striped pattern coat, seed bicolor (purple and pink) with ligther prevalent and cuboid shape. In general, multiallelic control and environmental factors contribute to color expression variation in flower, pod and seed coat of bean. The results, observed in field collection, shows that the purple flowers are often linked to darker seed development, while white or liliac flowers are linked to lighter seeds. In summary, the results showed a redundancy of some bean accessions supporting the hypothesis that same cultivar is named in different way by the local farmers. Further genetic investigation will be needed to confirm the suggesting cases of synonymies between Sicilian accessions.

The genus Alnus (Betulaceae) comprises many species with a long history in traditional medicines. The crude extracts and isolated compounds from Alnus species exhibit a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities (1). Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of diarylheptanoids, a class of natural products typically found in Alnus genus with two aryl groups joined by a heptane chain in the main skeleton that have drawn attention due to their multiple biological properties and their therapeutic potential (2). A previous study reported that oregonin and other structurally analogous diarylheptanoids isolated from the bark of A. hirsuta showed inhibitory effects on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells.(3). Nowadays the discovery of new whitening agents from natural sources is increasing, due to the weak effectiveness and unwanted side effects of currently available compounds. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the skin whitening capabilities of crude extracts (80% aqueous MeOH) obtained from the fresh bark of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Alnus cordata (Loisel) Duby, an endemic species in the Mediterranean areas (4). As tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, the inhibitory effects of A. glutinosa and A. cordata extracts (AGE and ACE, respectively) on mushroom tyrosinase activity were preliminary evaluated. In addition, the anti-melanogenic ability of AGE and ACE was further investigated on the pigmentation of early stage zebrafish at 72 hours post fertilization (hpf) to find new skin whitening agents without cytotoxic concerns. Results of the enzymatic assay showed that ACE was capable to inhibit dose dependently L-DOPA oxidation catalyzed by tyrosinase (IC50 = 77.44 ± 0.54 μg/mL) as compared to the reference inhibitor kojic acid (2.24 ± 0.18 μg/mL). Unlike, AGE exhibited a lower anti-tyrosinase activity (100 μg/mL reached 28% of inhibition while higher doses showed pro-oxidative effects). Moreover, the zebrafish in vivo assay revealed that ACE (50 μg/mL) has equivalent inhibitory effects on the pigmentation (76.57%) to that of phenylthiourea (PTU, 30 μg/mL), used as the reference inhibitor (77.80%), as compared to control, while they did not affect the embryos development and survival. Conversely, the depigmenting effects of AGE were about 10 fold less than ACE (45.28% at 500 μg/mL). A mild anti-melanogenic activity was also evidenced for the diarylheptanoid oregonin (10% of inhibition at 20 μg/mL). A preliminary phytochemical screening evidenced that ACE and AGE have a high phenolic content (399.27 ± 14.30 and 534.17 ± 20.60 mg GAE/g of extract, respectively). However, despite AGE showed the highest phenolic content, the quali-quantitative RP-HPLC-DAD analysis highlighted as it is predominantly composed by oregonin (418.45 μg/mg of AGE vs 1.23 μg/mg of ACE) that exhibited a mild anti-melanogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo assays. Further phytochemical investigations are still in progress to identify the bioactive compounds of ACE as to be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of skin disorders due to its bleaching properties and favorable safety profiles.

The group of Centaurea (sect. Acrolophus) cineraria (Compositae) in Sicily includes four currently accepted species plus four taxa that have been considered, with some doubt, as subspecies of one of them (C. panormitana). In total, discounting recombinations and replacement names, 11 names (seven specific, three varietal, one of a forma), all based on Sicilian material, were published by past authors for these eight taxa. Two of the names had their holotype indicated upon publication; two have been lectotypified previously; six (C. busambarensis var. obtusiloba, C. cineraria var. soluntina, C. cineraria var. umbrosa, C. todaroi, C. todaroi f. seguenzae and C. ucriae) are lectotypified here; and C. panormitana is neotypified. The whole group is extremely variable and the delimitation of most taxa is still uncertain. Pending further study, including the sampling of wild populations, no taxonomic reassessment is therefore attempted here, with one exception: the merger of C. panormitana subsp. ucriae with C. panormitana subsp. panormitana.

