Table of Contents

A criticai taxonomic revision of seven species from sect. Napulifera of genus Cyanus - Cyanus pseudoaxillaris, C. orbelicus, C. velenovskyi. C. napuliferus, C. nyssanus, C. tuberosus and C. thirkei has been made. For each species descriptions of the overall morphology, pollen grains and karyotype as well as the distribution area are given. Cyanus tuberosus is recorded for the first time for Greece. It has been established that C. nyssanus, so far considered the most wideIy distributed species within the group, is in fact restricted to a small area in Eastem Serbia. The type of hair-covering of leaves has taxonomic value for distinguishing between C. pseudoaxillaris and C. thirkei. The pollen morphology ofall species is of Montana-type (Wagenitz 1955). Pollen features support the species taxonomic rank of C. pseudoaxillaris and C. tuberosus. Two basic chromosome numbers, x = 11 and x = 10, have been found which show good correlation with the pollen features. Cyanus tuberosus is tetraploid. One 8-chromosome has been observed in the karyotype of C. thirkei. The main evolutionary mechanisms in the group are discussed ..

A cytogeographic study of the genus Leucojum in Greece was undertaken. Two taxa of Leucojum, with significant morphological, cytological and ecological differences grow in Greece. Leucojum aestivum, with 2_n_ = 22 chromosomes, occurs in shady places and wet meadows ofthe mainland southwards to N. Peloponnisos, and on some islands. Leucojum valentinum s.l., with 2_n_ = 16 chromosomes, prefers dry, stony, or rocky places, often covered with phrygana, on the Ionian Islands and in W. Sterea Ellas. The Greek populations of L. valentinum s.l. are not morphologically identical with Spanish specimens seen and probably represent an undescribed taxon.

A new species of Limonium is described form the island of Jerba in Tunisia. This species, named L. formosum, occurs along the shoreline on sandy soils filling the sandstone outcrops, where it is a member of a new association of the Ammophiletea class, proposed as Helichryso-Limonietum formosi. Its relationships with L. delicatulum and allied species are examined too.

Bellevalia dubia (Guss.) Kunth is an uneommon geophyte of the arid and uncultivated grounds of Centrai Eastem Mediterranean area, with three subspecific units: Bellevalia dubia (Guss.) Kunth subsp. dubia (Southern Italy, Sieily and Dalmatia), B. dubia subsp. boissieri (Freyn) Feinbr. (Greece, Turkey and Eastern Mediterranean coasts) and B. dubia subsp. hackelii (Freyn) Feinbr. (Portugal). Biosystematic investigations on Bellevalia populations from Calabria and Sicily, carried out in Pisa Botanie Gardens, evidenced considerable differences among them. Only the Sicilian populations agree with the originai deseription of Belòevalia dubia; on the contrary, the Calabrian plants look similar to Bellevalia dubia subsp. boissieri. Accordingly, Bellevalia dubia subsp. dubia (Lectotype in NAP!) is to be eonsidered as a Sicilian endemic unit.

Caryological studies were performed on 22 populations of Urginea maritima s.l. from centrai and western Mediterranean region and three levels of ploidy, 2x (2n = 20), 4x (2n = 40) and 6x (2n = 60) were identified. Diploids were found in Sicily (ltaly) and Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain), tetraploids in Sardinia (ltaly), Mallorca and Ibiza (Baleari c Islands, Spain) and Algeria, whereas hexaploids were identified only from the SE Spanish mainland (provinces of Almeria, Alicante and CasteIl6n). The morphological analyses of fourteen of the studied populations showed that the diploid plants from Minorca clearly differ by several characters from ali other studied plants, lncluding the diploids from Sicily. The diploids from Minorca are characterised by superficial and green bulbs, their leaves of light green colour are leaned on the ground and have a peculiar shape with almost parallel margins. On the contrary, it was impossible to distinguish on the basis of the morphological characters considered the diploids from Sicily from the tetraploids and hexaploids, which are ali quite similar. The results obtained suggest that specific category should be assigned to the plants from Minorca.

Taxonomy, karyology, chorology and ecology of A. pallens L., a circummediterranean species occurring in synanthropic habitats, are examined. It is closely related to A. convallarioides Grossh., a diploid species linked to natural habitats, which can be considered its probable ancestor.

Elaeoselinum tunetanum, a new species from the cliffs of Cap Bon (Tunisia) is described and illustrated. Considerations of its ecology, distribution and cariology are showed, as well as its relationships with the other species of this genus and its taxonomic position are discussed.

The populations of S. annuum from S Calabria are described as a new subspecies, namely subsp. gussonei. This occurs on siliceous rocky places ofthe mountain belt, where it is a member of ephemeral communities rich in acidophilous microphytes.

The taxa belonging to the group of Linaria multicaulis (L.) Miller growing in Sicily have been studied. Four entities, put in the rank of subspecies and variety, are circurnscribed and described. Arnong them, three are new: L. multicaulis subsp. multicaulis var. panormitana, L. multicaulis subsp. aetnensis and L. multicaulis subsp. multicaulis var. messanensis. All the described taxa are Sicilian endemics. In addition an identification key and a distribution map are provided.

18 quantitative and 33 qualitative characters were investigated with statistical analyses on 43 accepted species of Limonium Mill. occurring in Sicily. Variance of each single quantitative character was tested. Furthermore an attempt of grouping the species through statistical methods was made.

The morphological and anatomical features of some vegetati ve and generative organs of three Romulea taxa (Romulea bulbocodium var. bulbocodium (L.) Seb. & Mauri, Romulea bulbocodium (L.) Seb. & Mauri var. crocea (Boiss. & Heldr.), Romulea bulbocodium (L.) Seb. & Mauri var. leichtliniana (Heldr. ex HaI.) Bég. from the flora of Turkey have been investigated in this research for the first time. The morphological characteristics of organs such as corm, leaf, flower and the generai outlooks (habitus) of ali taxa have been given along with pictures in the section ofmorphology. The grooves, papillae, mesophyll and the distribution ofthe vascular bundles in just transverse sections of the leaf lamina ha ve been shown with microphotographs in the section of anatomy.

