Melliferous flora diversity of the arid region Biskra located at South East Algeria is revealed in the present study. Through visual inspection, information collected from local guides of different prospected sites when we collected samples. Then a list of plant species valuable for honey bees was established. The list consisted of 122 species distributed in 102 genera and 43 families though the most represented were in decreasing order Asteraceae (22 species), Fabaceae (14 species), Apiaceae (8 species), Brassicaceae and Lamiaceae (with 7 species for each family), Boraginaceae (4 species). These families alone account for a half (51.23%) of all taxa identified. However, Anacardiaceae, Resedaceae, Rosaceae and Solonaceae were represented by 3 species for each family, Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Asphodelaceae, Cistaceae, Cleomaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Cuperaceae, Lythiraceae, Nitraceae, Oleaceae, Plombaginaceae, Rutaceae, Tamaricaceae and Zygophylaceae were represented by 2 species for each family. The rest of the families were represented by one species. A flowering calendar as well as apicultural value of the most common melliferous plants is given. Melliferous flora included 37.70% nectariferous and polliniferous at the same time species, 31.15 % polliniferous species, 27.86% nectariferous species, 1,64% were sources of propolis and 0.82% were sources of resin.
Nomenclatural and syntaxonomical remarks on the halophilous plant communities of the class Salicornietea fruticosae described by J. Braun-Blanquet from the salt marshes occurring in the Mediterranean France are provided. The examined associations are: Salicornietum fruticosae, Agropyro elongati-Inuletum crithmoidis, Salicornietum radicantis, Arthrocnemetum glauci, Limoniastro-Staticetum lychnidifoliae and Artemisio gallicae-Staticetum virgatae. Based on literature and according to I.C.P.N. (4th ed.) the name of these syntaxa are updated and typified, as well as their current arrangement.
Religious festivities incorporating botanical elements constitute significant components of Spain's cultural heritage, exemplified by Corpus Christi, Palm Sunday, Béjar's "Moss Man," and Nativity scene representations. Among these biocultural manifestations, the "Cruces de Mayo" (May Crosses) festival represents a notable tradition wherein local communities establish altars featuring a cross adorned with elements from the surrounding natural environment. This ethnobotanical study focuses on the May Crosses tradition in communities along the Guadiana River valley, with particular emphasis on Piedrabuena (Ciudad Real province), where the festival demonstrates exceptional biocultural diversity. Through systematic field observations and semi-structured interviews with festival participants, we documented three distinct typological categories: Forest Crosses, Heather Crosses (predominantly featuring Erica species), and Mixed Crosses—the latter integrating both mineral elements (water and geological specimens) and botanical specimens. Our floristic inventory identified over 100 plant species utilized in these ephemeral botanical installations, with Heather Crosses representing particularly sophisticated botanical artworks deserving special cultural recognition. The research reveals significant conservation implications, as the tradition involves harvesting of some taxa with vulnerable conservation status. We present a preliminary assessment differentiating between abundant species suitable for sustainable wild collection and those requiring protection due to rarity, threatened status, or ecological sensitivity (including certain orchids, geophytes, and bryophytes). This study contributes to the understanding of biocultural heritage while addressing the urgent need for conservation-oriented management strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of both the cultural practice and the botanical resources upon which it depends.
Bromus rubens subsp. kunkelii (H. Scholz) H. Scholz is the accepted name of a possible taxon omitted in the treatment of the genus Bromus in Flora iberica. In this paper, the reasons for this omission are explained and the taxonomic value of the taxon is discussed.