Abies nebrodensis, endemic to the Madonie mountains (central-north Sicily), was originally described by Lojacono Pojero as A. pectinata var. nebrodensis and later raised to the rank of species. The species is considered to be critically endangered and was thought to be extinct until an extant population was rediscovered in 1957. The name is here lectotypified on a specimen preserved at NAP.

In this study, we investigated the phenolic composition of the crude extract (MeOH 80 %) of Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby stem bark (ACE) and its antioxidant and skin whitening properties. RP-LC-DAD analysis showed a high content of hydroxycinnamic acids (47.64 %), flavanones (26.74 %) and diarylheptanoids (17.69 %). Furthermore, ACE exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity, expressed as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ): Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, IC50 1.78 μg mL-1 )>Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC, IC50 3.47 μg mL-1 )>2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, IC50 5.83 μg mL-1 )>β-carotene bleaching (IC50 11.58 μg mL-1 )>Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, IC50 17.28 μg mL-1 ). Moreover, ACE was able to inhibit in vitro tyrosinase activity (IC50 77.44 μg mL-1 ), l-DOPA auto-oxidation (IC50 39.58 μg mL-1 ) and in an in vivo model it exhibited bleaching effects on the pigmentation of zebrafish embryos (72 h post fertilization) without affecting their development and survival. In conclusion, results show that A. cordata stem bark may be considered a potential source of agents for the treatment of skin disorders due to its bleaching properties and favorable safety profiles, associated to a good antioxidant power.

In Sicily, the genus Helleborus (Ranuculaceae) is only represented by H. bocconei subsp. siculus (= H. bocconei subsp. intermedius). In some mountain areas of the Island, the rhizomes of this plant, harvested in a particular month of the year (May) and dried, are used in traditional veterinary practice for treating pneumonia in domestic animals, cattle and horses in particular. The same usage – with rhizomes of other Helleborus species or subspecies – is reported from various other areas of Mediterranean Europe. Phytochemical tests have permitted the isolation and characterization of new biologically active molecules. The extracts of rhizomes and aerial parts of the plant were shown antibacterial properties. Some compounds, isolated from the methanolic extract of the rhizomes, were shown to be cytotoxic. In addition, morpho-anatomical studies have revealed the presence of different endophytic and commensal fungi in all organs of the plant, which could be isolated and cultured. One of the isolates has been identified as the endophytic fungus Botrytis byssoidea, which is also widely present in the soil. Further fungal isolates include Chaetomium strumarium, strain RR1, an endophytic ascomycete the identity of which was confirmed by molecular analyses. When cultured, it developed plentifully; the filtered broth from these cultures was used in antibiotic property assays. The tests were positive; the detailed results are forthcoming. They support our initial hypothesis, that the therapeutic effect the hellebore’s rhizomes extract is due to metabolites produced by an endophytic fungus. It remains to be seen whether the plant itself, devoid of the microfungus, produces the same therapeutically effective metabolites that are present in the extracts of plants from the wild or from outdoor cultivation. The study of the Sicilian hellebore, beyond its biological interest, has potential for its relevance for therapeutic applications both in veterinary and human medicine.

Hieracium sartorianum var. lucanicum, a little known taxon described from Mt Sacro (Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, Prov. of Salerno, Campania, Italy), is reexamined. As a result it is reclassified as a subspecies to H. hypochoeroides. A new combination and lectotypification are made and a detailed description is given.

An updated inventory of the vascular flora alien to Italy, providing details on the occurrence at regional level, is presented. The checklist includes 1597 species, subspecies, and hybrids, distributed in 725 genera and 152 families; 2 taxa are lycophytes, 11 ferns and fern allies, 33 gymnosperms, and 1551 angiosperms. 157 taxa are archaeophytes and 1440 neophytes. The alien taxa currently established in Italy are 791 (570 naturalized and 221 invasive), while 705 taxa are casual aliens, 4 are not assessed, 7 are of unknown regional distribution, 47 have not been confirmed in recent times, 3 are considered extinct or possibly extinct in the country, and 40 are doubtfully occurring in Italy. This checklist allows to establish an up-to-date number (9792) of taxa constituting the whole (native and alien) Italian flora.