More than one hundred rocket (Eruca vesicaria) accessions collected from as many geographic localities have been characterised llsing vegetati ve, fl ower, fruit and seed characters. The species shows an ampie reticulate variation which often makes it diflicult to ascribe specimens to a particular subspecies. For flowering or early fruiting plants, the best discriminant character to distinguish subsps vesicaria and saliva is the persistence of the sepals ( 10-1 2 persistent calyces below the last open flower in subsp. vesicaria compared to 3-5 in subsp. sativa). In dry infructescences, pedicels of the basa i fruits of each branch are longer in vesicaria (9-15 mm) than in sativa (3 -6 mm). Subsp. pinnalifida also shows long pedice ls but it ean be easil y distinguished by its small seed size ( I-I.I mm versus. > 1.3 in ali other subspecies). Fruit morphometry did not support a clear distinction for populations usually ascribed to subsp. longirostris in South Spain and Morocco. On the other hand, some naturalised subsp. sativa populations of cliltivated origin can be differentiated by their large fruits and seeds

Iris pumila L (subgen. Iris sect. Iris) is widely distributed in southeastem Europe and a me ber of the dwarf bearded group. The morphological features (Ieaf, rhizome, root, pollen), along with the karyological observations (2_n_ = 36), showed that the investigated specimens be long to Iris pumila var azurea, which is a hybrid of two dwarf taxa of the section Pogoniris.

Une collection de 47 provenances de Cenchrus ciliaris L., de la zone aride tunisienne, a été étudiée en vue d'analyser la variabilité morphologique. Sept paramètres morphologiques ont été observés au cours des deux phases végétative et reproductive durant trois années successi ves (1998, 1999 et 2000). L'analyse de la vari ance montre une grande hétérogénéité génétique intraspécifique ainsi qu'une sensibilité aux facteurs climatiques. L' ACP permet de scinder les variables en deux groupes. Le premier caractérise la taille de la touffe, et le second son porto La matrice de corrélation montre de fortes corrélations positives entre les variables de chaque groupe. L' ACP-VI con firme ces observations et permet de préciser certains modes de développement en indiquant les provenances associées à ces modes de développement. Mots clés: Cenchrus ciliaris, variabilité morphologique, zone aride tunisienne, analyse en composantes principales, analyse en composantes principales sur variables instrumentales.

The investigation was based on geographic distribution of haplotypes of oak chloroplast DNA (et DNA) on species trom Quercus sensu stricto group with particular stress on common oak (Q. robur L.) in Croatia. Study ofthe Croatian populations was a part ofwide European investigation in frame of FAIR OAK project. In Croatia, five haplotypes (2, 5, 6, 7, 17) of et DNA were found. Our results showed that ali oak species from Quercus sensu stricto group shared the same haplotypes which could be a consequence of the hybridisation events that have occured more frequent in tbe past than today.

Chromosome number, pollen and genome size were determinated from five Erysimum species: E. burnati Vidal, E. pseudorhaeticum Polatschek, E. cfr. collisparsum Jordan, E. rhaelicum (Schleich.) DC. and E. jugicola Jordan. Only those species with the same basic chromosome number showed a strong direct relation between pollen size, ploidy level and genome size.

Orchis coriophora s. l. includes a group oftaxa that present a particular morphological and ecological variability which has led to disagreement as to their taxonomic status. With the aim of providing information to help c1arify this situation, morphological data collected over two consecutive years in six populations belonging to the O. coriophora group were statistically analysed. Our resuIts suggest that five ofthe characters studied are oftaxonomic interest (Iower leaf width, second leaf width, mid lobe length, spur length and diameter), some of which had not been previously considered. Finally, some considerations regarding the taxonomic status of these subgroups are discussed.

The chromosome numbers and the morphological characteristic of the karyoptypes of eight Geranium species growing in Bulgaria have been studied. They belong to three subgenera and seven sections according to the c1assification ofYeo (1984).

The taxonomic importance of leaf anatomy in the Poaceae has been highlighted by many authors and applied to a great number of genera belonging to this family. This study provides new information which may help clarity the relationships among the different taxa ofthe genus Anthoxanthum present in the Iberian Peninsula and to evaluate the influence ofthe environment on the anatomical characteristics to analyze their validity for taxonomic purposes. The anatomical characteristics of 110 samples from 22 populations of the five Iberian taxa of Anthoxanthum were analyzed. Of each sample 12 characteristics of the epidermal surface and 10 characteristics of the leaf transverse section were measured and ali information was stored in a database. The similarity among samples was determined using the Phi Coefficient The relationships among samples were summarised in a phenogram carried out using Clustering Methods. The influence of environmental parameters on the anatomical characteristics was determined by a Canonical Correspondence Analysis.

Genus Salix has not been yet a sufficiently studied taxon in Portugal. The authors aim to clairify some taxonomical issues and add some new information about this genus. Preliminarily, a bibliographical survey conceming the geographical scope of Portugal and Spain only, was made in order to prepare tentative key for the genus. Furthermore, taxonomical assessment was based in samples collected along the Portuguese Mediterranean Region. Fieldwork included recording of morphological and ecological characters that could be only observed in situo For these, voucher specimens were also taken and kept in LISI, for further record of morphometric features. Specimens trom Bragança (BRESA), Vila Real (HVR), Porto (PO) and Lisbon (LISI) herbaria were al so studied. Characters selected for description are mostly those used by Crovello (1969), Palo ma BIanco (1986), Vasconcellos (1970), Franco (1971), Diaz Gonzalez & Llamas (1987), Thiébaut (2000), but al so others based in criteri a of constancy and believed to yield some taxonomical significance, namely those possessing higher correlations with the former. Thus, a preliminary study of both living and dried material supports the total list of characters. Based solely in morphometric features, a preliminary phenetic classification was approached using a clustering procedure - UPGMA and Bray-Curtis coefficient - by means of the NTSYS-PC ™ program.

In the frame of a project conceming the knowledge and the protection of some Mediterranean species, we studi ed, with the techniques of modem cytogenetics, a complex of four closely related taxa of genus Lilium (Liliaceae). All species (L. bosniacum (G. Beck) G. Beck ex Frish, L. carniolicum Bernh., L. pomponium L. and L. pyrenaicum Gouan) be long to section Lyriotypus. They have restricted distribution areas in the Dinaric mountains, the Alps, and the Pyrenees and neighbouring mountains. In spite ofa constant chromosome number (2n = 24) and a very similar karyotype morphometry, the distribution of heterochromatic bands (detected by fluorochrome banding) and the location of 18S-5.8S-26S ribosomal genes (detected by in situ hybridization) allowed us to characterise the karyotypes ofthe different species. Nuclear DNA amount (assessed by flow cytometry) was also determined.

