Table of Contents

The main lines of the history of knowledge about the vascular flora of Morocco are presented. Names of some famous authors and notable publications are indicated. The report drawn up shows that the general floristic inventory is fairly well known; but for many species, there are still more or less big taxonomic and/or chorological gaps. Moroccan floristic research is currently in a bad situation. While waiting for better days, there is a way to keep the flame of this research alive by benefiting from the advantages of computer tools; efforts should be directed towards the creation and development of databases and electronic flora. The aim is to capitalize existing information, update it and disseminate it to the widest possible public, in particular researchers, students and biodiversity managers.

Botanical surveys undertaken in several regions of Tunisia (N Africa), mainly around salty wetlands and flats and along railways since 2015, yielded new records of non-native shrubby plants of the genus Euphorbia. These included Euphorbia canariensis, E. cotinifolia subsp. cotinoides, E. cooperi var. cooperi, E. cyathophora, E. milii, E. pulcherrima, E. tirucalli and* E. trigona*. Among these records, three (E. cotinifolia subsp. cotinoides, E. cooperi var. cooperi, and E. cyathophora) are new for the non-native flora of the Mediterranean area, one for the nonnative flora of the continental Africa (E. canariensis) whereas E. trigona and E. milii var. splendens are first reports to the non-native flora of N Africa. Moreover, Euphorbia pulcherrima is here assigned as first report for the non-native flora of the continental N Africa and E. tirucalli is confirmed as an established taxon and its distributive area is here updated. Distributions and brief morphological descriptions are given for each of these new records. Notes on their habitats and their main distinguishable features together with field photographs are also provided.

During field investigations in Morocco, two new alien species, Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) and Cardamine occulta (Brassicaceae), were discovered as new to the country. Additionally, C. occulta seems to be the first record for continental Africa. The distribution and ecology of these species are discussed.

Tripleurospermum rosellum is here reported as native to Bulgarian flora for the first time based on materials gathered in the East Rhodope Mts. The revision of herbarium materials revealed that the taxon has been collected from several different localities in the same region of the country over the past 80 years. A detailed presentation on its morphology, distribution and habitat characteristics in Bulgaria are presented. The Greek collections of Tripleurospermum oreades are to be referred to T. rosellum. The species is also confirmed for the mainland of European Turkey.

The typification of the Atriplex names published by Vincenzo Tineo and Michele LojaconoPojero is discussed. Atriplex ambigua, A. dealbata, A. graeci, A. halimoides, A halimoides var. glomerata, A. halimoides var. perglauca, A. polyphylla, and A. ratundifolia are neo- or lectotypified on specimens preserved at FI or PAL and synonymized with A. glauca (= A. dealbata), A. halimus (= A. halimoides = A. halimoides var. glomerata = A. halimoides var. perglauca), A. rosea (= A. ambigua = A. graeci) and A. tornabenei (= A. polyphylla = A. rotundifolia). The Tineo’s A. arenaria, previously considered as replaced synonym of A. tornabenei, is clarified and typified (neotype) on a specimens deposited at FI.

A new pteridophyte for the Algerian flora: Isoëtes delilei (Isoëtaceae). — In the present work we report a new pteridophyte for Algeria: Isoëtes delilei, a species presents in France, Spain and Portugal, and recently discovered in Morocco. This species is on the world and national red lists in the countries where it is reported. With the only one station here reported, it is certainly a critically endangered species in Algeria, needing urgent protection measures

The aim of this work is to determine the phenotypic variability of fruits of Chamaerops humilis (Arecaceae) according to the climatic conditions. Three hundred accessions were sampled from three climatically different regions of Northern Morocco: Sefrou, Fez, and El Hajeb. They were examined, in order to evaluate the morphological variability of C. humilis fruits and identify its morphotypes, in order to ensure a better valuation of the species and to maintain its sustainable development. Nine characters have been examined, including five quantitative characters and four qualitative. Comparison of means tests and principal component analysis were used to assess the variation in the morphological characters of dwarf palm fruits based on the regions. Hierarchical clustering was performed to identify C. humilis morphotypes. There was variability in dwarf palm fruit morphological characters in the three regions studied. The results revealed a great variation between individuals for the majority of the studied populations. The data collected from the field showed that the population originating from El hajeb presents fruits of large size, weight and shape that varied between oval and round-oblong, with an orange-brown color at maturity. On the other hand, the populations originating from the regions of Fez and Sefrou are characterized by less developed fruits, with smaller size, and a color generally red-brown and sometimes brown concerning the mature fruits.

