Diversity and spatial patterns of plant communities in volcanic temporary ponds of Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

The results of a study on plant community diversity, floristic richness, and spatial patterns in volcanic temporary ponds of Sicily are presented. A total of 166 plots were analyzed, 103 for Etna and 63 for Hyblaean sites. For each plot, the floristic composition and species cover were determined using standard relevé methods. Moreover, for these ponds, pH, conductivity, temperature, rainfall, altitude, and a floristic richness and diversity index were assessed. The plant communities were analyzed using a hierarchical cluster analysis, while the ordination method Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling was used to establish spatial patterns in the scattergram and to generate hypotheses on the vegetation/environment relationships. A total of nine plant communities for Hyblaean and seven for Mount Etna with a specific floristic composition were recognized. The spatial patterns of plant communities mainly followed an ecological gradient related to hydroperiod of the ponds, as well as local topography and human activities. The results show a considerable difference in floristic richness between the two study areas, as well as a different distribution of the life forms. Furthermore, for each study area the floristic richness and diversity index increased from the deep zone towards the shallow zone.

Characteristics, Main Impacts, and Stewardship of Natural and Artificial Freshwater Environments: Consequences for Biodiversity Conservation

“…Actually, in addition to iconic and exclusive organisms (e.g., large branchiopods ( Figure 2AA), several diaptomid copepods, insects), they host a large number of endemic species [494] along with species also found in permanent ponds [502,503]. Their flora is also very diverse with regard to vascular plants, ferns [504,505], and bryophytes [506]. Species richness is also very high with regard to planktonic and metaphytic algae, with more than 450 species identified in just two temporary ponds in Sicily [507].…”

Principal Determinants of Aquatic Macrophyte Communities in Least-Impacted Small Shallow Lakes in France

“…Hydroperiod is another driver highlighted by our results. This factor influenced floristic composition, affecting hydrophyte species [61] and favouring therophyte species, or species adapted to drought or frequent water level fluctuations, such as helophytes. Helophytes are related to hydroperiod.…”

Seed dormancy and control of germination in Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.E. Schulz (Brassicaceae)

“…) and participates as a characteristic species of the late spring–summer annual plant community ( Coronopo ‐ Sisymbrielletum dentatae ; Minissale & Spampinato ; Sciandrello et al . ). Although in the 19th century S. dentata was found in several localities, its presence is nowadays confirmed only for two MTPs, named Gurrida and Pantano (Scoppola et al .…”

“…Schulz (Brassicaceae) is endemic to Sicily and is listed as an endangered species (EN) in the IUCN's Red List (IUCN 2015). It develops on moist mud soils of temporary ponds created by volcano lava dams of Mt Etna (Branca et al 2011) and participates as a characteristic species of the late spring-summer annual plant community (Coronopo-Sisymbrielletum dentatae; Minissale & Spampinato 1986;Sciandrello et al 2016). Although in the 19th century S. dentata was found in several localities, its presence is nowadays confirmed only for two MTPs, named Gurrida and Pantano (Scoppola et al 2005;Messina et al 2010).…”