A molecular phylogenetic analysis using the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 region (ITS 2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA was conducted to investigate the evolution of spines within Convolvulus and to test the monophyly of section Acanthocladi. A total of 49 species were included in the analysis, comprising 40 species of Convolvulus, Calystegia sepium and eight outgroup taxa. The results from parsimony analysis ofthe data showed that C. caput-medusae, a spined species from the Canary Islands, is more closely related to other Canarian endemic species of Convolvulus than to the spined C. trabutianus, from Morocco, with which it has been previously considered conspecific. Spines are shown to be homoplastic within Convolvulus and eight steps are required to optimise the character on the most parsimonious tree presented. Section Acanthocladi together with the other two sections recognised in the most recent revision of Convolvulus from Western Asia, the Mediterranean and Macaronesia are shown to be polyphyletic.

The overall distributions of the vascular plant floras of the Iberian, Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas are compared by using the data of 2023 indigenous species and subspecies from volumes 1-12 of Atlas Florae Europaeae. The floras of the peninsulas have clearly different overall distribution patterns. Some details of these patterns are discussed.

The distribution of the Origanum taxa in Crete is presented and the essential oils of severa I populations scattered on the island are studied. The essenti al oil content varies from 0,4% in O. calcaralum and O. micraphyllum up to 7,4% in O. vulgare subsp. hirtum. The main oil components of o. calcaratum, O. onites and o. vulgare subsp. hirtum are y-terpinene, p-cymene, thymol and carvacrol while the oils of o. microphyllum are rich in trans- and cis-sabinene hydrate and terpinene-4-01. Our results are discussed in relation to their chemotaxonomic value.

Preliminary data on the distribution in Latium of 21 species belonging to the genus Rosa L. are here presented. Specimens of University (RO, FI, UTV) and private Herbaria were analyzed and the taxa were identified mostly in accordance with Klastersky (1968) and partly with Henker (2000). The distribution maps, showing the occurrence of each. laxon in the region, were drafted using the UTM grid (10 x 10 Km). R. glutinosa Sibth. et Sm. and R. stylosa Desv., new to the flora of Latium, are very rare. R. pendulina L., R. montana Chaix, R. villosa L., R. pimpinellifolia L. and R. tomentosa Sm., restricted to mountainous areas, are quite rare. R. canina L. s.s., R. squarrosa (Rau) Boreau, R. agreslis Savi and R. sempervirens L., are widespread at lower altitude. R. arvensis Hudson is the only nemoral species. R. serafinii Viv., collected only once in 1864, is considered extinct.

The genus Anthoxanthum L. (Poaceae: Pooideae) is distributed throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean Region is considered its Centre of Diversification. This genus includes annual and perennial species, but the taxonomic status in some of them is doubtful. The purpose of this study was to establish morphological relationships and clarify the taxonomic status ofthe taxa present in the Iberian Peninsula using a statistical approach. Twenty-two wild populations of the different taxa were analized: seven for A. odoratum L., seven for A. arislatum Boiss., six for A. amarum Brot. and two for A. ovatum Lag. A total oftwenty-one characteristics (quantitative and qualitative) were studied in 30 - 35 samples from each population. Statistical analysis was achieved using the program SPSS 10.0. A principal component analysis was employed to deterrnine which ofthe characteristics studied could be used to best characterise each taxon. With the previously selected characteristics the relationships among populations were established using the Phi coefficient for qualitative data and the Manhattan distance for quantitative values. These relationships were represented in two phenograms obtained using UPGMA clustering methods.

The taxonomical treatment of Orobanche crinita Viv. and O. foetida Poir. is controversial and very often these taxa are misidentified. A floristic survey has been carri ed out, together with a revision of the main national and regional herbaria. The differential morphological characteristics of both taxa and its distribution in the West Mediterranean area is afford .

Six European local endemies are presented with short notes on their taxonomic affinities and distribution maps. The species treated are Bupleurum greuteri, B. aira, B. capillare, B. gaudianum, B. gussonei, and B. rollii. Randomly originated genetie barriers are suggested as a driving foree in the evolution of these speeies.

Geophytes in a strict sense compri se c. 9,5 % of the Greek flora and include many species of horticultural interest. Approximately 80 % ofthem be long to the four large monocotyledonous families Amaryllidaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae s.lat. and Orchidaceae. Three topics are briefly considered, viz., the perennial weeds of arable land, endemism, and flowering ti me, the latter with emphasis on the differentiation between spring-flowering and autumn-flowering taxa.

The flora of Il Bulgarian mountains, representing about 80% of total area of Balkan-Rhodope mountain system is analysed. In calculation are included 2018 taxa with populations in altitude range 1000 - 2925 m. Vertical distribution of the flora is valuated using altitudinal steps of 500 m. Hypsometric interval of 1000 - 2000 m shows more or less constant number of species (ab. 1300) and diversity decreases in altitude with about 400 taxa in every 500 m reaching value of 257 species in the highest part ofthe mountains. Indifferent species to basic rock prevails (62%) but flora on limestone terrains is Il % richer than that one on silicate. More than 50% of the species prefers terrains with moderate humidity and about 30% are xerophytes. Hemicryptophytes represent 60% of ali species and other life forrns show quite equal values (geophytes 10,1 %, chamaephytes 10,0%, therophytes 9,8% and phanerophytes 9,0%,). Analysis ofthe chorological spectra shows prevalence ofEuropean chorotype 26,9% followed by Balkan endemics 23,4%, Euro-Asiatic 13,2% and Sub-Mediterranean Il , I % species. Ali other chorological groups are less than 10% and ali together represent 25,3% of the ali species.

The study contributes to the knowledge of distribution and expression of phytodiversity (floristic and taxonomic richness) ofthe mountain floras in Sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean floristic regions. The comparison deals with mountain floras ofNorth Pirin ML (Bulgaria) and Madonie Mt. (Sicily). Analyses are made by assessing floristic richness from one hands and taxonomic structure at family and genera level from other of both local floras using U-test as statistic method. Biological (after Raunkiaer), ecological spectra and distribution of the taxa in altitude are confronted and main trends are pointed out. Comparison of the geographical distribution of the species of the two floras is made by separate analysis of the different geoelements and special attention is paid to the endemie species.

Data about floristic composition of an olive plantation in traditional use on the lonian cost of Calabria (South Italy) are presented. The area under study consist of 14 Ha, the basic rocks are granodiorits. Region belongs to Meso-Mediterranean thermoclimatic belt The plantation was created in 1920s and since 1986 the mai n agricultural applied technique are pruning and buming of cut branches, ploughing and collecting fruits using traditional techniques and mechanistic, without use of any chemicals. The flora under study consists of 274 species and subspecies. Taxonomic spectra show dominance of Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae to which families belongs almost half of the species. The most of the species are Therophytes followed by Hemycriptophytes and Geophytes. Phanerophytes are presented in hedges by Mediterranean shrubs. The most of the species have Mediterranean and Sub-Mediterranean distribution and together with Cosmopolits (s.i.) form more then 60%.