In this paper new floristic records for 21 units are reported. In particular, 8 taxa are native, 1 is cryptogenic and 12 aliens, 9 are new or confirmed for Molise, 7 are new or confirmed for Abruzzo, 1 reported as doubtful for Abruzzo, 2 are new for Lazio and Basilicata, 1 is new for Marche. Two alien taxa are new to Italy: Acer tataricum subsp. tataricum and Campanula grandis subsp. grandis. The last one is new to Europe.

During recent field surveys with special emphasis on the weeds occurring in Moroccan farmlands and gardens, two new weed species were discovered for the first time in the country. Amaranthus palmeri plants have been collected in October 2020 along streets in Rabat and in a corn field in Tit Mellil (East of Casablanca), it is to be considered naturalized in Morocco. Chenopodium ficifolium subsp. ficifolium plants have been observed in a public garden in February 2022 in Berrechid, it is to be considered casual alien in Morocco. These reports indicate that Morocco needs more thorough botanical explorations especially in urban areas and agroecosystems. Both species enrich the Amaranthaceae of the country, but could be a threat to biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, food security, and human livelihoods.

With the aim of recording the present flora present across the Lebanese archeological sites, a survey including 15 different sites located in various bioclimatic regimes was conducted. The inventory documented 262 taxa from 32 families, encompassing 87 species and 75 genera. The most frequently occurring species were Cichorium intybus and Hyoscyamus aureus. Among the reported species, 14.95% were found to be endemic species to either Lebanon or the Eastern Mediterranean region, 2.35% were alien species, 28.73% were unique species; i.e. observed only in one site. This survey showed a first insight into the flora present in Lebanese archaeological sites and highlighted the role of these sites in harboring rich floral diversity. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to strengthen the conservation and protection efforts of the archaeological sites’ natural landscape and its sustainable utilization along the cultural heritage.

Centaurea grbavacensis, a Balkan endemic species of North Macedonia and N and C Greece, has been thoroughly studied throughout its distribution, based on living, photographic and herbarium material as well as literature. Ιt was found that all forms of the species grow in both Greece and North Macedonia. We studied the variation of the main morphological features, especially for the Mt. Olympos (Greece) subpopulations. It was found that spine length of the involucral phyllaries varies significantly within individuals and subpopulations, irrespective of flower colour (the typical colour is dark brownish purple, whereas in C. grbavacensis f. lutea it is yellow). Therefore, C. grbavacensis f._ spinescens_ cannot be maintained as a separate taxon. A karyological study of the two colour forms was performed, and karyotype photos are provided for the first time. The chromosome number, 2_n_ = 2x = 22, was confirmed and the karyotype morphology is mentioned.

The floristic composition of Spiraea hypericifolia shrubberies distributed in Georgia is studied for first time. 256 species of vascular plants, which belong to 172 genera and 49 families, were recorded. Leading families by content number of species are: Poaceae - 28 species (10.9%), Asteraceae – 27 (10.5%), Fabaceae – 20 (7.8%), Rosaceae – 18 (7%), Brassicaceae – 16 (6.3%), Lamiaceae – 16 (6.3%), Apiaceae – 11 (4.3%), Caryophyllaceae – 11 (4.3%), Asparagaceae – 7 (2.7%). Spectrum of life forms is as follows: phanerophytes – 37 species (14.4%), chamaephytes – 8 (3.1%), hemicryptophytes – 109 (42.6%), geophytes – 33 (12.9%), therophytes – 69 (27%). Based on the analysis of the systematic structure of the flora, the composition and ratio of chorotypes and the composition of life forms, 4 main directions of florogenetic connections were identified: Mediterranea, South-West Asia, Europe and Eurasian steppe. It can be concluded that the formation of the Spiraea hypericifolia shrubberies in Georgia took place under the influence both of the Ancient Mediterranean and Boreal floristic centers. Nevertheless, the Ancient Mediterranean connections are more expressed. The dominance of local (Caucasian) species in the spectrum of chorotypes (14%) emphasizes the originality of the studied shrubberies

Morphological, karyological, palynological and ecological features of Sphaerophysa salsula halophytic vulnerable species of the Armenian flora are investigated based on the specimens collected from Ararat salt marshes of Armenia. The expanded morphological description and illustration of this species is given. The study shows that the somatic chromosome number is 2_n_=16, with basic chromosome number x=8.

