Table of Contents

The Maghreb is considered as the North African territories covered by Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, an area which almost coincides with what it was named “The Barbary” by Europeans from the XVI to the XIX centuries. The period included in this paper ranges from the first botanical visit to Algiers by John Tradescant the Elder at the beginning of the XVII century to the end of the XVIII. It includes information on Tradescant, Balaam, Spotswood, Shaw, Vahl, Desfontaines, Broussonet, Durand, Jackson and Schousboe.

Amaryllis belladonna (Amaryllidaceae) a new established xenophyte to Algerian flora is here reported for the first time from El Kala National Park (North-eastern of Algeria). This new report is the second record for North Africa

The authors recorded in the city of Bari 221 specific and infraspecific taxa, used as onramentals, belonging to 126 genera of 64 families with a prevalence of exotic species over native ones. The study is preparatory to the redevelopment of urban green areas concerning the recent Municipal Regulation on green spaces in the city. The flora investigated is rich in elements native to Italy. Anyway, the most common species are commonly used as ornamental also in the other regions of Italy. Argania spinosa, Ceiba speciosa, Cyperus papyrus, Euphorbia ingens, Ficus rubiginosa, and Jacaranda mimosifolia are species less commonly used and noteworthy, because at their climatic limit.

Two species of Suaeda, S. aegyptiaca (sect. Salsina) and S. splendens (sect. Schoberia) are here reported for the first time from Tunisia. Descriptions for their distinguishing morphological characters, as well as ecological and chorological data are given. An analytical key to species of Suaeda belonging to Suaedeae tribe and occurring in Tunisia is also provided.

The Peloponnisos, the southernmost part of the Greek mainland, comprises 3,007 autochthonous spermatophytes (species and subspecies), including 4 Greek endemic genera. To compare biological traits within its flora, 4 main chorological categories were distinguished: widespread taxa, Greek endemics, range restricted taxa and local endemics. In the total flora, therophytes (34.8%) predominate, followed by hemicryptophytes (34.3%). A significant drop in the percentage of therophytes is noted among range restricted or local endemic taxa, with 11.6% and 1.3%, respectively. Diaspores are predominately seeds or single-seeded fruits, a trend even more pronounced in the range restricted and local endemic flora. Fleshy fruits are rare, with dry fruits being the norm in all categories. Annual seed production does not exhibit any significant variation among the widespread taxa and those having a restricted distribution. A preliminary investigation of dispersal syndromes showed that within genera specialized to particular dispersal modes the percentage of endemicity may vary considerably. Most Peloponnesian endemics inhabit rocky, calcareous habitats and cliffs. Dry, phryganic formations are also rich in endemics, followed by the grasslands at the lowland or subalpine areas. Ruderal and aquatic habitats have an insignificant contribution to endemism.

The wild lettuce, Lactuca aculeata, a close relative of the widespread L. serriola and the cultivated lettuce L. sativa, has been found on the islands of Limnos and Lesbos (North Aegean region, Greece). The new records are the westernmost of this East Mediterranean taxon and represent the first ones for the Aegean and Europe. Along with locality data, we provide information on habitat preferences and co-occurring species.

A significant contribution to the proper ecosystem functioning and services is provided by the vascular plant species richness. Therefore, understanding the environmental, and in particular, biogeographical predictors of vascular plant richness – and richness with endemism, can accordingly support conservation efforts of biodiversity as well as ecosystem services at a proper scale. This study used field survey data, as well as herbarium materials and literature sources to explore the relation between plant endemism and natural habitats in a particular region of a National Park in “Bjeshkët e Nemuna” (Kosovo). A number of environmental factors were recorded for this study, with particular focus on the natural habitats of 65 Balkan endemic plant taxa in the Mt. Leqinat, in a narrow area (6 km²) but yet exceedingly rich floristic diversity. A correlation between habitat diversity and richness with endemic plant taxa was confirmed. In total, 20 EUNIS habitat types were recorded with endemic plant taxa, where (E4.4) - Calcareous alpine grasslands proved to be the richest in terms of endemics they harbor. Total floristic diversity in relation to altitude, reaches the highest values in the range between 1.800 to 2.000 m. a.s.l. As a measure proposed to further improve conservation management within this area of the National Park is to better control human activities, and therefore establish a balance between strict protection and the sustainable use of natural resources...

