Table of Contents

In this study the antifungal activity of five essential oils (Canarium luzonicum, Cymbopogon martinii, Ledum palustre subsp. groenlandicum, Matricaria chamomilla, and Ocimum tenuiflorum) against both clinical (Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus tubingensis, A. minutus) and plant pathogenic filamentous fungi (Verticillium spp., Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotina sclerotiorum) were evaluated. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were determined following CLSI M38-A2 recommendations. All tested essential oils showed antifungal activity. C. martini and O. tenuiflorum essential oils were very effective with MIC range values similar or lower than those of terbinafine. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (PeruMicA 26) and Verticillium spp. (PeruMicA 24) were the most sensitive strains to essential oils, while A. tubingensis (PeruMicA 21) showed the lowest sensitivity to the essential oils.

On the basis of the literature examined, the scientific acquisitions concerning the pharmacological properties and medicinal uses of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Erigeron canadensis – two American vascular plants of Asteraceae family that have become invasive in Europe and others continents – are collected and discussed. The data reveal the potential of the invasive as cheap sources of compounds with valuable pharmacological activities. In addition to the two plants presented as a case study, there are hundreds of plant species at hand as potential assets to explore and make money

“Re-flowering flowers”, i.e., the metamorphic artistic representations of plants in which one flower gives birth to other ones, are often detectable in the phytoiconography of the Greek-Roman art. Through an extensive analysis of archaeological artworks in the Euro-Mediterranean and WestAsian area, we found the diffusion of this motif starting from the Hellenistic period (IV century B.C.). The metamorphic flowers motif became a dominant element in triumphal arches, and later also in coffered ceilings, forming the so-called “rosettes”. The identification of the single plant elements of these compositions can be carried out both on pottery (among which the best examples come from the Apulian and Greek vases) and on carved structures, where colours are no longer present. We analyzed in detail the botanical compositions of the scrolls of the Ara Pacis and in the triumphal Arches of Titus and Septimius Severus in Rome (Italy). The results enhanced the representation of a relevant floristic richness with some recurrent flowers, such as those of Lilium, Anemone, Silene, Stellaria, Anthemis, Calendula, Scabiosa, Asphodelus, Nuphar, Carlina and Laurus, but also fruits, shoots, bulbs and floral buds. This motif seems linked to the leading thread of the metamorphosis in the Hellenistic culture and the revived Pythagorean theories of the Augustan age. The continuous transformation of an element into another suggests a spatial translation of temporal concepts: the absence...

Six new taxa of the Poaceae family are added to the non-native flora of Tunisia: Cenchrus longisetus M. C. Johnst., Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., Eragrostis cilianensis subsp. thyrsiflora (Willk.) H. Scholz & Valdés, Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv. and Paspalum dilatatum Poir. Five of them are considered naturalized and horticultural trade is considered the most likely pathway for their introduction, whereas Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv., might have been introduced as impurity in cereals for field crops. Populations of Tunisian E. pilosa are characteristic in possessing glandular pits, especially on inflorescence branches, a character not observed in E. pilosa s. str. in Europe and the Mediterranean area. Actual distribution and taxonomic notes are also given for all newly reported reported taxa.

Christella dentata (= Cylosorus dentatus, Thelypteridaceae, Pteridophyta), native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, has been observed between Jijel and Bejaia in northeastern Algeria. Distribution, ecological notes and comparison with related taxa as Cyclosorus interruptus (Dryopteris gongylodes p.p.) are also provided. This is the first report of this species in North Africa.

Paulownia tomentosa is native to different regions of East Asia. Here, the first case of natural regeneration in Sicily is reported. Although Paulownia is not still invading typically Mediterranean areas, mainly due to ecological constraints, its recognized invasiveness at a global level impose the need to monitor the ongoing process.

Scolymus maculatus L. (Asteraceae) is a species native to the Mediterranean basin found for the first time in Libya. It was discovered growing in a typical silty habitat with other mesophyte plants, very close to the shoreline, about 45 km east of the city of Benghazi. Records date back to July 2017 and June 2018.

This study is a first investigation of the lichen flora of the Tessala Mountains green oak forest in northwestern Algeria. Field research using stratified sampling method allowed us to propose a first checklist of the lichen flora of this region containing 53 taxa with taxonomic, chorological and biogeographical data in North-West Africa (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) of each of them. Among these lichens, 3 taxa are cited for the first time for the NW Africa. Comments on some interesting species are added, especially those with wide distribution reported currently only in Algeria, which are to be found in neighboring countries (Morocco, Tunisia). Finally, 17 taxa present in our list are protected by the Algerian law. The forest of Tessala Mountains must urgently benefit from an official protection status in order to preserve this lichen biodiversity of proven interest.

Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae) is an annual herb which reproduces solely by seed. So far its centre of origin was considered Central or South America. Recent archeological research revealed that the burs of X. strumarium were used in Yuergou site (400–200 cal BC) in the Turpan Basin of northwestern China. This plant adventive to Europe reduces germination of various crops and behaves like and aggressive invasive species. X. strumarium is the most frequently recorded plant in the field borders between the crop land and adjacent territories the agricultural areas in Bulgaria. We aim of this study is to reveal the potential of X. strumarium as a cheap source of compounds with valuable pharmacological activities. Here we analyse: 1) the traditional ethnobotanical data from its native habitats; 2) the modern investigations of pharmacological activity and essential secondary compounds. Traditionally the plant is used as febrifuge drug and an immunostimulant, as a diaphoretic agent and against malaria, as well as dysentry cure, astringent, sedative, analgesic, diuretic, against leucorrhoea and urinary diseases, eczema and skin disease, bleeding, insect bite, to treat boils and pimples, against smallpox and stomach diseases, earache and strumous disease, leprosy, headache, fever, etc. X. strumarium contains sesquiterpene lactones, thiazinediones, phenolic acids etc. and posses anticancer, antitussive, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, hypo...

Six new records of interesting vascular plants are described for the provinces of Huelva and Sevilla (Spain). For each taxon, details are given of distribution, habitat, ecology, previous records and the extent of naturalization for the alien species. In addition, a new spontaneous hybrid species is described in the Linaria Mill. (Scrophulariaceae) genus: Linaria × erebea Sánchez Gullón & Muñoz Rodr., located in the province of Huelva.

This study presents the results of the conducted in-situ and ex-situ activities targeting the effective protection of the populations of Spiraea crenata, one of the rarest plant species in Bulgaria, currently known from two very restricted localities, near Kaspichan town (Northeastern Bulgaria) and near Stefanovo village (Western Bulgaria). A long-term monitoring of the two populations for identification of the main threatening factors, as well as the trends in the population state has been conducted. It is estimated that the potential for conservation in-situ actions exists in the locality near Kaspichan (the other locality is very small, situated in private lands and surrounded entirely by cultivated fields). The main activities conducted are the clearing of the habitat of branches of competitive trees and shrubs, as well as support of breeding abilities by in vitro propagation and return of acclimated plants back to the locality. Two ex-situ live collections of in vitro propagated plants were created and stored at the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem research and Shumen Agricultural Institute.

In classical antiquity many plant species were a source of inspiration in art and architecture. An emblematic case is Acanthus mollis, a Western Mediterranean species, although many Mediterranean countries Floras are in contradiction with respect to its native distribution. Two subspecies are known: A. mollis subsp. mollis distributed in Italy, France and Croatia, and A. mollis subsp. platyphyllus growing in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. In other Mediterranean countries it should be an introduced taxon, such as in Greece and Turkey where the native species is A. spinosus. Although the maximum spread of the Acanthus leaf in architecture occurred in Roman times, the Corinthian capital was born in Greece, portraying A. mollis. Among the earliest examples we remember the Doric Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae in Peloponnese, built in 450-425 BC. probably by Ictino, the Tholos at Epidaurus (360-330 BC.), characterized by Doric columns in the exterior, while the inner colonnade consists of 14 Corinthian columns. The leaf carved in the stone is unequivocally A. mollis. The invention of the Corinthian capital is attributed, without certain proof, both to Callimaco and Ictino, which operated in Athens and in the Peloponnese. As this species was not present as native in Greece at that time, it was seen and designed taking inspiration from some place in Sicily or Magna Greece or from cultivated plants originating in those areas. The first examples of th...

This study aims to focus on Algerian-Moroccan floristic endemism in the Ksour Mountains. It is based on our field surveys, which led us to identify thirty-five (35) endemic taxa. Additional information has been added to describe the habitats that support them, while updating their national distribution. The study identified six (6) exclusive taxa from the Ksour Mountains, and three that have never been reported. For the conservation of six exclusive taxa of the Ksour Mountains, considered vulnerable, we believe it is necessary to preserve the sandstone escarpments that constitute their habitat and to include these taxa in the national list of uncultivated and protected plants.