New records of alien plants escaped from cultivation in Algeria. — In this contribution are reported three vascular species new to the alien flora of Algeria and continental North Africa, reported outside the cultures in the Skikda region (northeastern Algeria). Duranta erecta and Justicia adhatoda are considered casual, Tecomaria capensis is considered naturalized. The latter is established in a relic of a maquis of Quercus suber and shows a significant potential for more spreading. Thus, T. capensis should be monitored to prevent a prompt potential invasiveness in Algeria.

In this paper new floristic records for 41 taxa (species and subspecies) are reported. In particular, 30 taxa are natives and 11 aliens. Among the natives 1 is new for Veneto, 7 are new or confirmed for Marche, 1 is new for Lazio, 9 are new or confirmed for Abruzzo, 2 are new or confirmed for Molise; 13 aliens taxa are new for Abruzzo, Lazio and Marche. Some findings are very interesting from a phytogeographic and/or conservation point of view, such as Allium guttatum subsp. dalmaticum new for Italy, Astragalus austriacus and Myosotis minutiflora subsp. minutiflora new for the Apennines, and, a species deserving urgent conservation actions, of which we report the second location at national scale. Furthermore, we report some new locations for very rare species

Phytoecology, dynamics and pollen reconstitution of two raised bogs (Aoural and Ain Salhat) of little eastern Kabylia: case of the Oued Zhor watershed (North-East Algeria). — Two raised bogs, Aoural and Ain Salhat, located in the region of the little Kabylia (North East of Algeria), were reviewed in both floristic inventories and pollen analyses during six years (2016-2022). The floristic study has revealed the existence of 174 taxa, 119 for the Aoural pond and 109 for the Ain Salhat one. Analysis of surface sediments pollen from the two ponds allowed us to identify 52 pollen taxa. In Ain Salhat pond, tree taxa dominate this assemblage, reaching a rate of 47.4%, followed by herbaceous ones with 24.5%, shrubby taxa with 24.4% and finally undetermined taxa with 3.7%, this is due to the position of the pond which is situated in a wooded forest environment. On the other hand, in Aoural’s pond, herbaceous taxa dominate spectra with 37%, followed by trees ones which account for 36%, shrubs (23.4%) and finally undetermined taxa with at around 3.6%. The contribution of pollen analysis to the knowledge of the current flora of the two studied ponds is of 58%. In total, 186 species have been identified using these two methods, of which 12 species have only been observed in the pollen spectrum. Floristic study and pollen analysis are therefore two complementary methods of study.

The Maltese archipelago has several endemic species adapted to an arid and hot climate. Due to its limited land area (316 km2) and high human population density most of these endemics are endangered or critically so. Few genomic studies have been carried out on this flora to date. The purpose of the present study was to estimate genome sizes (1C-values) of three of these endemic taxa using flow cytometry. The genome size of Cheirolophus crassifolius, was found to be 0.98 pg. This is the highest recorded value in this genus and does not fit published values and trends. The genome size of the octoploid Sedum album subsp. rupimelitense was found to be 1.05 pg and that of Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. melitensis 0.52 pg.

As a result of field surveys with special emphasis on weeds occurring in Moroccan farmlands, two recently introduced weed species (Ambrosia psilostachya and Datura ferox) have been found in several locations. A. psilostachya (Asteraceae) has been discovered in 2000 growing along roadsides. It is a perennial species that survives essentially through rhizomes and rootstocks, resulting in the establishment of clonal populations that form dense colonies on roadsides. It has been observed in March 2023 in 16 sites along national roads and highways. Datura ferox (Solanaceae) has been found in irrigated corn fields in 2022 and in a carrot field in 2023. Both species are unpalatable to livestock and will probably spread to other areas of Morocco. They are considered new naturalized weeds, which indicate that the country needs more botanical explorations. Herbariu specimens of both species were deposited at the national herbarium of the Institut Scientifique in Rabat.