Comparative study of endemism holds much promise for proper understanding of this phenomenon, especially when the regions are commensurable enough in area and phytodiversity like Sieily and Crimea. Applying phytogeographieal eoordinates affords eheeking of endemism assessment. Definition of the notion "endemic" is also discussed in the papero

Thc experimental cultivation of vascular taxa both rare or endemic to Sicily has been carried Qut in arder lO acquire infonnation on their rcproductive biology, phenology and life eyclc, with thc aim to give a basic tool for thc conservation ex situ ofthc most threatened among them. The research concerned 111 specific and infraspecific taxa belonging to 28 families, among which Asteraceae, Plumbaginaceae, Liliaceae, Cruciferae, Fabaceae and Caryophytlaceae were mostly represented. The cultivation was conducted using whole plants, parts of them and sees. Per each taxon 3·4 specimens were used, having care do not affect the population in the collecting localities. This materiaI, was placed to sprout in pto within the Palermo Botanical garden, under different substrate conditions de pending on thc specific cases. After sprouting (more then 70% successful) it was planted in plots at Ficuzza, a hitly locality south of Palermo. Of these reproduced plants, about 80% flowered and 50% beared fruits. Their seeds were sowed in the Botanical garden of Palermo and rapidly germinated especially as far as the genera to Stipa, Cerinthe, Piptatherum, Rhus, Relama, Syderilis, Trifolium and Achyranthes are concerned .The vegetative propagation tests on Berberis, Bupleurum, Celtis, Iberis, Genista, Rosa, Salvia, Thymus, carried out in pots without using rhizogen honnones, had a limited result.

Wc have sludied severa l paramelers in Triticum durum Desf., cultivated organically in the same period in two localities with different microclimatic conditions. We particularly investigated phenological parameters such as growth, plant development and net photosynthesis. The aim was to see if there existed any difference due not only to factors commonly involved in biodiversity, bui also to factors such as productivity (Waide & al. 1999) and peculiarities of the functional group (Cody 1975; Leonardi 1998). The observations and measurerncnts carried out on Triticum durum Desf. show quite different growth patterns and potential productivity.

The nature proteclion status and measures of conservation of Leucojum aestivum L., an economically important species as a pharmaceutical crude drug, are presented. The main threats of the natural populations in Bulgaria were identified. Background information conceming chorolagy, ecology and resources of the species were summarized. In situ conservation approaches were discussed: including the populati on sialus in prolecled areas, recommendalions for their management and sustainable use ofthe resources. The experience in ex situ conservation of L. aestivum was summarized. Application of biotechnological methods as well as in vivo rapid propagation via twin-scaling method were assessed and envisaged to be developed as an alternative of natural population use. Current status of 17 galanthamine-type populations localized in Southeast Bulgaria was described. Bulbs and seeds were gathcred as a germplasm for ex situ conservation.

This study is based on field investigations aimed to monitoring relictual Kermes oak vegetation in Sicily and characterizing il from ecologica I, phytocoenotic and synphytosociol ogical point of view. Fidd surveys display a nOlable ecological range and good silvicultural potentialities for Quercus calliprinos. This species is suitable for forestal restoration projects inside Sicilian natural protected areas.

Wc pre.sent recent data on the distribution of some spccies rcported in the Regional Red List as endangered in the Pelorilan District (Sic ily). In this work we consider some species reported in thc Sicilian Rcd List as critically endangered (CR): Tilia platyphyllos subsp. platyphyflos, Hyoseris lallrina (Pamp.) Martinoli, Woodwardia rodieans (L.) Sm.; endangercd (EN): Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All., Isoetes durieui Bory, Isoetes histrix Bory ; vulnerable (VU): Cistus crispus L., Carduus cephafanthus Viv., _Osmunda regalis. L. Furthennore. we report data on Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet) Samp. cited in the Red List as species with deficient data (DD). We put also in evidence that there is no corrcspondence between the assigned category risk and the actual degree or danger affecting in thc area (such as Hypecoum procumbens L. , Fritillaria messanensis Raf. and Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link)

The Palermo province is one of the most interesting areas in Sicily with respect to the plant biodiversity. In this territory 2148 specific and infraspecific taxa occur. i.e. 80% of the vascular flora of the region; furthermore 232 of such taxa are endemic. i.e. 60% of the whole eodemics in Sicily. The distribution of this remarkable heritage is represenred in an integrated map in which GIS data are analytically combined with other ones from different sources. The incidence and distribulion of the flora of the province (which is divided 167 quadrants) are comprehensively shared out through a chromatic range or eight classes while incidence and distribution of endemics are displayed within each quadrant through five red dots of different diameter.

Based on c. 250.000 individuai records the distribution of vascular planls on Crete is summed up on four cumulative grid maps with 4 'x3' ce lls.

Narcissus cavanillesii A. Barra & G L6pez (Amaryllidaceae) is distributed in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The only two plant localities of N. cavanillesii recorded in Portugal will be affected by the construction ofthe Alqueva dam (Alentejo region) and one ofthem will be lost if no conservation action is taken. Therefore, a conservation programme was designed to minimise the extinction risk of N. cavanillesii in Portugal as well as guarantee the survival of its populations. First results regarding this conservation programme are presented.

The Valencian Community is home to approximately 3050 vascular plant species, of which 23 can be considered endangered relict species. Its distribution follows distinct geographical pattems that determine the disturbances to which different taxa are subject. In the studied species, rarity is inextricably linked to their evolutionary history, but human intervention and issues such as land use have had a significant impact in their current status. Habitat loss is the issue perceived as more pressing with regard to their conservation. Many relict taxa will only survive if interactions between disturbance agents are acknowledgcd. Conservation of relicts requires a long-term fine-scale approach to management in which the maintenance of heterogeneous landscapes must be recognised as a crucial strategy.