An analysis of the bryophyte diversity in the studied Sicilian archaeological areas was conducted, highlighting which species are more common and potentially harmful on the ruins. The floras are much diversified and the presence of some rare taxa highlights the role of refuge carried out by these areas, especially for the species of strongly threatened coastal habitats. Attention on the complexity of the relationships between restoration interventions on lithic structures and conservation needs of the rare and interesting taxa is point out.

The occurrence and actual status of Anredera cordifolia (Basellaceae) in Algeria is here reported, for the first time. The species has been recorded in many localities within Skikda area. It is the only representative of Basellaceae in the whole country. Maintained in observation area within the native flora for many years, the plant could be considered as naturalized.

In the last decades, with the increase of molecular studies, the study of plant forms has gone through a steady decline in interest, and researches on this topic are often neglected and underestimated. Notwithstanding, comparative morphology as integrative discipline still assumes a pivotal role in modern sciences, remaining fundamentally relevant to nearly all fields of plant biology, such as systematics, evolutionary biology, ecology, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, not to mention also agriculture, bioengineering, and forensic botany. Contrary to common belief, plant morphology is not a conservative finished science, but, like other sciences, it is open to constant innovations involving both concepts and methods. This contribution aims to promote a reflective discourse on the role of plant morphology in modern sciences and provides some examples of significant supports from plant morphology to different botanical issues.

Italy is among the European countries richest in biodiversity, mainly due to a wide variety of geomorphological and climatic conditions. Its very high plant diversity is also the result of its geographical position, acting as a bridge between Central Europe and the Mediterranean Sea and producing the coexistence of different biogeographic elements with a high contingent of endemic plant species, which amounts to more than 15%. As in many other mountains of the world, both the Alps and the Apennines host an extremely rich flora which forms peculiar plant communities characterizing several priority habitats listed in Directive 92/43/EEC and forming wonderful mountain landscapes, where nature and human work merge increasing biodiversity. The voyage from North to South through the Italian mountain plant diversity is an opportunity to observe the responses of plant species and habitats to climate and land use changes that very rapidly are transforming our mountain landscapes, not only at lower altitudes, as expected, but, surprisingly, along the whole altitudinal gradient. Recent results on changes of the summit flora (GLORIA and Summit flora projects), as well as on abandonment of the traditional grazing and forestry activities in some mountain areas and on the spread of nonnative species, produced significant changes at levels of species, habitat and landscape. On one hand the responses of plants to these changes confirm that they are a threat for plant biodiversi...

Bassia scoparia var. trichophylla (Amaranthaceae s. l.), and Sesuvium portulacastrum (Aizoaceae) are recorded for the first time for the non-native flora of Tunisia. A morphological description, distribution and habitat, as well as taxonomic notes, are provided for each taxon.

Basidiomata of a mushroom macroscopically recognised as Pleurotus cystidosus sensu latu were collected on the trunks of three tropical ornamental trees such as Broussonetia papyrifera, Yucca elephantipes, and Paulownia tomentosa in the Parco d’Orleans, an urban park in the town of Palermo (Sicily, Italy). All the plants showed cavities and white rot symptoms at the base of the trunks. Macro- and microscopic observations on both collected basidiomata and isolated colonies, as well as molecular analysis, allowed identifying the collected basidiomata as Pleurotus fuscosquamulosus and its anamorph as Antromycopsis fuscosquamulosus. These species belong to the subgenus Coremiopleurotus that includes different species producing synnematoid fructifications. The positive reaction of the colonies to the syringaldazine and the artificial inoculation tests on wood blocks of B. papyrifera confirmed its white wood rotting activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of occurring of P. fuscosquamulosus in Italy on three new tropical plant hosts.

Discovery of Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae) in Djurdjura (Algeria), news for North Africa. — Cypripedium calceolus L. (Orchidaceae) native to Eurasia is considered one of the flagship plant species of nature conservation. Because of its wide range, this species could be considered a taxon of minor concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. This orchid was discovered in the Djurdjura, in north-central Algeria. Ecological notes are also provided. This is the first report of this species in North Africa. This discovery will enrich the Algerian orchid in general and that of Kabylia in particular.

Based on field, herbarium and bibliographic research, new distributional data for 18 taxa (11 native and 7 aliens) are reported for some regions of central and southern Italy. Umbilicus luteus is confirmed for Italy, other four taxa are new or confirmed to Abruzzo, three to Molise, two to Marche, Umbria and Campania, and one to Basilicata and Calabria respectively. In addition, new distribution data for other three rare or interesting taxa in Abruzzo are reported.