Konün Wenu Hill (38°46′ S, 72°38′ W) is a prominent insular hill of considerable historical and cultural significance, located in the Mediterranean–temperate transition of south-central Chile. It hosts a ca. 10 ha remnant of native vegetation embedded within a matrix of grasslands and Pinus radiata D. Don (Pinaceae) plantations. Through a habitat-stratified floristic inventory covering the forest interior and adjacent habitats, we recorded 158 vascular plant taxa (Tracheophyta), comprising 90 native species (including 26 Chilean endemics) and 68 alien species. The forest remnant itself contained 62 native and 17 alien species. According to national conservation assessments, the flora includes two Vulnerable species—Asplenium trilobum Cav. (Aspleniaceae) and Citronella mucronata (Ruiz & Pav.) D. Don (Cardiopteridaceae)—and one Near Threatened species, Gardoquia multiflora (Phil.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae). The richest families were Asteraceae (24 spp.), Poaceae (14), Fabaceae (11), and Rosaceae (10). Canopy species such as Cryptocarya alba (Lauraceae), typical of Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests, Nothofagus obliqua (Mirb.) Oerst. (Nothofagaceae), characteristic of south-central deciduous forests, and Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. (Cunoniaceae), a temperate evergreen element from southern Chile, co-occur in the fragment and reflect the site’s transitional biogeographic character. The surrounding grasslands contributed a suite of heliophilous elements, notably Chloraea Lindl. spp. (Orchidaceae). Isolated trees scattered throughout the grassland mosaic served as distinct microsites compared to the surrounding open areas, facilitating the establishment of species more typical of forest or shrubland environments—such as taxa associated with closed-canopy forest (e.g., Francoa appendiculata Cav.) or sclerophyllous shrubland (e.g., Myrceugenia obtusa (DC.) O. Berg). Hierarchical clustering with SIMPROF (10,000 permutations, α = 0.05) showed that local road and forestry plantation each harboured floristic compositions statistically distinct from forest, edge, and grassland—and from one another—while these latter three habitats did not differ significantly among themselves. Despite its small size and isolation, Konün Wenu supports a substantial proportion of regional plant species richness and harbours taxa of conservation concern, underscoring the ecological value of both the remnant and the microhabitat network sustained by isolated trees across the surrounding matrix.
The current study presents a comprehensive 65-year diachronic analysis of the Atriplex mauritanica-Suaeda fruticosa subassociation in eastern Chott Chergui, Algeria. By resurveying historical plots from 1954 in 2019, the present study quantifies shifts in taxonomic composition, life‐form spectra, biogeographic affinities, and diversity metrics (Shannon-Wiener index, Pielou’s evenness, Margalef’s richness, Jaccard similarity, Cohen’s d). Species richness declined by 26.1 %, with therophytes decreasing from 68 % to 51 % and chamaephytes increasing from 19 % to 31 %. A significant decline in Shannon diversity (from 3.97 to 3.70, Welch’s t = 3.12, p<0.001) and a Jaccard similarity of only 0.46 confirm substantial floristic turnover. Endemic taxa persisted (100 %), while mesic Mediterranean and pluri-regional elements contracted. The emergence of Saharo‐Sahelian Atractylis serratuloides highlights ongoing xerophytization under accelerating aridification. Conservation of this fragile ecosystem demands a combination of livestock exclusion and soil restoration, along with continuous climate monitoring. These efforts should be underpinned by multivariate and trait‐based analyses to pinpoint the drivers of change. Beyond documenting a hallmark of Mediterranean desertification, our study delivers a concise, transferable framework for long‐term vegetation‐change assessments in other climate‐sensitive steppes.
A new endemic species (Asteraceae, Cardueae) is described as Cousinia khoiensis on the basis of specimens collected in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran. The distribution area of the new species belongs to the distribution range of the species of sect. Cousinia in the northwest of Iran. It is also morphologically similar to sect. Cousinia. These similarities are mainly in some characters such as the size and shape of the involucre, the number of flowers, the height of the plant and the texture of the leaves. The main differences between the new species and the members of sect. Cousinia in Iran are: the shape of the leaves, the number of phyllaries, the size of the capitula and the colour of the corolla. Cousinia khoiensis is compared with the closest species, including C. microcephala, C. sivasica, C. woronowii and C. calolepis. C. sivasica and C. woronowii of sect. Cousinia are distributed in Turkey, and C. calolepis belongs to sect. Stenocephalae. The holotype and isotype specimens of Cousinia khoiensis are illustrated, together with close-ups of various parts of the new species. An identification key for all taxa of sect. Cousinia in Iran as well as C. sivasica and C. woronowii, which is distributed in Turkey, has been provided. The number of species in the sect. Cousinia in Iran, including the new species, is 12. The relationship of Cousinia khoiensis and the related taxa was presented separately. In addition, a distribution map showing the distribution range of C. khoiensis and the related species is presented here.
Most proposals relating to the biogeographic regionalization of Algeria have been made by traditional qualitative method (geography, geology, climatology, vascular flora), on the basis of expert’s opinions. A new biogeographic regionalization of Algeria is herein proposed, based on quantitative approach and using objective multivariate methods. Bio-geoclimatic datasets were analysed using cluster analysis techniques to define biogeographical units. A georeferenced floristic database for Algerian strict-endemic plants was compiled, including distribution information from different sources, to characterise the indicator species of these units. Our new proposal for Algeria encompasses 28 biogeographical units recognised within the country that reflect specific regional topography and ecoclimatic conditions. Eight distinct and spatially coherent sectors were identified, and 20 nested districts were detected, based on biogeographical features. All of these biogeographical units are listed and their position and boundaries are mapped. The main predictive environmental descriptors of the sectors were Thornthwaite aridity index, elevation, Min Temperature of Coldest Month (Bio6), Precipitation of Warmest Quarter (Bio18), Coefficient of variation of Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Evenness of EVI, and soil organic carbon. We highlighted the endemic plants that define the districts, using the indicator species criterium. The use of a large dataset of environmental factors and endemic plant species, coupled with numerical analyses, makes this study novel and allows an enhanced bioregionalization system for Algeria. We provide a reliable sectorisation for use in conservation planning, biodiversity assessment, or climate change studies.