Pollulion urban and suburban stress provoke a dilrerenl tendence towards lear plani sclerophylly. Sclerophylly and phenol compound synthesis appeared to be active respomnses in leaves of Citrus aurantium L., Cupressus sempervirens L., Ficus magnolioides Barzi, Myrtus communis L. , Nerium oleander L., Parietaria judaica L, Pinus pinea L, Platanus hybrida Brot.. Quercus ilex L. and cotyledon of Sinapis alba L., from sites located along polluted urban arcas or sea-spray polluted periurban areas or, in the end, subjected to magnetic treatment as Sinapis alba L. Our investigations have shown that some plants are better suited to a city environment, some have displastic cells (Pinus pinea L., Nerium oleander L.), other are able to accumulate air pollution or sea aereosol and their cells are not displastic, but are full of secondary metabolites (Cupressus sempervirens L., Ficus magnolioides Borzi, Parietaria judaica L., Platanus hybrida Brot.), others still show no sign of alteration, and almost all are prone to a higher (Myrtus communis L., Quercus ilex L.) or lower degree (Sinapis alba L.) or sclerophylly. Biostructural and spectrophotometric tests are carried out, paying particular attention to urban vehicolar lead concentrations.

Thc effect of two herbivory regimes by cattle on plant growth and reproductive traits was studied in a small population ofthe endangered Erodium paularense (Geraniaceae), a narrow endemic of Centrai Spain. Results varied in time and according to the type of herbivory showing that the problem of managing herbivory for conservation purposes is not simple and cannot always be optimally solved by fencing.

The Authors present the results of their observations on the changes to the flora and vegetation cover which has occurred over the past 50 years on the Isola Rossa of Trinità d' Agultu (Centralnorthem Sardinia). The presence of 23 entities, not listed in the preceding floristic inventory, has brought about a decided alteration in the floristic stock and, in particular, in the aspect of the vegetation landscape . Among the species responsible for these changes, a major role has been played by Lavatera arborea L., Parapholis incurva (L.) C. E. Hubbard and Arisarum vulgare Targ.-Tozz.

The study or cyclic variations of sheaths thickness (lepidochronological analysis) ofthe marine phanerogam Posidonia oceanica was carried out on orthotropic rhizomes in a coastal lagoon (Stagnone) to investigate the effects of climate changes. This study has allowed to learn information on the evolution of meadows since 1981 to 1995. P. oceanica meadow, in the study area, shows evident regression signals. Rhizomes annual mean growth, in the latest five years, shows a significative decrement, stimated around 28%. In addition, a gradual decrease of rhizomes primary production has been observed during historical series explored. The extrapolation for the whole meadow gives an estimated total rhizome production of 26,05 tons dw y^-1 in 1981 and 15,32 tons dw y -I in 1995, recording a loss of 41%. Thus, rapid decline of P. oceanica meadow indicates (hat coastal lagoons may be considered a highly vulnerable habitat where short-term climatic effects on seagrass ecosyslem are possible and where the lepidochronological parameters employed constitute a useful tool in the delinition of P. oceanica as a "biological indicator" of the environmental changes.

In thc Maghreb countries, the surroundings of Qubbas (= buildings where saints (Marabut) are buried) are used as cemeteries by local people. Such areas anen shelter thc [ast remnants ofnatural vegetation in intcnsely cultivated regions. Two holy forests in diffcrcnt ccorcgions of thc Tangier Peninsula in Northem Morocco have been studied and mapped to sec, which plant species and vegetation types do occur there. At both graveyards, pasturing, smal] scale buming and burial activities result in a fine grained mosaie or diflerenl vegetalion types. The heterogcneity ofthe whole Marabut-area is ofanlhropozoogenic origin o ]t is ensurcd by a continuation ofthe traditional use. Protection in the sense of "non-use" would diminish its floristic and structural diversity. The Marabut-areas are or outstanding biological importance and or esthetic and spiritual value. In the Holy forests, the noosphere bccomes tangible in thc biosphere.

In Sicity thc presence of IIex aquifolium L.. a Tertiary rclict, is nowadays limited to mountainous areas under oceanic climatic conditions. hs occurrence is also subject to the substratum. In the region, holly is usually found in beech-woods and in the adjacent dccidous mesophilous woods; sometimes it occurs in yew or holm-oak formations, or in ripariaan mountainous phytocoenoses. The ecology of this species in the main Sicilian formations has comparatively been surveyed under the phytosociological, bioclimatological and lithologiecl aspects. This sludy has allowed to distinguish some heterotopical holly biotopes from the typical ones. Furthermore, Ihe distribulion of the species in Ihe Sicilian territory has been updated. Finally, the woody vegetation including holly has been arranged within the relevant known syntaxa and , besides, the mesophilous aspects with Quercus ilex have been rererred to a new association within the Pino-Quercion congestae (Quercetalia pubescentis. Qeerco-Fagetea) alliance, named Geranio versicoloris-Quercetum ilicis.

The woody species Securinega tinctoria (L.) Rothm., Nerium Oleander,. L. and Dianthus lusitanus Brol. are being monitored in order to evaluate the effects of the Alqueva reservoir (Guadiana River, Alentejo, Portugal). Securinega tinctoria is a threatened narrow endemic speces. Nerium oleander belongs to the riparian galleries and Dinathus lusitanus grows on rocky habitats. The three species are considered important for the maintenance of their habitat structure. Thc Alqueva dam is under construction and the effects of its reservoir on the plant species are being evaluated and quantified by demographic, phenologic and reproductive biology sludies. In these sludies, it is neeessary to define classes of individuals (cohorts) grouped by a common functional characteristic. Beeause the age delermination in these individuals (i.e. the sludy of growth rings) may require destructive. biometric parameters related to floral production capacity or phenophase were studied using regression models. The most significant models and the parameters that better declined the groups or cohorts are presented. The modelling orthese relationshi ps givc the size strutture oflhe populations in lime zero. This allows lor unalysis or their evolulion and tlle irnpact asscssmcnt 01' Ihc u<lm's conslruction on the studied spccics in Ihe nexl years.

In this article single aspects of a monographical study on Euphorbia dendroides L. (Euphorbiaceae) are presented. A Species of its biology and its systematic as well as sociocultural position are discussed. For the first time the age of single individuals could be distinguished. Based on field investigations of the author as well as on the interpretation of the literature and herbarium specimens a revised total area of Euphorbia dendroides is presented. Finally its phytosociological position is analysed.