Rostraria hadjikyriakou (Poaceae) is described as new to science. This gypsophilous taxon occurs in three disjunct sites in the eastern half of Cyprus. From a morphological point of view there are similarities to the polymorphic and widespread R. cristata. However, it differs by a number of discontinuous characters from this species as well as all other members of the genus. Provisionally, it can be classified as “Vulnerable”

The South American weed Cyperus eragrostis Lam. (Cyperaceae) is reported for the first time in the wild from Tunisia, North Africa. A brief description of the species is given and it is illustrated in its Tunisian habitat. Its actual distribution is presented and discriminatory characteristics as compared to C. flavescens, a native species with which it has been confused for some time, are commented.

This study aims at mapping and investigating the grassland habitats, defined by Directive 92/43/EEC, on the territory of Dragoman Municipality, Bulgaria. The municipality is located in the western part of the country and is characterized by semi-mountainous terrains and temperate climate. During the fieldwork in 2019 and 2020, 212 relevés were collected, following the Braun-Blanquet approach. Additionally, grassland habitats were checked up at 1340 field points. Grassland habitats covered 89.57 km² or 27.6% of the whole municipalityʼs territory. Six grassland habitat types were differentiated: *Rupicolous calcareous or basophilic grasslands of the Alysso-Sedion albi (6110), Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (*important orchid sites) (6210), Eastern subMediterranean dry grasslands (62A0), Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-siltladen soils (Molinion caeruleae) (6410), Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and the montane to alpine levels (6430) and Lowland hay meadows (6510). The most widespread were the xeric grasslands presented within habitats 6210 and 62A0. Traditionally, they are managed as pastures. Habitat 6210 is found on silicate and calcareous substrates, whereas habitat 62A0 is limited to calcareous substrates only. Mesic grasslands were presented by habitat 6510. It is distributed mainly in the Dragoman lowlands and along rivers. Habitats 6410 and 6430 are locall...

The recently emerging trend to define Campanula nisyria as a synonym of C. hagielia provided the incentive for the publication of the current paper. The morphological differences of the two species, along with their different geographical distribution are supplemented by recent molecular data, which reinforce the clear distinction of the two aforementioned species.

After a brief review of the recent acquisition in some native genera of family Asteraceae from southern Italy and Sicily, a new endemic species of Anthemis (sect. Hiorthia) is described from Sicily and named Anthemis parlatoreana. The locus classicus of the new taxon, falling in the NW Tyrrhenian coast of the island (Castellammare del Golfo, Trapani), coincides with that of Ptilostemon greuteri, another endemic very rare species of the Sicilian flora. Data on the morphology, distribution, ecology and conservation status of the new species are provided. The taxonomic relationships with the other Sicilian taxa of the same section, in particular A. cupaniana, are also analyzed. The simultaneous presence in the same site of other endemic plants enriches the area of the limestone reliefs of Castellammare del Golfo and all of north-western Sicily with biogeographic significance and biogenetic importance.

First observation of a Tyrrhenian endemic (Leucojum aestivum subsp. pulchellum, Amaryllidaceae) on the African continent (Algeria). — This work highlights a plant of proven ecological and heritage importance. It is Leucojum aestivum subsp. pulchellum (Salisb.) Briq., a very rare and localized tyrrhenian endemic taxon from western Numidia (northeastern Algeria). Given its distribution and population characteristics and threats on the only observation locality in North Africa, the taxon deserves appropriate protection measures.

Pilosella lactucella has been recorded for the first time for the Bulgarian flora. It grows in damp to wet subalpine meadows in the Rila Mts, at ca. 2250 m. A single population of about a thousand specimens has been observed, occupying an area of less than 0.5 ha. The recorded site is the south-easternmost locality of the species in Europe and is rather isolated. The ploidy level was estimated by flow cytometry and the species is a diploid. If the IUCN categories and criteria are applied at national level, the species would qualify for a Critically Endangered taxon under criterion B.