A non-sporulating fungus was isolated from different organs of Helleborus bocconei subsp. intermedius (Ranunculaceae) endemic to southern Italy and Sicily, known for the traditional use of dried roots in the treatment of lung diseases of cattle and horses. Molecular characterization of endophytic fungus based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene sequences was done. The DNA sequence of full length ITS region of the studied fungus was a 100% match to that of Chaetomium strumarium strain dH 21642 (GenBank accession number JX280851.1). The morphological characters of colony and mycelium of this microfungus are reported here.

Names of 20 presumed taxa in Draba sect. Aizopsis, all based on material from Italy, are considered. Full synonymies are provided, and types are designated (for 14 names) or indicated. Most of the taxa are currently considered unworthy of recognition, of which 16 belong to D. aspera sensu lato. However, the question of whether the Sicilian populations might be distinct from the peninsular populations is still unsettled.

We conducted a GIS spatial analysis with the aim of providing the first quantitative large-scale overview of the distribution patterns of 1536 type localities ( loci classici ) of 1216 Italian endemic vascular plants and their relationship with a set of descriptive variables. Whereas some variables were used to model the presence-absence distribution patterns of the type localities for the whole set of endemics as well as for the subset of narrow endemics, others (e.g., presence inside or outside protected areas and Italian Important Plant Areas) were considered with the purpose of assessing potential assets or risks for conservation. The largest number of type localities was found within the Mediterranean biogeographic region (1134), followed by the Alpine region (306) and Continental region (96). A total of 670 locations are located on islands, whereas 866 are located on the Italian mainland (139 and 124 in the case of narrow endemics, respectively). A large number of type localities are located in mountainous areas and along the coastline, which can be seen as a potential risk for conservation. On the contrary, we detected a positive correlation with the distance from roads, which might be considered to be an asset. Importantly, 1030 type localities fall inside protected areas, whereas 506 localities fall outside protected areas, with 259 of these unprotected localities on islands. We propose considering the results of the analysis of the distribution of type localities of Italian endemics to be a strategic tool for conservation planning and resource management. Application of plant micro-reserves and integration of diverse legislation tools are suggested to strengthen efforts and increase conservation success.

It is reported the presence in Sicily of a new alien species destined to a progressive further spread in the Island. It is Bidens subalternans DC., an annual asteracea of American origin, already known in other Italian regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardia, Marche, Lazio and Campania) and in other European countries (Belgium, Corse, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Great Britain, Montenegro, Republic of Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland). The new locality, in Sicily, occurs along the roadside Monreale – Pioppo, south of the city of Palermo. In this station, B. subalternans is found together with B. pilosa subsp. minor and other indigenous and exotic nitrophilous taxa. The population observed near Monreale (Palermo), is quite large and, according to the methods of dispersion, shows in Sicily an invasive tendency in favourable environment. The affinities of B. subalternans with B. bipinnata L. – with which the species was sometimes confused – is also discussed.

The chemical composition of the essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of Anthemis arvensis L. subsp. arvensis, Anthemis cretica subsp. messanensis (Brullo) Giardina & Raimondo and from flowers and leaves of Anthemis cretica subsp. columnae (Ten.) Frezén were determinated by GC–FID and GC–MS analyses. Torreyol (85.4%) was recognised as the main constituent of the Anthemis arvensis subsp. arvensis essential oil, while in the essential oils of Anthemis cretica subsp. messanensis, collected on the rock and cultivated in Hortus Botanicus Panormitanus, (E)-chrysanthenyl acetate (28.8 and 24.2% resp.), 14-hydroxy-α-humulene (8.1 and 5.3% resp.), santolina triene (8 and 5.8% resp.) and α-pinene (6.7 and 5.4% resp.) prevailed. 18-cineole (13.3 and 12.2% resp.), was the main component of both flower and leaf oils of Anthemis cretica subsp. columnae together with δ-cadinene (9.0 and 8.2% resp.) and (E)-caryophyllene (8.3 and 5.6% resp.).

