Article

The taxonolllY, distribution and ecology of the polYlllorphic Capparis spinosa L. in Sicily are discussed. C. spinosa subsp. rupeslris (Sibth: & Sm.) Nylllan , a leathery-Ieaved, pendulousbranched shrub is widespread on carbonate, volcanic and gypsaceous outcrops. Subsp: spinosa, a thomy chamaephyte or hemicryptophyte with creeping branches, is mainly distributed in south -central parts of Sicily, on clay and natric soils under xerophilous conditions. Attention is drawn to a remarkable environment-induced variation within the latter subspecies. The heterogeneity of the cultivated forms of subsp. rupestris on the island of Pantelleria (Strait of Sicily) appears to be linked to crossing and introgression with wild populations.