The complex 01' plants flowering in mid summcr on the marble slopcs or Pirin MIs. were classified according IO the morphology oftheir " blossoms" (flower or compacI inflorescence) in thc lo ll owing basi e classes: I) "d ish/bow]" - free acccss to the nectar and pollen, 2) "beli" and " rullncl" - more or less hidden nectar, 3) " flag" (sternotribic poll ination) ami 4) "gulle'" (nototribic po llination). The highest numbcr of plant spcc ics have "gullet", "dish!bowl + funneUtube" and "dishlbowl" shaped bloSsoms. Vellow and purple coloms are equaJly presented by highest number of species. Next highest number of plant species have white blossoms. On Pirin marbles "gullet" morp h is usua lly combined w ith purple co lour. The "dish/bowl + funnel/tube" blossoms are usually purple while those shaped as "dishfbowl" are usually ye llow. Also high is the number ofplant species with "flag" blossoms which are usua lly bright or pale yellow. Most abundant are plant spccies with yellow and purple blossoms Iì·om different structural classcs. Bumblebees were thc most frequent bec visitors. All of them showed preference to " flag" and "gullet" blossom morph, mainly purple and yellow. Highest average visitation rate (number ofvisitors per mi nute) showed workers Bombus pratorum. Next most active bumblebees were B. lapidarius and B. mastrucatus.

We examined levels of population genelic variation al 9 isozyme loci in the Canarian monotypic endemic Neochamaelea pulverulenta and in a stand of the Mediterranean Cneorum rricoccon. Basic descriptors of genetic variation indicate that this Canarian endemie tilS the emerging pieture of a higher genetic diversity in Canary Is!and cndemics than in lhose from more remote oceanic archipelagos. Genetic variation is highly subdivided in N. pulverulenta, as indicated by the high average va!ues of Gst and Fst, which hinl al a vcry low leve! of gene flow. Patterns of isolation by distance manifest only moderately in the inler-island comparisons, with the population from La Sorrueda (Gran Canaria) unexpectedly closer lo Teno (Tenerife) lhan to the other two Gran Canarian populations in the UPGMA cluster, probably as an effcct of drift. The !ow number of isozyrnc alleles shared by N. pulverulenta and C. tricoccon and the low average genelic identity between thern (I = 0.245) bolsters the hypothesis of an antique evolutionary divergence, as suggested by previous systematic and pallynologic studies.

Linaria ricardoi Cout. (Scrophulariaceae) is a Portuguese endemism considered as a prioritary species by the European Community Habitats and Species Directive (Directive 92/43/CEE), that grows in dry arable tìelds in a restricted area l'rom SE Portugal. Its actual distribution is limited lO few known arcas where anthropogenic action, namely agriculture, is less intensive. A study on pollen viability, stigma receptivity and breeding system of Linaria ricardoi was begun to improve the knowledge on this species and to contribute to ilS conservation. Results shows that L. ricardoi can reproduce by both cross- and self-pollination, although xenogamy looks to be more efficicnt.

The seed bank of arable fields is the major source for the renewal of weed species. Three field studies were carried out from Ocotober 2000 to July 2001 in autumn wheat (Triticum durum) and lupin crops (Lupinus albus 'MISAK') al Queluz (near Lisbon) and in an autmin wheat (Triticum durum) in Alqueva (Alentejo). The methodology applied was that of the European Weed Rescarch Society (EWRS) ex - Working Group "Biology and Ecology or Weeds-seedbanks and Real Flora 01" Agricultura l Land", The seedling emergcence from the soil samples (seedbank) was recorded weekly taking into account the Mediterranean species. The common dominant species in Queluz were Anagallis arvensis, Euphorbia peplus, Legousia speculum-veneris, Papaver rhoeas, Polycarpum tetraphyllum and Polygonum aviculare, and in the Alqueva Cichorium intybus, Sinapis arvensis, Sonchus oleraceus and Trifolium isthmocarpum. Knowledge of seeding emergence during the year is an important aspect for thc conservation of Mediterranean specics like Legousia speculum-veneris, that nowdays occurs only in Central-Western Lisbon region. The Queluz field study will be continued until 2002.

An atlas with morphological descriptions ofthe recent pteridophyte spores of Bulgaria is being prepared. The mai n object or the project is to illustrate the spores or pteridophytes native in Bulgaria with the aim to facilitate the palaeopalynological and taxonomic studies. Data on four species - Oyplogramma crispa, Alhyrium distenlifolium, Cyslopferis fragilis and Polystichum aculeatum - are presented as examples, including morphological, distributional and habitat information.

Thc prcparation or th c Bryophytc part of thc Flora Palacstina series has been complcted and "Thc 8ryophyte Flora or lsrael" is in press (published by Thc Israel Academy or Sciences and Humanitics, Seri es editor F. D. Por, Scienti fi c editor N. L. Gil-ad.). Thc flora comprises 259 taxa (220 mosses, 39 homworts and liverworls). Geographically thc tl ora covers thc area l'rom thc Med iterranean Sea lo thc Syrian-African Rift Vall ey, and in additi on includes thc Galao Hcights and th c so uth part or Mt. He rmon . This paper prov ides some highlights on the taxonomic and tloristic research, particularly species diversity and species composition, on phytogeographic etements and on endemismo A comparison also is made between the Israeli bryophyte flora and that of Europe .

A partir de la révision du matériel déposé dans son herbier (Iocalités inédites), l'auteur apporte des donnés sur la présence et la contribution à la flore bryophytique du genre Schistidium dans la République Fédéral de Yougoslavie. Aussi, Ies localités publiées onl compilé, jusqu'à présent. Schislidium elegantulum Blom, S. crassipilum Blom et S. singerense (Schiffn.) Lab. sont noveaux pour la bryoflore yougoslave. Malgré la découvcrte récente de noueclles espèces du genre Schistidillm dans la Yougoslavie, la flore du Schistidium ainsi que tout la bryoflore yougoslave demeure encore très peu connue.

The ai,s of this study are the description of the bryophyte diversity on representative grasslands in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) and their dependence relative to different management actions and vegetation types. The inventory of bryophytes from major grassland assemblages was carrying out from 1992 to 2000. The identification of all taxa and the registration of quantitative data, of the most important meadow communilies of Natural Park of Serra da Estrela, will conlribute to monitor future alterations in such communities. A list of 109 bryophyte taxa (27 hepatics and 92 mosses) from 52 plots is presented and percentage of occurrence of each species is given for each type and subtype o f grassland. Bryofloristic survey and species preferences werc analyzcd using TWINSPAN analysis.

We report Asparagopsis taxiformis from Trapani, on the western coast or Sicily, where gametophytes have been collected for the first time in May 2000. This is the first record of gamelophytes from Italy and the second record from the western Mediterranean, the previous one being from the Balearic lslands. Yet, the earliest Mediterranean record of sporophytes or Asparagopsis (that could represent this species of A. armata) dates back to 1883 from the Island of Elba. Thc Sicilian gametophytes were dioecious, in agreement with some authors, differing from plants recorded in New Zealand and Australia that have been consistently reported to be monoecious. Whether the gametophytes from Trapani represent a recent introduction or are the product of meiosis in loca l populations of Falkenbergia is unknown.