Nella flora vascolare indigena d’Italia, costituita da circa 7000 taxa specifici e infraspecifici, quelli arborei sono rappresentati da un modesto numero di unità. Tra gimnosperme e angiosperme non si superano 200 specie. Diversificano e arricchiscono la dendroflora italiana specie legnose policormiche o arbustive che, con l’età e in particolari condizioni, possono assurgere a veri e propri alberi. Vi contribuiscono anche espressioni genetiche di classiche specie arboree variamente interpretate a livello tassonomico. La dendroflora qui esaminata si riferisce a 53 generi (7 gimonosperme e 46 angiosperme). I taxa specifici e infraspecifici sono 188 (21 gimnosperme e 167 angiosperme). Non pochi generi presentano una elevata diversità (Pinus, Quercus, Salix, Pyrus, Tamarix). La famiglia Rosaceae è la più ricca in generi con Crataegus, Malus, Mespilus, Pyrus, Prunus e Sorbus. Nella famiglia Fagaceae, espressa dai generi Castanea, Fagus e Quercus, i primi due sono monospecifici mentre Quercus esprime la maggiore diversità tassonomica della dendroflora riferita ad uno stesso genere. La famiglia Salicaceae viene espressa dal solo genere nominale Salix e in questo, dunque, si concentra tutta la sua diversità tassonomica, quantitativamente rilevante pressoché quanto in Quercus. Dal punto di vista corologico, la dendroflora italiana presenta caratteri prevalentemente europei e subordinatamente mediterranei; l’endemismo ha una considerevole incidenza ed è preminentemente rappresentato da unità sottospecifiche; non vi mancano tuttavia casi di buone specie come in Abies, Betula, Malus e Pyrus

Di Gristina, E., G. Gottschlich & F.M. Raimondo (2016). Pilosella hoppeana subsp. sicula Di Grist., Gottschl. & Raimondo (Asteraceae), a new endemic subspecies from Sicily (Italy). Candollea 71: 7–12. In English, English abstract. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2016v711a2 Pilosella hoppeana subsp. sicula Di Grist., Gottschl. & Raimondo (Asteraceae), a new endemic subspecies from the Madonie and Nebrodi Mountains (Sicily, Italy), is described and illustrated. It is morphologically close to Pilosella hoppeana subsp. macrantha (Ten.) S. Braut. & Greuter, but the two subspecies can be distinguished by the indument on the bracts. Its morphology, distribution, ecology, taxonomic relationships are commented and a key to the Pilosella hoppeana (Schult.) F.W. Schultz & Sch. Bip. aggregate is provided. Received: October 16, 2014; Accepted: September 9, 2015; First published online: March 14, 2016

Aim of the present work is the analysis (through the study of enzyme polymorphism) of Sicilian and African (Tunisian) populations of Ambrosina bassii , a small perennial endemic to the Central-Western Mediterranean basin, in order to verify if the complex geological history of this part of the Mediterranean area left its mark in the present-day genetic structure of this taxon. Starch gel allozyme electrophoresis of seven putative loci of A. bassii was employed to estimate genetic diversity, genetic structure and gene flow. Populations from Sicily, Tunisia and Sardinia (as outgroup) were sampled. Results show that Sicily populations have 4 private alleles, Sardinia 3, Tunisia just one. One allele is private to both Sardinia and Tunisia, another one to Sardinia and Sicily. Even if there are no alleles private to Sicily and Tunisia, “cluster analysis” (based on Nei's genetic distances), “non-metric multidimensional scaling” (computed on the basis of a matrix with F ST values between populations) and Bayesian analysis point out a clear isolation of Sardinian populations, and a greater similarity between Sicilian and Tunisian populations compared to Sardinian ones. The strong genetic affinity between populations from Sicily and Tunisia, considering the very low dispersal ability of the species, gives evidence of a recent continuity between the populations as well as between the two areas. Considering also the estimates of divergence times, a post-Messinian terrestrial connection between the two landmasses can be hypothesized.

Limonium cedrorum Domina & Ramondo, a new species belonging to the L. palmare aggr., is described and illustrated from the inland near Becharre (Lebanon). Its relationships with morphologically close taxa are discussed. Limonium cedrorum differs from L. sieberi and L. postii mainly by looser inflorescences and larger flowers. It differs from L. galilaeum by longer outer bract and longer scale below the first inflorescence branch, few sterile branches, thicker base of the inflorescence and denser spikes, and from L. graecum by the shape of the infl orescence, longer basal internodes and the shape of the calyx.

