Article

A comparative anatomical study of leaves, stems and roots of three archaic umbel taxa found in S. Italy is presented: Petagnaea gussonei, representing a monospecific genus endemie to Sicily; Sanicula europaea, widespread in Europe; and Lereschia thomasii, again of a monospeeific genus, endemie to Calabria They have many traits in common, mostly reflecting their sciadophilous habit, but they also show significant structural differences that reflect upon their ecological versatility. Of the three, Petagnaea appears to be the least adaptable, which makes it particularly fragile and needful of protection.