A collection is thc starting-point for various types ofstudies buI il is also, and mainly, a remarkable didactic instr':lment. Thc knowledge or level of information (representativeness) contained in every sample is thc lIrst essenti al stcp in thc process or the spreading or information or a collection. Thc scope in this work is lo present an informatic package thal enables lO evaluate thc representativeness ofthe specimens and therefore ofthe whole col1eetion. A first practical approach has been conducted on a collection (forty eight samples) of geniculate Corallinaceae, known as "Nova Collectio Corallinales - TSB". The programme herewith pre· sented reports ali the expectcd characters, both determining (D) and descriptive (d), for the different species of calcareous algae (Lithophylloideae and Corallinoideae) present in the collection. The characters are arranged in sub·scctions on the thallus, branching, branches, intergenicula and conceptacles. To calculate the represenlativeness ofthe different samples, it is necessary to compare the number of expected (e) and observed (o) characters verifying, in the observed specimeo, the presence (with a tick) or expected characters far that particular species. Assuming that in th e "ideai specimen" the ratio Do/Dc and do/de equals I, ratio calculated both al the sub-section level and at the leve l of spec ics, is expressed by dispersion graphs that enable to detennioe immediately which sample is the most repre...

The aim or this work is to cvaluale the long term changes of the marine vegelation in the Gulf of Trieste (Nonh Adriatic Sea) comparing the the current status of the algal flora with that of earlier surveys or 30 years ago. The present survey of benthic algae is the result of field studies conducted in the surroundings of Trieste in monthly samplings from 1998 10 2000. More recent changes between sixties invoIved floristic impovereshiment and also the deterioration or Fucales stands.

Thc coralline algae, like all thc limestone substrata, can be invaded by endolithic microrganisms. Live and dead thalli of Hydrolirhon farinusum (Lamouroux) Penrose & Chamberlain, Lythophyllum incrustans Philippi, Sporolirhon ptychoides Heydrich and Corallina efangala Ellis & Solandcr (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) were therefore examined to discover if, as il happens in the corals, only few endoliths can invade the live coralline algae, while dead thalli can be bored by many organisms. New teehniques have been cmployed.

Alexandirum catenella (Whcdon & Koloid) Balech, a dinoflagellale known as a potential productor of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), is reported for the first time from a new gcographical area of the Mediterranean Sea (Sardinia, ltaly). Till now, the distribution of A. catenella over the Mediterranean had been limited to Spain and possibly France together with recent, associated events o f PSP-toxicity in shellfish. Specimens of A. catenella detected in summer 1999 in Sardinia (Gulf of Olbia) exhibited cell size and pattern of thecal plates comparable with those described from other localities, being mostly observed in two to four celled chains. Despite the existence in literature of some descriptions of this spcecies as a coldwater organism, in Sardinia the enviromental scenario during the occurrence of A. catenella was typical of the warm season (water temperature: 26 °C), consistent with recent observations from the Catalan coast. The finding of A. calenella in the Gulf of Olbia (Tyrrhenian Sea) - a restricted, eutrophic area holding a commercial harbour and an intensive activity o f mussel farming - suggests a possible introduction of this species through either the ballast waters discharged from foreign ships or the import-trade of shellfish From other countries. The lack of any previous evidence of this dinoflagellate in stations of the gulf monitored on a routine basis since 1992 further supports the non-indigenous character of A. catenella...

During the VI Iter Mediterraneum, held in Aspromonte (South Italy) in 1997, Paralemanea catenata (Kutzing) Vis & Sheath, type species of the genus, was recorded for the tirst time from Italian Peninsula. Samples were collected in the Listem stream, a not summer-drying torrent located below the Basilicò mountain at about 1400 m a.l.s. Lemanea fluviatilis (Linnaeus) C. Agardh \was collected together with Paralemanea catenata, and that is the first record from Calabria. Comparative obscrvations, both morphological and anatomical. was carried out on thalli of both species.

Observations on cultured specimens of Bryopsis J.Y. Lamouroux, a genus with many species of uncertain taxonomic status, carri ed out in order to obtain a better understanding of the life histories of Bryopsidaceae, are presented. In particular, the life histories of B. hypnoides J.Y. Lamouroux and B. corymbosa J. Agardh showed by two populations collected in the Straits of Messina (the Mediterranean Sea) and grown in laboratory conditions, are here outlined. In both species the life history is diplobiontic and strongly heteromorphic. Gametophytes are either monoecious (in B. hypnoides) or dioecious (in B. corymbosa). The gerrnling zygotes forrn microscopic sporophytes, which, after a peri od of dorrnancy from some months to a year or more, produce holocarpically stephanokontan zoospores. Both gametophytes and sporophytes are able to re produce vegetatively. Alife history of this kind is typical for the genus Bryopsis. This is the first report on the life history of B. corymbosa, a taxon described on Mediterranean specimens.

Distribution and ecology of five hypogeus or semihypogeus macromycetes species, Descomyces albus, Hydnangium carneum, Hysterangium inflatum, Labyrinthomyces donkii and Setchelliogaster tenuipes, growing in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia saligna reforestations in Sicily are given here.

Mycologists, both from Universities and mycological amateur groups, contributed to the achievement ofthe first part ofthe Check-list ofltalian Fungi (Basidiomycetes, Basidiomycota) that is now completed. lt comprises 4296 taxa, held in a computerized database. The consistency of mycodiversity in each region is here ana lysed and the results are summarized and discussed.

The flora of Wadi Zaza (Cyrenaica Libya) was studied and statistically analysed. Total figures ofthe flora are: 61 families, 213 genera and 336 species. Two families belongs to Gymnosperrn and the remaining 59 families to Angiosperrns. Dicotyledons are represented by 278 species, 176 genera, and 52 families and Monocotyledons by 56 species, 35 genera and 7 families. The life forrns show the predominance of Therophytes with 57,14%. Chamaephytes consti tute 22,91%, Cryptophytes 14,28%, Fhanerophytes 5,35% and Hemicryptophytes 0,29%. Polygonum alpinum is a new record for Libya.