In this contribution, we report the naturalization of Melia azedarach and the discovery of Canna indica and Pelargonium zonale growing outside the usual cultivation sites, making this work the first report of these species in Algeria. Some species must be monitored because they are invasive in the Mediterranean area.

The wetlands of northeastern Algeria are rich in flora because of their biogeographical context. The Fetzara Lake, designated Ramsar site since 2002, has been the subject of multiple plant surveys conducted between 2014 and 2019 and has revealed the existence of 226 taxa belonging to 166 genera and 58 families with the dominance of therophytes (45.13%, 102 species). From the chorological point of view, the Mediterranean type was the most dominant with 128 taxa or 56.64% of the studied flora 19 of which are endemic to Algeria. Canonical analysis represented the superimposition of the three physiognomic environments of vegetation (dry lawns, amphibian meadows and semi-permanent lake) with respect to environmental variables. The results suggest that the distribution and variation of species abundance is mainly ordered according to salinity and grazing. These degradation factors therefore merit to be divulgated to arouse awareness of the p

All the traditional vines, constituting the subspecies Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera, were domesticated from the wild V. vinifera subsp. silvestris. Shape and morphometry of the seed provides information to differentiate between wild and cultivated vine populations. Measurements were made on grape seeds for the assessment of genetic diversity and for the discrimination between the two subspecies according to the Stummer index. Morphometric analysis was carried out on 340 seeds from 34 ecotypes (22 wild and 12 cultivated) originated from the north of Tunisia. In the wild vine population, seed length (L) varied between 3.2 and 5.2 mm, beak length (LS) between 0.4 and 1.7 mm and breadth (B) between 1.7 and 3.2 mm. The Stummer index (SI) was comprised between 51.43 and 88.57. Among the twenty-two wild ecotypes, seven confirmed their belonging to the spontaneous morphotype and four had 95% chance to belong to the cultivated morphotype (EC.30, EC.33, CPN5-2000 and CPN6-2000). In the cultivated vine pool, seed length ranged from 3.8 to 5.2 mm, stalk length from 0.8 to 1.4 mm and the total width from 2.3 to 3.2 mm. The Stummer index varied between 56.10 and 65.00. Among the twelve cultivars, five confirmed their belonging to the cultivated morphotype and three showed 95% chance to belong to the spontaneous type (Bidh El Hmem, Chaaraoui and Meski Rafraf). The results allowed us to relate a probable genetic proximity between spontaneous and some cultivated vines an...

New records of Commelina communis, Euphorbia hypericifolia, Melia azedarach, Nicotiana tabacum, and Xanthoceras sorbifolium are reported for the Sicilian flora.

This is the first issue of a new series of germination reports from Mediterranean areas (sensu MedChecklist). It comprises germination protocols for 18 taxa: Abies from Sicily by A. Scialabba (No. 1); Centaurea, Cyperus, Launaea, Medicago, Muscari, Ononis, Pancratium, Plantago, and Thinopyrum from Sicily by C. Salmeri & M. Trubia (Nos 2-10); Anthemis, Crucianella, Eryngium, and Thinopyrum from Sardinia by M. Porceddu & al. (Nos 11-14); Centaurea, Jacobaea, Matthiola, Medicago, Pancratium, and Silene from central Italy by S. Magrini & al. (Nos 15-20); Sporobolus and Juncus from central Italy by G. Fabrini (Nos 21-22).

Abies nebrodensis is a strict Sicilian endemic species, listed as “Critically Endangered” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Seed production highly varies annually and among specimens. The species is affected by a very low seed germination rate, mainly depending on the large number of empty seeds (from 68 to 96%). The embryo presence in seeds increases with increasing seed size and weight. Optimal germination rate (61%) was achieved at constant 5°C in the darkness. The low proportion of embryos in seeds is a relevant threat for A. nebrodensis conservation, as it affects the intrapopulation genetic diversity and reduces the potential genetic variability of seed accessions preserved in a gene bank collection.

This study investigated seed germination in nine psammophilous species occurring in Sicilian sand dunes, some of which, such as Muscari gussonei, Launaea resedifolia and Pancratium maritimum, are endemic and/or rare and very scattered in the area. Different germination protocols were tested for one or more populations and the best germination results per species are provided, reporting experimental conditions and specific comments on the germination behaviour.