In this study, Sorbus busambarensis, a new species from Rocca Busambra (Palermo, NW Sicily) has been described and named. On the basis of the critical features of its flowers, fruits and leaves, it is noted to be a member of S. sect. Aria and is related to the other taxa that form the polymorphic group of S. aria, which in Sicily is represented by S. aria s. str., S. graeca and S. umbellata.

The Centaurea parlatoris group belongs to sect. Dissectae and is one of the most taxonomically critical groups in Sicily. The taxa included in it inhabit dry slopes, pastures and rocky places. Some of them are narrow endemics to Sicily, and others to Italy. The great morphological variability at the intrapopulation level has not permitted the creation of an adequate taxonomic scheme. The recent proposal of two new species from Sicily confirms the insufficient knowledge of the taxonomic diversity. This study involves eight Sicilian populations of the C. parlatoris group. Seven loci from nine enzyme systems [isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), alcohol deydrogenase (ADH), shikimate deydrogenase (SKD), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI)] were examined. A total of 23 alleles were identified; seven were fixed in different populations, others we...

Summary The type of Erythrina viarum Tod. (Leguminosae) is designated and the relationship between this and other species of Erythrina Sect. Caffrae Codd is investigated. The correct name of E. viarum is E. caffra Thunb.

Limonium guigliae, from the island of Soqotra (Yemen) is described. This new species, close to L. paulayanum differs from it by its size, flower morphology and ecology.

Isoetes todaroana, a new species from western Sicily (Italy), is described. Morpholog- ical, anatomical and ecological characters are given. The main differential characters are the presence of only two leaf air chambers, rather than four as in all other known species of the genus, and the shape of the scales, which have two lateral rounded lobes and one central spine-like lobe, together with its peculiar calcophilic habitat. So far, the species is known from a single locality.

Summary The study of recent collections from the Island of Soqotra (Yemen) has led to the identification of a new species of Portulaca belonging to the P. oleracea aggregate. This new species is here described and named Portulaca socotrana. In Socotra other 5 species of Portulaca are reported, including P. oleracea. The occurrence of the latter or the attribution of its previous reports to the new species are still to be verified.

Hieracium nebrodense Tineo ex Lojac., a little-known endemic of Sicily, has been rediscovered from the type locality after almost two centuries since its first and only collection made in 1830 in the Madonie Mountains (N Sicily). In line with the treatment in ‘Med-Checklist 2’, it is reclassified as a subspecies of H. schmidtii. A new combination is made and a detailed description and illustration are provided.

A new endemic species of Hieracium is described from the Madonie Mountains (northern Sicily). Named Hieracium madoniense, this new taxon is confined to the Rocca di Mele, along the borders of Fagus sylvatica woods, on carbonate substrate. Relationships with the closest taxa are discussed.

On the basis of plant collections recently carried out in Sicily as well as the study of the herbarium material kept in PAL and PAL-Gr, a new species of Smyrnium (Apiaceae) is described here. This new taxon, named Smyrnium dimartinoi, is related to S. perfoliatum and is presently known from Sicily, Crete and realistically elsewhere in the Mediterranean. In such range it occurs in open woods and clearings of the Mediterranean-temperate and submontane belt.

The genetic diversity of seven taxa endemic to Sicily, C. cineraria, C. busambarensis, C. ucriae subsp. ucriae, C. ucriae subsp. umbrosa, C. todari, C. erycina and C. saccensis, from 11 localities was investigated using isozymes. Eight loci from five enzyme systems (IDH, MDH, PGD, PGM and PGI) were examined. A total of 19 alleles were identified, some rare and two of them exclusive to different populations. The allelic frequencies and the genetic variability values for each population were calculated. On the whole, the genetic diversity, i.e., average polymorphism (P) = 0.41, average number of alleles per locus (A) = 1.75, Nei's gene diversity (H) = 0.18, is moderate, with the highest genetic variability found in the populations of C. todari. The dendrogram shows two major groups: the first consists of all Sicilian populations except those of C. todari; the second of C. cineraria from the region of Campania and C. todari.