Tbilisi area is located in the central part of South Caucasus at the intersection of various floristic centres. The aim of the article is to clarify composition of dendroflora of Tbilisi area, analysis it’s systematic and chorological structure and establish florogenetic connections. 166 species of trees and shrubs, which belong to 74 genera and 41 families, were recorded. The leading families by the ratio of species are: 1. Rosaceae – 32.6%, 2. Salicaceae – 7.2%, 3. Fabaceae – 4.8%, 4. Sapindaceae – 4.2%, 5. Ulmaceae – 3.6%, 6-7. Cupressaceae, Rhamnaceae – 3.0- 3.0%. Based on composition and proportion of chorotypes, several directions of florogenetic connection are identified: (1) Boreal, (2) Mediterranean, (3) South-West Asian, (4) Euxinean and (5) Hyrcanean. Dominance of local (Caucasian) species is sharply expressed (19.3%). The composition and proportion of chorotypes points, that forming of dendroflora of Tbilisi area was going through the “struggle” of boreal and Ancient Mediterranean floristic centers. On the background of powerful competition, great number and different bioecological composition of local species emphasize originality of flora of Tbilisi area. We suppose that forming process of dendroflora of Tbilisi area was going on during a long period that not so small number of relict and endemic species speaks about.

Bedens aurea (Asteraceae) a new addition to the alien flora of Algeria. — Algerian alien flora is enriched by a new Asteraceae, following the discovery of Bidens aurea since 2017 in several sites within the region of Skikda (NE-Algeria). A description of its distinctive macromorphological characters as well as its different habitats are presented. An analytical key to the different species of the genus Bidens in Algeria is also provided.

Phytoecology of the steppic formation at Drinn (Stipagrostis pungens) in the Naâma region (western Algeria). — The steppic plateaus of N-Africa are remarkably affected by silting up and desertification. Sanding favors the installation of psammophytic formations dominated by Stipagrostis pungens, Thymelaea microphylla and Retama raetam on sandy accumulations and wind deposits. The study focuses on the eco-floristic aspects of the psammophytic grassland steppe of Stipagrostis pengens in the Naâma region (W-Algeria). Its objective is to illustrate the current state and to describe the floristic settlement characteristic of a type of steppe grouping very widespread in the summit Oran plateaus. The Drinn-dominated grasslands (Stipagrostis pungens) can form a homogeneous steppe very adapted to drought, by physiological reactions, as well as by ecological strategies, facilitating their spreading. The Drinn is loosely distributed in large, dense, branched tufts, more than one meter high on sandy accumulations in an arid climate. Several parameters are studied to approach the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the floristic settlement. This is followed by a statistical approach, to better interpret the different results obtained. 51 plant species belonging to 14 botanical families and 37 genera of vascular plants have been identified. The results obtained show that the phytoecological inventories are an useful tool to assess and develop natural resources.

The authors report updated notes on the acclimatization, distribution, areas suitable for cultivation and, potential use of Argania spinosa (Sapotaceae) in southern Italy. Based on observations carried out on the plants cultivated in Bari and the Botanical Garden of Palermo, and on ecological requirements of the species it is possible to consider A. spinosa as a woody species easily adaptable to the coastal climate of southern Italy.

The first description of Cavara Libyan collection in NAP is given, highlighting its relevance among the Libyan collection present in Italian Herbaria in terms of specimen number and diversity of genera represented. The names of 19 taxa belonging to 9 families and described by Cavara, sometimes jointly with Trotter, or Grande, and by other botanists (Pampanini and Hackel) on material collected by Cavara, are here typified. Types previously designated by others are also listed and referenced. A new combination and status novus Limonium hirtiflorum (Cavara) Cuccuini is proposed

The occurrence of Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbiaceae) is reported here for the first time in Morocco. It is a neophyte native to tropical and sub-tropical regions. Discriminating morphological characters, taxonomic note, photographic illustrations, as well as data on habitats and geographic distribution of the taxon in Morocco and worldwide are provided for easy identification.

