Editorial

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3 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation

by Robert Philipp Wagensommer

Plants 2023, 12(16), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162973 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020

Abstract

Floristic studies are often considered “simply” traditional research [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

Research

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13 pages, 1620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Morphological, Distribution, and Ecological Data on Scabiosa garganica (Caprifoliaceae), a Poorly Known Species of the Italian Flora, with Evaluation of Its Conservation Status and Typification of the Name

by Daniele Bonsanto, Nello Biscotti and Robert Philipp Wagensommer

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1915; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091915 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1411

Abstract

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populations of Scabiosa garganica, a species with little herbarium records and whose few morphological descriptions are outdated.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 [...] Read more.

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populations of Scabiosa garganica, a species with little herbarium records and whose few morphological descriptions are outdated.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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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14 pages, 1503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nomenclatural Synopsis, Revised Distribution and Conservation Status of Ranunculus gracilis (Ranunculaceae) in Italy

by Fabrizio Bartolucci, Enzo De Santis and Fabio Conti

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3094; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223094 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1270

Abstract

Ranuculus gracilis is endemic to the SE Euro-Mediterranean area and its presence in Italy is controversial. Based on analysis of the relevant literature, field surveys and examination of herbarium specimens, a revised distribution of this species in Italy is presented and its conservation [...] Read more.

Ranuculus gracilis is endemic to the SE Euro-Mediterranean area and its presence in Italy is controversial. Based on analysis of the relevant literature, field surveys and examination of herbarium specimens, a revised distribution of this species in Italy is presented and its conservation status is assessed. Ranunculus agerii, described by Antonio Bertoloni from Bologna (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy), and R. schowii, described by Vincenzo Tineo from Vittoria and Terranova (Sicily), usually regarded as synonyms of R. gracilis, are here lectotypified and their taxonomic status discussed. Thanks to our study, the presence of R. gracilis in Italy is confirmed and, now, it is reported in a national conservation framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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105 pages, 138260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity in Urban Areas: The Extraordinary Case of Appia Antica Regional Park (Rome, Italy)

by Duilio Iamonico

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162122 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2530

Abstract

The first inventory of the flora of Appia Antica Regional Park (Italy), one of the largest protected urban areas in Europe (4580 ha), its biological, ecological and biogeographical composition, and notes of the vegetation physiognomies and landscape are presented; physical characteristics of the [...] Read more.

The first inventory of the flora of Appia Antica Regional Park (Italy), one of the largest protected urban areas in Europe (4580 ha), its biological, ecological and biogeographical composition, and notes of the vegetation physiognomies and landscape are presented; physical characteristics of the territory (geomorphology, lithotypes, and phytoclimate) are also given. The landscape is defined by an agricultural matrix with natural and seminatural areas as patches, and riparian vegetation communities as corridors. The vegetation physiognomies are represented by types linked to the Mediterranean climate (mixed, Mediterranean, and riparian forests; scrubby, rocky, aquatic, and helophytic vegetation; anthropogenic communities). The floristic list includes 714 taxa (104 families and 403 genera). Therophytes prevail over hemicryptophytes; woody flora comprises about 30% of alien species. As regards chorotypes, together with a considerable number of Mediterranean species, there are many exotic species with wide distribution areas testifying to a long-lasting anthropic impact. Floristic novelties (european, national, and regional levels) for 21 taxa are reported. The extraordinary species diversity discovered (43% of flora of Rome and 20% of regional flora) is linked to the landscape heterogeneity, the characteristics of which are: (1) persistence of residual natural patches, (2) occurrence of quite well-preserved aquatic habitats and humid meadows, (3) a rich anthropogenic flora, (4) an interesting flora of archeological sites, (5) occurrence of species not common in Latium, (6) occurrence of populations of aliens in crops (which cause economic impact), (7) presence of aliens on archeological ruins (which cause economic-social impacts). The extensive set of data provided represents a general base framework for guiding future research efforts and landscape action plans consistent with environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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15 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Survey of the Vascular and Cryptogam Flora on Bulgaria’s Ancient Mounds

by Iva Apostolova, Desislava Sopotlieva, Magdalena Valcheva, Anna Ganeva, Veselin Shivarov, Nikolay Velev, Kiril Vassilev, Tsvetelina Terziyska and Georgi Nekhrizov