The present work gathers new germination assays of four Mediterranean species of coastal sand dunes. The studied species are: Anthemis maritima L. subsp. maritima, Crucianella maritima L., Eryngium maritimum L. and Thinopyrum junceum (L.) Á.Löve. Seeds were collected at the time of natural seed dispersal in two sites in the South of Sardinia. The germination tests were carried out at the Sardinian Germplasm Bank (BG-SAR). Our results show a high germination capability and germination rate for the tested plant species.

Successful germination protocols for the following six dune species are presented: Centaurea sphaerocephala subsp. sphaerocephala, Jacobaea maritima subsp. maritima, Matthiola sinuata, Medicago marina, Pancratium maritimum, and Silene canescens. Seeds were collected in sand dunes along the Tyrrhenian coasts in south Tuscany and north Latium (central Italy). The germination ability was tested at the Tuscia Germplasm Bank (BGT) at six constant temperatures (from 5 to 30°C), under both light (with a 12/12h photoperiod) and total dark. Our results show a high germination ability and germination rate for the tested species.

The most significant results of seed germination of Sporobolus aculeatus (L.) P.M.Peterson and Juncus subulatus Forssk. are reported. The seeds were collected from the Natural Monument “Palude di Torre Flavia” in Latium. The highest germination value (92.0%) for S. aculeatus seeds were obtained after 2 months of cold stratification and then incubation at an alternating temperature of 20/10°C in continuous darkness. For J. subulatus, the best germination value (95.0%) were obtained with alternating temperatures, 20/10°C and 15/6°C, under a 12/12h (light/dark) photoperiod.

This is the twenty-nine 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 20 taxa: Allium, Ficaria, Freesia, Paeonia, Romulea from Greece by Liveri, E., Katopodi, E. & Kamari, G. (Nos 1962-1967); Delphinium, Hesperis, Silene from Spain by Bosch, M., Sàez, L., Simon, J. & Blanché C. (Nos 1968-1971); Vicia from Morocco by Hormat, K. Tahiri, H., Guennoun, N. & Gounssa, A. (Nos 1972-1975); Allium, Ptilostemon, Salvia from Italy and Sicily by Salmeri, C. (Nos 1976-1981)

A karyosystematic study of six interesting taxa from the Ionian Islands (Greece) is presented. The chromosome number (2n = 16) and karyotype analysis for two ecologically different populations of the Greek endemic Allium callimischon subsp. callimischon are given and its karyotype variation is also confirmed. The chromosome number (2n = 16) and karyotype morphology of Allium flavum subsp. tauricum is reported for the first time in material from Ionian Islands. Karyotype analysis of Ficaria calthifolia (2n = 16) is given for first time in Greek material. Chromosome data (2n = 22) for Freesia leichtlinii subsp. alba are presented for the first time for this taxon. Previous karyological references of Paeonia mascula subsp. russoi (2n = 10) confirm our findings from a new population from north Kefallinia isl. The first karyological attempt at Romulea bulbocodium in Greece is performed here, resulting in two ploidy levels (2n = 3x = 33 and 2n = 4x = 44) for, ecologically, different populations and additionally the basic chromosome number of the genus is discussed.

In the framework of cytogenetic studies of rare and threatened plant species of the Catalan Countries and surrounding territories, a karyological study of some taxa – three populations of Delphinium bolosii and the only known one of D. mansanetianum (Ranunculaceae), one of Hesperis laciniata subsp. laciniata (Brassicaceae), and one of Silene neglecta (Caryophyllaceae) – is presented here. Karyotype microphotographs and corresponding idiograms for most taxa are provided and their karyotype morphology is discussed.

A systematic revision of two taxa belonging to the genus Vicia L. section Cracca S.F. Gray, V. benghalensis L. and V. villosa Roth, led us to propose, in a previous contribution, a new combination and a new status for an endemic taxon of Morocco: V. benghalensis subsp. heterocalyx var. simulans (Maire) Hormat. This taxon, as well as V. benghalensis var. benghalensis show a 2n = 14 chromosome number, whereas V. benghalensis subsp. heterocalyx var. heterocalyx gives 2n = 12.

The somatic chromosome number, karyotype morphology, geographical distribution and ecology of five plant species from the indigenous flora of southern Italy and Sicily are presented. The study includes in particular four species of Allium subgen. Allium (Allium agrigentinum, A. apulum, A. diomedeum, A. chamaespathum), Ptilostemon greuteri and Salvia ceratophylloides. Five out six of these species are strict endemics and all of them are very rare and differently threatened based on the IUCN criteria. Karyotype microphotographs for all taxa are provided and their karyotype morphology is discussed.