Several barriers and challenges meet interspecific hybridization between taxa belonging to the genus Beta under Moroccan environmental conditions. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris s. l.), is a socioeconomically important recent crop, developed mainly for the sugar production in Morocco. B. macrocarpa, a beet wild relative, is characterized by a wide genetic richness and high adaptative capacity. Obtaining viable hybrids from crosses between these two taxa is challenging. Hence, we studied 75 beet hybrids harvested on two cultivated (CH) and two wild (WH) parents separately. Twentyone effective agro-morphological traits were used as well as flux cytometry analysis to confirm the success of interspecific crosses. High phenotypic diversity was estimated both within and between hybrid groups. Plants of all WH hybrids and 50% of CH hybrids were rather similar to respective parents from the behavior and morphological points of views. The remaining CH hybrids were closer to their cultivated parent for phenotypical characteristics, vernalization requirement, and biannual vegetative cycle. Heritability rate in progeny generation was variable for cultivated and wild types, H2WP = 3-95% / H2CP = 3- 91% and of H2WP = 4-89% / H2CP = 3-89%. Diploid and tetraploid cytotypes were observed in hybrids and their parents. Tetraploid plants of Beta macrocarpa detected for the first time in Morocco provide novel insights on the cytogenetic diversity of Beta genus. The results obtained...

The flora of Algeria includes six species of Onopordum (Asteraceae). Twenty-one morphological characters were recorded from herbarium specimens and identification keys were built using the program suite DELTA. Information on the distribution of these species in Algeria is provided. After studying aspects related to populations size and ecology, provisional regional conservation status for O. ambiguum is given: Endangered (EN).

The present update to the flora of the island of Limnos in the North Aegean, based on our field studies in 2016 and 2018–2021, raises the currently known number of vascular plant species to 960 native taxa, 63 established neophytes and 27 species of as yet casual status, a total of 1,050 taxa. To substantiate these figures, we provide a catalogue of about 740 annotated records of 264 plant taxa, of which 231 taxa were not previously known to occur in the island. Sixty-eight taxa were found as new to the flora of the North Aegean biogeographic region. Among the biogeographically most significant of the newly recorded native species are Campanula lavrensis, Lactuca aculeata, Leontodon longirostris, Secale strictum subsp. anatolicum and Trifolium pachycalyx. The new finds strengthen the biogeographic affinities of Limnos with the Aegean islands further south. Most of the records were from agricultural landscapes and small-scale habitats. Several richness focus areas of newly recorded plants were identified. As a conclusion, the alleged species poverty of Limnos cannot be confirmed.

Greece is considered a diversity center for the genus Trifolium L. (Fabaceae), which is represented in the country by 95 taxa. However, the classification of the genus may vary according to different taxonomic approaches. The current study aims to contribute to the study of the genus by describing the seed coat surface of 23 Trifolium taxa that were collected in various localities of southern Greece. The seeds were obtained from herbarium specimens and observed with Scanning Electron Microscope.

This is the third issue of the series of germination reports from Mediterranean areas (sensu MedChecklist). It comprises germination protocols for 40 taxa: Teucrium from Sardinia by M. Porceddu & al. (Nos. 46-47); Campanula from North Italy by S. Villa & al. (No. 48); Anacamptisfrom Greece by S. Oikonomidis & C. A. Thanos. (No. 49); Astragalus, Iris, Jacobaea, and Klasea from central Italy by V. Di Cecco & al. (No. 50-53); Drimia, Periploca, Asparagus, Myrtus, and Pancratium from Malta by J. Buhagiar & al. (Nos. 54-58); Thymus from Sicily by G. Gugliuzza & al. (No. 59); Agrostemma, Bupleurum, and Xeranthemum from North Italy by A. Cucchietti & al. (Nos. 60-62); Salsola from Sicily and Central Italy by S. Magrini & al. (Nos. 63-65); Physoplexis, Primula, and Spiranthes from North Italy by S. Pierce & al. (Nos. 66-69); Euphorbia from Sicily by F. Carruggio & al. (Nos. 70-74); Helichrysum from Sicily by C. Salmeri & C. Brullo (Nos. 75-85).