Plants 2022, 11(5), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050705 - 06 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

This work represents the first study of the floristic diversity on Bulgaria’s ancient mounds. The objective of this research was to assess the importance of the mounds for the preservation of the native vascular and cryptogam flora. Our sampling design included 111 ancient [...] Read more.

This work represents the first study of the floristic diversity on Bulgaria’s ancient mounds. The objective of this research was to assess the importance of the mounds for the preservation of the native vascular and cryptogam flora. Our sampling design included 111 ancient mounds distributed throughout the country. We recorded a total of 1059 vascular plants, 58 bryophytes and 61 lichen taxa. Despite their small area, the mounds were shown to preserve nearly a quarter of the Bulgarian flora. The vegetation cover on the mounds included 61% perennials indicating a long-term persistence and stability. The majority (98%) of the established vascular plants were native species. Although the conservation significance of the vascular plant species were not common, we recorded 2 critically endangered, 9 endangered and 14 Balkan endemics during the present study. The lichen Arthopyrenia salicis was recorded for the first time in Bulgaria and a new locality of the rare bryophyte Ceratodon conicus was discovered. The established compositional difference between plots from the northern and southern slopes of the mounds (88.95%) is a testament to the high local habitat diversity. The prevalence of species characteristic for Festuco-Brometea suggests that the mounds preserve fragments of native grasslands and steppes. The variation in cover of agricultural and other human modified areas in the mounds’ immediate surroundings did not substantially affect their species richness. We argue that the ancient mounds should be taken into consideration in future green space planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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16 pages, 32726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation Composition of the Halophytic Grass Aeluropus lagopoides Communities within Coastal and Inland Sabkhas of Saudi Arabia

by Basharat A. Dar, Abdulaziz M. Assaeed, Saud L. Al-Rowaily, Abdullah A. Al-Doss and Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad

Plants 2022, 11(5), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050666 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

Sabkhas are unique, highly saline ecosystems, where specially adapted plants can grow. Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites is a halophytic forage plant growing in salt marsh habitats of inland and coastal sabkhas of Saudi Arabia. The present study provides an analysis of vegetation composition [...] Read more.

Sabkhas are unique, highly saline ecosystems, where specially adapted plants can grow. Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites is a halophytic forage plant growing in salt marsh habitats of inland and coastal sabkhas of Saudi Arabia. The present study provides an analysis of vegetation composition and distribution of the A. lagopoides community in five different regions within Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the environmental factors that affect species distribution. The floristic survey revealed the presence of 48 species, belonging to 26 families. Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Mimosaceae, Zygophyllaceae, and Asteraceae are the largest families (50% of total species). Phanerophyte, followed by chamaephytes, are the most frequent forms, indicating a typical saline desert life-form spectrum. The vegetation analysis revealed the dominance of A. lagopoides in all locations, where it was the most dominant species in Qareenah, Qaseem, and Salwa locations, and the second most dominant species in Jouf and Jizan locations. The flourishment of this halophytic grass within a wide soil range in sabkhas revealed its adaptability to the harsh environment, which could be ascribed to its structural adaptations and modifications, as well as the phenotypic plasticity. The Qareenah and Qaseem locations attained the highest species richness and evenness, while the Jizan location was the least diverse. Within the studied locations, other highly salt-tolerant species were determined with high abundances, such as Suaeda aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Zohary, Zygophyllum album L.f., Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge, Cressa cretica L., and Salicornia europaea L. The soil analysis showed a significant variation for all parameters among the studied locations, except for pH, chloride, and clay content. The Qaseem location revealed the highest values of most soil parameters, while the Jizan location showed the lowest. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the community structure and diversity are mainly affected by the soil salinity and moisture. Due to the economic potentialities of A. lagopoides as a forage plant and sand stabilizer, the conservation of its habitats is of vital importance. In addition, this grass could be integrated as a promising forage candidate that can be planted in saline-affected areas, even in the summer dry season. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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10 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Orchids of Azerbaijani Cemeteries

by Attila Molnár V., Viktor Löki, Marc Verbeeck and Kristóf Süveges

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2779; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122779 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2838