Three years after the publication of the vascular flora of Mount Limbara, we present a revised floristic list with new records of 34 taxa in the study area. Specifically, 15 of these newly recorded taxa are native, while 19 are alien species. Additionally, we have removed 7 taxa from the previous list due to incorrect assignments. Furthermore, we have comprehensively revised the nomenclature, chorology, and distribution of additional 74 taxa within the study area. The inclusion of new alien taxa in our findings increases the already significant number of nonnative taxa identified in this area. Following this revision, the vascular flora of Mount Limbara currently comprises 1,175 taxa, classified into 125 families and 500 genera. The endemic and subendemic taxa are 89, while the alien flora includes 134 taxa. In this report, we highlight the discovery of four casual aliens that are new to the Sardinian flora: Hyacinthoides hispanica, Koelreuteria paniculata, Leucanthemum ×superbum, Ulex europaeus subsp. europaeus. Additionally, we present the first report for the flora of Italy of Eucalyptus ×trabutii (casual alien). Moreover, we confirm the presence of Hyacinthus orientalis for the Sardinian flora, and we exclude Cuscuta cesattiana from the flora of the island. Finally, we remark the invasive status of Abies cephalonica and Xanthium orientale in the area.

Ambrosia confertiflora a perennial herb native to North America and Caribbean has been recorded as a new alien to the vascular flora of African continent, second report to the Mediterranean area. In Tunisia, A. confertiflora is reported naturalized from few localities in the centre of the country where the species has established small and extended populations in surrounding ruderal disturbed habitats. A short morphological description as well as its distribution and habitat in Tunisia with color photos are presented. Moreover, a key to the Ambrosia species in the African continent is here firstly provided.

The Montarbu (CE Sardinia) is the second highest carbonate massif of Sardinia. This area mainly consists of a group of limestone mountain outcrops named “tonneri” or “tacchi”, with a great variety of micro-environmental and topographic conditions that host a high floristic richness. The main aim of this work is to present an updated checklist of the vascular flora of Montarbu to assess its conservation priorities. Based on several field surveys carried out from 2012 to 2023 and integrated by bibliographic and herbaria analyses, the updated checklist of the vascular flora is presented here. The flora amounts to 874 taxa, belonging to 94 families and 425 genera. Regarding the endemic component, we found 126 taxa, of which 44 are exclusive to Sardinia and 40 are shared with Corsica. The alien taxa are 33, but it appears worrying that 20 are recorded for the first time during the last two decades. The analysis of biologic and chorologic data highlighted the peculiarities of this territory and its biogeographic autonomy. Due to the relatively high number of endemics exclusive to Montarbu and its geological and geomorphological peculiarities, despite the already implemented initiatives, we suggest further activities supporting the conservation of this area

Daphne oleoides subsp. sardoa is a chamaephyte scrub described as a new subspecies occurring in the siliceous and limestone mountains of central Sardinia, characterised by cleistogamous flowers, purplish-purple hypanthium with generally erect short triangular segments.

This is the fifth issue of the series of germination reports from Mediterranean areas (sensu MedChecklist). It comprises germination protocols for 18 taxa: Hieracium and Pilosella from South Italy by Di Gristina & al. (Nos. 103-106); Genista from Sardinia by Deplano & al. (No. 107); Antirrhinum, Anthyllis, Digitalis, Echium, Jasione, Nothoscordum, Silene and Verbascum by Martínez-Oliver & al. (Nos. 108-116); Dianthus, Helichrysum and Silene from Sicily by Scafidi & Salmeri (Nos. 117-120).

For the first time, the chromosome number was determined for 5 species of the genus Pyrus L. (Rosaceae) from Armenia, viz. P. daralaghezii, P. hyrcana var. yeghegisi, P. medvedevii, P. oxiprion, P. takhtadzhianii, and the previous count of chromosome number for P. caucasica was confirmed. All the explored species have a diploid chromosome number 2n = 34 with the basic chromosome number x = 17.