The present work gathers new germination assays of two Teucrium species from Sardinia. The studied taxa are: Teucrium massiliense and T. flavum subsp. glaucum. Seeds were collected at the time of natural seed dispersal in two different localities of Sardinia (Italy). The germination tests were carried out at the Sardinian Germplasm Bank (BG-SAR). Our results showed a high germination capability and germination rate for the tested plant species.

This study describes a successful germination protocol for Campanula raineri (Campanulaceae), a protected rock-face dwelling species, endemic to the Italian calcareous Prealps. Germination tests were performed on seed lots from nine different populations across the geographical range of the species. Mean germination rates higher than 80% were reached within 28 days for almost all of the populations under analysis. The populations from the highest elevations exhibited the highest mean germination rates.

The asymbiotic seed germination of orchids is a complex process with considerable technical difficulties, due to the natural requirement of a plant-fungus symbiotic relationship under field conditions. Only on rare occasions, orchid seeds are known to germinate readily in water. Anacamptis sancta is a relatively common orchid species with its main distribution around the East Mediterranean Sea (Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Israel). Germination of A. sancta seeds was tested in different nutrient media, water agar and under various light regimes, in asymbiotic culture. In most experimental conditions tested, high germination percentages were observed with the highest germination (85.5%) obtained with a modified version of Malmgren medium without coconut water, under white light (12/12 h) at 20oC. In this study, results from all the experiments carried out are presented.

The germination ability of four policy species from the Central Apennine were studied: Astragalus aquilanus, Iris marsica, Jacobaea vulgaris subsp. gotlandica, Klasea lycopifolia. Mature seeds were collected in the field, within an elevation range of 365–1932 m a.s.l. Different experimental conditions were tested and the best methods with optimal germination results are provided and compared for each species. First germination records are given for the investigated taxa.

This study investigated seed germination in five indigenous species of plants in the Maltese Islands, predominantly occurring in coastal garrigue habitats but also inland, namely Drimia maritima, Periploca angustifolia, Asparagus aphyllus, Myrtus communis, and Pancratium maritimum. Different germination protocols were tested for one or more populations, namely: four different temperature regimes - constant 15, 20 and 25°C as well as alternating 23.5/15°C; three different photoperiods, 12/12, 16/8 and 0/24 light/dark. The best germination results for each species are provided and additional notes on the species and germination behaviour are also given.

The germination ability of the punctual endemic Thymus richardii subsp. nitidus (Lamiaceae) from the Island of Marettimo in W Sicily was studied. Mature seeds were collected in the field. Different experimental conditions were tested and the best methods with optimal germination results were provided. This is the first germination record for this taxon.

This study focuses on the germination requirements of three segetal plant species: Agrostemma githago, Bupleurum rotundifolium and Xeranthemum inapertum. Seeds were collected in the Western Alps, Piedmont, and conserved in a cool and dry place at room temperature for a post-maturation period of at least 30 days. Our results show a high germination response for some treatments in all the species.

Here, successful germination protocols for the following three annual Salsola species are presented: Salsola soda (= Soda inermis), S. squarrosa subsp. controversa, and S. tragus subsp. tragus. It is the first report of germination data for the three species for Italy. Seeds were collected in beaches and dunes along the Tyrrhenian coasts in Sicily and south Tuscany and north Latium (central Italy). The germination ability was tested at the Catania Germplasm Bank (BGS-CT) and the Tuscia Germplasm Bank (BGT) at constant and alternating temperatures (from 5 to 40°C), under both light (with a 12/12h photoperiod) and total dark. Our results show a high germination ability and germination rate for all the tested species.

