Distribution Patterns and Floristic Analysis of the Colymbada Tauromenitana (Guss.) Holub Populations in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

Abstracts -Colymbada tauromenitana (Guss.) Holub (Asteraceae) is a rare paleoendemic, chasmophyte species, occurring on calcareous cliffs in the eastern part of Sicily (Italy). The aim of this work is to analyze the structure and fl oristic composition of the C. tauromenitana community, in order to characterize the diversity of populations in relation to different ecological data. In all, 61 plots were examined. For each plot, the fl oristic composition and the cover of the species were determined using the standard relevé method. Three vegetation types emerged from canonical components analysis (CCA), correlated to a gradient of environmental conditions ranging from the coast to inland areas. The fi rst group with Lomelosia cretica and Dianthus rupicola subsp. rupicola was correlated to thermo-xerophilous conditions (lower thermo-Mediterranean belt), the second group with Silene fruticosa and Colymbada tauromenitana was linked to thermophilous conditions (upper thermo-Mediterranean belt) and the third with Dianthus siculus and Odontites bocconei was correlated to mesophilous conditions (meso-Mediterranean belt). Altitude is the main factor infl uencing both species richness and fl oristic composition. The density of C. tauromenitana is infl uenced mainly by rainfall. Finally, we propose a new risk status for this rare species.

The endemic vascular flora of Peloritani Mountains (NE Sicily): Plant functional traits and phytogeographical relationships in the most isolated and fragmentary micro-plate of the Alpine orogeny

“…In NE Sicily, the Peloritani Mountains represent an important, albeit neglected, centre of speciation and plants refuge. The rich flora of this territory includes rare and highly localized palaeo-endemites, such as Colymbada tauromentana, Brassica raimondoi and Limonium sibthorpianum, testifying the long and complex paleogeographic history of this area (Arena et al 1975;Gramuglio et al 1985;Brullo et al 1995;Spampinato et al 2008;Sciandrello & D'Agostino 2014;Sciandrello et al 2013a). Recently, for this reason, the area at issue has been identified by Blasi et al (2010) as one important plant area (IPA), essential for the conservation of plant biodiversity, indicated as "Monti Peloritani e Rupi di Taormina (SIC24)".…”

Ecological aspects of plants inhabiting Mediterranean cliffs. Challenges and prospects of life in vertical environments

“…Romo diez, 2008), and/or the quadrat unit sampled large surfaces (e.g. Sciandrello & D'Agostino, 2014).…”