Abstract

In order to explore their orchid flora, we performed surveys of 96 Azerbaijani burial places in 2018 and 2019. Altogether, 28 orchid taxa were found in 37 visited cemeteries. In the orchid diversity a remarkable pattern was observed: geographic latitude was significantly and [...] Read more.

In order to explore their orchid flora, we performed surveys of 96 Azerbaijani burial places in 2018 and 2019. Altogether, 28 orchid taxa were found in 37 visited cemeteries. In the orchid diversity a remarkable pattern was observed: geographic latitude was significantly and positively related to the number of taxa and number of individuals. The most widespread and abundant orchids in Azerbaijani graveyards were Anacamptis pyramidalis and A. papilionacea (found in 23 and 8 cemeteries, respectively). Azerbaijani cemeteries can be important refuges for rare and threatened orchids, e.g., Himantoglossum formosum (three cemeteries), Ophrys sphegodes subsp. mammosa (eight), Orchis adenocheila (two), O. punctulata (three), O. stevenii (one) and Steveniella satyrioides (one). Epipactis turcica, detected in a single locality, was previously unknown to the flora of Azerbaijan. Additionally, we documented orchid tuber (salep) collection in two cemeteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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13 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Habitat Types on Diversity and Species Composition of Urban Flora—A Case Study in Serbia

by Milan Glišić, Ksenija Jakovljević, Dmitar Lakušić, Jasmina Šinžar-Sekulić, Snežana Vukojičić, Milena Tabašević and Slobodan Jovanović

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122572 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2280

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the floristic composition and diversity of seven urban habitat types in 24 Serbian cities with different climatic affiliation. In each of the 24 cities, we selected 1 ha plots representing a habitat from one of [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the floristic composition and diversity of seven urban habitat types in 24 Serbian cities with different climatic affiliation. In each of the 24 cities, we selected 1 ha plots representing a habitat from one of the following groups: square, boulevard, residential area with compact and with open building pattern, city park, and sites with early and mid-succession vegetation stages. All vascular plant species that occur spontaneously in these plots were observed. Data on the main climatic characteristics were collected for each plot, and data on the life forms were obtained for each species recorded. Diagnostic species were identified for each habitat type analyzed, and alpha, beta and gamma diversity were calculated. A total of 674 taxa were recorded in the studied area. Significant differences were observed in habitats by diagnostic species and by life form representation. The lowest alpha and gamma diversity and the dominance of therophytes were observed in habitat types with intensive anthropogenic impact, whereas the highest number was recorded in mid-successional sites and residential areas with a compact building pattern. The analysis showed that habitat type influences species composition much more than climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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22 pages, 2813 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ecological and Biological Properties of Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Thymus spinulosus Ten.: Two Wild Officinal Species of Conservation Concern in Apulia (Italy). A Preliminary Survey

by Enrico V. Perrino, Francesca Valerio, Shaima Jallali, Antonio Trani and Giuseppe N. Mezzapesa

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1952; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091952 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 3065