Germination protocols were developed or optimized for six northern-Italian species protected in Annexes II and IV of the European Union Habitats Directive: Linaria tonzigii, Physoplexis comosa, Primula glaucescens, P. spectabilis, Saxifraga tombeanensis and Spiranthes aestivalis. For some species (L. tonzigii, P. glaucescens), seeds collected in 2004 and stored at -18˚C were compared with seeds collected 15 years later, and no statistically significant difference was found for final germination percentage (G), suggesting that seed banking is effective. P. spectabilis germinated at a high rate of G = 95.4%. Spiranthes aestivalis germinated extremely rapidly for an orchid, starting at just 11d (MTG = 17d), with extremely high rates (G = 97.1%)

Our work concerns the requirements for germination in five Euphorbia species, occurring in uncultivated wet grounds, roadsides, montane pastures or deciduous broadleaf woods. The study taxa are Euphorbia ceratocarpa, E. gasparrinii subsp. gasparrinii, E. hirsuta, E. meuselii, and E. platyphyllos. Seeds were collected from wild populations both in lowland and mountain areas of Eastern Sicily, at the time of natural dispersal. The germination ability was tested under constant and alternating temperatures, both in light and total dark, at the Catania Germplasm Bank (BGS-CT). The best germination protocols for each species are provided. Specifically, germination response was strongly limited by constant thermal regimes (except for E. gasparrinii) and, conversely, improved by fluctuating temperatures, under darkness, in all the study species. E. gasparrinii and E. platyphyllos reached high germination values also in the light.

In the present study, successful germination protocols for 11 different taxa of the genus Helichrysum native to Sicily are discussed. Eight of them are representative of strict endemic Sicilian taxa, 2 are Italian sub endemic and one, namely H. stoechas, is a widespread W Mediterranean species. Given the controversial taxonomic status and relationships of the Mediterranean Helichrysum, the taxonomic approach enhancing the existing diversity of Sicilian populations was herein adopted from current literature. First germination records are given for some of the investigated taxa.

This is the thirty-one of a series of karyological data from Mediterranean area, peri-Alpine communities and the Atlantic Islands, in English or French language. It comprises contributions on 11 taxa: Hieracium from Sicily and S Italy by E. Di Gristina, G. Domina, & A. Geraci (Nos 1997-1999); Allium, Drimia, Oncostema and Pancratium from Tunisia by G. Barone, E. Di Gristina, R. El. Mokni & G. Domina (Nos 2000-2003); Allium, Cyclamen, Cynara and Ornithogalum from Greece, Crete and East Aegean Islands by E. Liveri, D. Phitos & G. Kamari (Nos 2004-2007).

Chromosome numbers are given for three endemic Hieracium taxa from Sicily and Campania (Southern Italy). All the examined taxa resulted triploid (2n = 3x = 27). The triploid chromosome set found in the population of H. pallidum from Rocche dell’Argimusco (Peloritani Mountains, NE-Sicily) differs from the previous counts (2n = 4x = 36) reported for the same species from its locus classicus (Mt. Etna).

Chromosome numbers were studied in four geophytes collected in Tunisia. Allium pallens was collected from Zembra island, N of Tunisia, while Drimia purpurascens, Oncostema peruvianum and Pancratium foetidum from continental Tunisia. The chromosome numbers found for Allium pallens, Drimia purpurascens, and Oncostema peruvianum coincides with the previous reports obtained from other Mediterranean populations. The chromosome number 2n = 22, found on material from Toujane is the first reported for Pancratium foetidum.

Chromosome numbers and karyotype morphology are given for four taxa of the Greek flora together with distributional and taxonomic notes. The chromosome number (2n = 16) and karyotype morphology of Allium sphaerocephalon subsp. arvense is reported for the first time in material from Kithnos island (Kiklades). The studied population of Cyclamen graecum subsp. graecum shows the chromosome number 2n = 84, which is in accordance with previous reports from Greek material of unknown origin. A new subpopulation of Cynara cyrenaica from E Crete is presented and karyologically investigated confirming the previous chromosome number (2n = 34), whereas microphotograph of the karyotype is provided here for the first time. Furthermore, chromosome data for Ornithogalum fimbriatum subsp. fimbriatum reveal a diploid karyotype (2n = 12), which constitute the first karyological contribution from a Greek population belonging to the typical subspecies.