The vegetation of a historic road system in the suburban area of Monte Pellegrino (Palermo, Sicily)

Abstract

Knowledge of the processes by which plants colonize old structures is a key element for nature-based design both in urban and suburban contexts. This paper analyses the natural vegetation on walls and in other microhabitats of the roadway structures of Monte Pellegrino (606 m a.s.l.) near Palermo (Sicily), built in the first half of the 1900s. The historical road has particular construction and architectural features, and its characteristics have been maintained to this day. The route, approximately 16 kilometers long, is well integrated within a site of high naturalistic value which has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (ITA020014) of the Natura 2000 network, and it is also a regional natural reserve. The survey was carried out on different homogeneous ecological contexts based on different microhabitats (masonry retaining walls, masonry guardwalls, road margins, and rock cut slopes) which are diversified according to other environmental factors (building materials, inclination, height, and exposure). The phytosociological and statistical analysis has led to the description of six new associations (Crepido bursifoliae-Parietarietum judaicae ass. nov., Athamanto siculae-Parietarietum judaicae ass. nov., Helichryso panormitani-Hypochaeridetum laevigatae ass. nov., Diantho siculi-Helichrysetum panormitani Gianguzzi ass. nov., Olopto miliacei-Pennisetetum setacei Gianguzzi ass. nov., Teucrio flavi-Rhoetum coriariae Gianguzzi ass. nov.) and one sub-association (Rhamno alaterni-Euphorbietum dendroidis Géhu & Biondi 1997 artemisietosum arborescentis subass. nov.). Other chasmophytic formations (Centranthetum rubri Oberd. 1969, Antirrhinetum siculi Bartolo & Brullo 1986) were reported for the first time in this area.

Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) Threatened and Endemic to Italy: Urgent Actions for Protection and Use

“…From a phytosociological point of view, the subspecies rupestris is characteristic of Dianthion rupicolae Brullo & Marcenò 1979, an alliance found on Mt. Pellegrino in two different contexts, with two associations: Diantho rupicolae-Helichrysetum panormitani Gianguzzi 2020 and Scabioso creticae-Centauretum ucriae Brullo et Marcenò 1979 [ 93 ] ( Table 2 ).…”

Assessment of the Quantitative Genetic Diversity among some Imported Olive Cultivars at Benghazi Governorate - Libya

“…It is a woody tree species that characterizes the Mediterranean landscape, its spread in the Mediterranean basin and the northern Levant dates back more than 6,000 years (Besnard, et al, 2013). The distribution of wild and cultivated olives overlaps in the Mediterranean Basin region, although both wild and cultivated olives can be distinguished through morphological and genetic differences (Gianguzzi, and Bazan, 2019). Oleaster in the most ancient indigenous civilizations has long been exploited to renew trees and convert them into productive olive trees (Olea europaea) to produce both fruits and oil (Gianguzzi, and Bazan, 2019).…”

“…The distribution of wild and cultivated olives overlaps in the Mediterranean Basin region, although both wild and cultivated olives can be distinguished through morphological and genetic differences (Gianguzzi, and Bazan, 2019). Oleaster in the most ancient indigenous civilizations has long been exploited to renew trees and convert them into productive olive trees (Olea europaea) to produce both fruits and oil (Gianguzzi, and Bazan, 2019). The domestication and selection processes are the best source of a lot of varieties productive and highly adaptable trees, which led to a constantly increasing number of varieties (Besnard, et al, 2013).…”

The Impact of Past Human Activities on the Current State of Vegetation in Historical Settlements of a Wine-Growing Cultural Landscape (Svätý Jur, Slovakia)

“…Several authors have studied vegetation on historic structures. Studies have analysed the recovery of natural vegetation on archaeological sites [14], vegetation on historic roads [15] and biodiversity conservation [16]. In wine-growing areas, vegetation studies have focused on research on abandoned vineyards [17,18].…”