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of ecology (plant community, topography and pedology), as well as of climate, on the composition of essential oils (EOs) from two officinal wild plant species (Lamiales) from Apulia, namely Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Thymus spinulosus Ten. Few scientific [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of ecology (plant community, topography and pedology), as well as of climate, on the composition of essential oils (EOs) from two officinal wild plant species (Lamiales) from Apulia, namely Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Thymus spinulosus Ten. Few scientific data on their chemical composition are available, due to the fact that the first has a limited distribution range and the second is endemic of southern Italy. Results for both species, never officially used in traditional medicine and/or as spices, showed that the ecological context (from a phytosociological and ecological point of view) may influence their EO composition, and hence, yield chemotypes different from those reported in the literature. S. cuneifolia and Th. spinulosus can be considered good sources of phytochemicals as natural agents in organic agriculture due to the presence of thymol and α-pinene. Overall, the obtained trend for EOs suggests a potential use of both species as food, pharmacy, cosmetics and perfumery. Hence, their cultivation and use represent a positive step to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and to meet the increasing demand for natural and healthier products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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Review

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35 pages, 7412 KiB

Open AccessReview

Edible Halophytes and Halo-Tolerant Species in Apulia Region (Southeastern Italy): Biogeography, Traditional Food Use and Potential Sustainable Crops

by Rita Accogli, Valeria Tomaselli, Paolo Direnzo, Enrico Vito Perrino, Giuseppe Albanese, Marcella Urbano and Gaetano Laghetti

Plants 2023, 12(3), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030549 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3276

Abstract

The Mediterranean basin is rich in wild edible species which have been used for food and medicinal purposes by humans throughout the centuries. Many of these species can be found near coastal areas and usually grow under saline conditions, while others can adapt [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean basin is rich in wild edible species which have been used for food and medicinal purposes by humans throughout the centuries. Many of these species can be found near coastal areas and usually grow under saline conditions, while others can adapt in various harsh conditions including high salinity. Many of these species have a long history of gathering from the wild as a source of food. The aim of this contribution is an overview on the most important halophyte species (Salicornia sp. pl., Arthrocaulon macrostachyum (Moric.) Piirainen & G. Kadereit, Soda inermis Fourr., Cakile maritima Scop., Crithmum maritimum L., Reichardia picroides (L.) Roth., Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke subsp. tenoreana (Colla) Soldano & F. Conti, Allium commutatum Guss., Beta vulgaris L. subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang., Capparis spinosa L.) that traditionally have been gathered by rural communities in southern Italy, with special interest on their ecology and distribution, traditional uses, medicinal properties, marketing and early attempts of cultivation. It is worth noting that these species have an attractive new cash crop for marsh marginal lands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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14 pages, 1739 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Biology of the Genus Ceiba, a Potential Source for Sustainable Production of Natural Fiber

by Ximena Gómez-Maqueo and Alicia Gamboa-deBuen

Plants 2022, 11(4), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040521 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3625

Abstract

The species of the genus Ceiba produces fruits with fibers with a high content of cellulose. The fiber is used for textiles, cushion filling and for industrial purposes and its characteristics have been studied in some species including Ceiba pentandra (kapok), C. speciosa [...] Read more.

The species of the genus Ceiba produces fruits with fibers with a high content of cellulose. The fiber is used for textiles, cushion filling and for industrial purposes and its characteristics have been studied in some species including Ceiba pentandra (kapok), C. speciosa and C. aesculifolia. The use of the trunk and seeds of Ceiba has also been described for different species. This article presents a review on the biological diversity of the genus Ceiba (Malvaceae). The genus Ceiba has 18 recognized species that are distributed naturally in America and Africa. However, some Ceiba trees have been introduced to various countries, especially in Asia, due to their ornamental interest and potential uses for their fiber. Ecophysiological studies of different Ceiba species have shown that resistance to adverse environmental conditions varies from species to species. Therefore, Ceiba species are considered potentially useful in restoring ecosystems impacted by human activity. The information related to the classification, morphological characteristics, phenology, ecophysiology and distribution of the different species will be extremely relevant for the sustainable production of kapok fiber. Finally, the recent genomic and transcriptomic studies also provide a valuable resource for further genetic improvement and effective use of Ceiba trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floristic Studies in the Light of Biodiversity Knowledge and Conservation)

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