Severa I fundamental changes have recently taken piace in the mapping program of the European vascular plants for the Atlas Florae Europaeae. At the moment volume 13 (part of Rosaceae) is being edited according to the new program. The most important change is the adaption of a new grid system. Further, a special simple software "Atlas Florae Europaeae Data Editor" has been developed to provide the mapping data and to save the information as a database. Prospects for the future ofthe Atlas Florae Europaeae are discussed.

Thessaloniki, one of the oldest cities in Europe, has been throughout its history a melting point of different cultures. The market of the city trades with a high number of herbs used traditionally since ancient times for culinary and/or therapeutical purposes. Labiatae, the most frequently recorded family, includes the highest number of plant taxa. The aim of the present study is to identify taxonomically the different Labiatae herbs and furthermore to record information for their origin (Greek or imported, collected from the wild or cultivated), frequency of appearance, way of usage, and healing properties. Their vernacular names do not correspond to a single species but ,,:ery often to a group of similarly-odoured taxa, such in the cases of "oregano" and "mountain tea". Most of the Labiatae taxa are of Greek origin and collected from the wild. Among them are local or balkan endemics, such as Origanum dictamnus and the different species of Sideritis. Because oftheir essential oils, Labiatae are widely used in food flavouring and in folk medicine. The digestive, nervous and respiratory are the frequently mentioned diseases, recorded to be treated by the Labiatae plants.

In Portugal there are several remarkable botanic gardens and parks. The aim of this communication is to present some of the taxonomic studies don e by the authors in "Jardim-Museu Agricola Tropical" (Tropical Agricultural Museum-Garden), "Tapada da Ajuda" (Royal Park of Ajuda), "Parque da Pena" (Pena Park) and "Estufa Fria de Lisboa" (Cold Greenhouse of Lisbon). These spaces are located in Lisbon, except the Pena Park that is located in Sintra, near Lisbon. Ali these places have historical value. Plant collections of Mediterranean Region are kept in the above mentioned spaces. Species and the infraspecific taxa are indicated, as well their wild, some of their uses and their location in the mentioned areas. These Botanic Gardens and Parks are privileged spaces for the preservation of biodiversity ex situ and in situ The potentiality to conserve species from several regions of the world, namely from the Mediterranean Region, makes these green spaces very important for research, as well as for didactic and educational programmes.

The composition of the essential oils of two endemic plants of Balkan peninsula Micromeria thymifolia (Scop.) Fritsch, and M. albanica (Grisebach ex K. Maly) Silic was analyzed by GC and GC - mass spectrometry and their antibacterial activity was tested. Both oils showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, S.faecalis and M. luteus. In addition, the oil of M. thymifolia was active against P aeruginosa. Both oils were more active against gram positive bacteria.

It's analysed, the omamental flora inserted in Montevideo city (Uruguay). The green areas inside the city are prevalently distributéd in a fragmented way and just a few cases result in valuable extension. Either urban parks or private gardens, and mostly the avenues and Boulevards trees are characterized by Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Schinus molle, Erythrina crista-gallii, Acacia caven, Peltophorum dubium, Jacaranda ovalifolia var mimosaefolia, Plalanus acerifolia, Gingko biloba, Chorisia speciosa, Ulmus procera. Inside the palms group, other than the indigenous Butia capitata and Arecastrum romanzoffianum is frequent Phoenix canariensis. In some points is notable Phytolacca dioica presence. Mediterranean and Mediterranean Atlantic component has a complementary role. The most common ligneous species are Cupressus sempervirens, Cedrus allantica, C. libani, Pinus pinea, P pinaster as well as Fraxinus angustifolia, Olea europaea var. europaea, Quercus ilex, Laurus nobilis, Cercis siliquaslrum, Chamaerops humilis, Ligustrum vulgare, Nerium oleander, Tamarix africana, Lavandula officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Buxus sempervirens, Viburnum tinus. As herbaceous forms, the most representative are Vinca major and the symbolic Achanthus mollis. Even if those Mediterranean elements are secondary in the complex, they are a particular expression of a clearly visible cultural heritage from the community of Montevideo's people...

An essential frame of the exotic omamental flora of Sicily, based on pre-linnean herbaria, literature and illustrated material, is presented with the aim of giving a picture ofthe human landscape and its plant heritage before 1790. As it is.know the omamental flora which characterized the baroque parks and gardens of Sicily - especially in the Palermo area - started declining when, in the first half of the XIX century, a great number of new exotic plants was introduced to Sicily and changed dramatically both agricultural and urban landscape. Such process was particularly increased by the Botanical garden of Palermo that, soon after its sening up (1790- 1795), spread several important groves and hundreds of subtropical decorative plants from the Americas, S. Africa and Australia. Most of them were implanted in the baroque pattern, following the new romantic trend of enriching floristically as more as possible the new gardens and parks. As a consequence the pre-existing characteristics ofthe baroque gardens were almost lost. Identification ofthe extant elements belonging to the plant heritage in question can be usefui especially for restoring purposes.

The authors examine the results obtained as regards the floristic heritage on the Etnean botanic garden after more than 20 years. Up unti I 1995, 464 species had been counted in the garden. Of these, 136 belong to the sponta-neous flora, while 328 species were introduced and come from various parts of the MI. Etna territory. Of the latter group, some species did not manage to survive after introduction, while about 14% (71 species) became spontaneous. Most of these belong to the basaI Mediterranean belt while a small number belong to the mountain-Mediterranean belI. The results show that after some years of activity, the biodiversity in the garden has increased by about 200% thanks to the ecological adaptability of some of the introduced species. This process was helped by the work required for the running ofthe garden itself(potting, irrigation, the providing of shade and so on). Among the introduced species, the higher adaptability is shown by the hemicryptophyte and therophyte Iife forrns which are the most represented (60%) types. As regards the chorology there is a predominance of the Mediterranean s.I. species (about 43%), which have, therefore, a wide ecological valency. Such ecological valency is al so shown by the species which spontaneously spread.

The ornamental flora of western Sicily was studied in an area which covers three provinces: Palermo, Agrigento and Trapani. A total of 95 towns and villages were visited and ornamentaI plants growing in the public green areas were studied. The omamental flora of this area reaches a total of 633 species, which be long to 120 families and 364 genera. Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Rosaceae are the best represented families, with a total of 38, 36 and 31 species respectively. Opuntia, with 11 species is the best represented genus, followed by Acacia, Prunus, Ficus, Quercus, Euphorbia, Agave and Salvia. A 24% of the Sicilian omamental flora com es from Asia, 22% from America, 16% from Europe, 16% from Africa, 7% from Australia and 1% from the Canary Island. Mediterranean flora is represented by only a 9% ofthe total number.