We analysed 194 phytosociological relevés from Echinospartum ibericum scrub communities across the Iberian Peninsula. Classification and ordination of the relevés were performed using multivariate statistical analyses, yielding 13 groups comprising nine syntaxa (associations or subassociations), three variants, and one transitional unit. For each community, we documented the distribution, bioclimatic characteristics, diagnostic species, and phytosociological class affinities of the participating flora. Relevés taken at higher altitudes were enriched in species of the class Junipero-Pinetea, whereas those from lower altitudes were enriched in species of the class Cytisetea. However, of the 12 communities identified, Cytisetea species predominated in eight, Festucetea in two, Calluno-Ulicetea in one, and Junipero-Pinetea in one. A syntaxonomic scheme is presented in accordance with these results.
The typification of the names A. micrantha, A. donaciformis, A. formosana, A. formosana var. gracilis (currently A. formosana subsp. gracilis), A. parviflora (a heterotypic synonym of A. formosana), A. bifaria, and A. donax var. coleotricha (these two as heterotypic synonyms of A. donax) is discussed. The “types” of these names were previously indicated as “holotypes” in 2012 and 2017. However, the type indication was ineffective in all cases according to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN, Shenzhen Code of 2018). We proposes here the effective lectotypification of these five names, along with data on the gatherings and syntypes used to describe these taxa. The name A. micrantha is lectotypified using a specimen collected by Desfontaines and preserved at P. The lectotype of A. donaciformis is selected from a specimen collected by Jean Honoré Perreymond in southern France and kept at AV (Muséum Requien). Arundo formosana and A. formosana var. gracilis are typified from original specimens preserved in the Hackel Herbarium at W. The lectotype of the name A. parviflora is designated from a specimen preserved at US. Finally, a second-step lectotypification is made for the name A. bifaria with the lectotype preserved at LD, and the lectotype of A. donax var. coleotricha is selected from a specimen preserved at W
The identity of Linaria ×versicolor (Jacq.) Chaz. is discussed, supporting a hybrid origin in cultivation that involved species of the North African clade of Linaria subsect. Versicolores as parents. Due to the lack of original material, a neotype specimen from the SEV herbarium is designated for the basionym Antirrhinum versicolor Jacq. Ornamental plants usually known as “L. maroccana hort.” correspond to this taxon, and not to L. maroccana Hook.f., one of the putative parents, native to the High Atlas (Morocco).
In Moroccan vascular flora, the Asteraceae family ranks first in terms of specific richness. However, there is no up-to-date account of the geographic distribution of its species with established chromosome numbers. In this contribution, we inspected the chromosome number of Moroccan Asteraceae published in former studies; a synonym glossary is given, the names were verified and updated to the recent and accepted ones, by using Moroccan flora Volume 3 and online botany databases: IPNI, The plant list and African plants database. As a result, we present for the first time the georeferencing of chromosome number for 276 Asteraceae species and subspecies from 866 localities across Morocco, with their voucher specimen, addresses and authors. We identified the spots of endemism for Asteraceae species with known chromosome numbers in Morocco as Middle Atlas, High Atlas, Anti-Atlas and the Rif. Concerning the ploidy level, our findings indicate that most Asteraceae species in Moroccan flora are diploid, with the chromosome number of 2n = 18 and B- chromosomes occur in arid and semi-arid areas. We also provide species distribution models and presence-only predictions, along with an analysis of how each climatic variable and elevation affect the probability of presence for Asteraceae species. This study significantly contributes to enhancing conservation efforts and assisting researchers in plant cytogenetics.
The Dryopteris affinis species complex has a predominantly European distribution. The taxonomy and distribution of the Mediterranean taxa belonging to this complex are poorly studied and not fully understood. This paper provides new information on the occurrence and distribution of two taxa belonging to the D. affinis complex in Sicily, following the 2021 discovery of a new population in the Peloritani Mts. in the Cataolo Valley. The new population is composed of approximately 15 individuals. Plant material (7 individuals)was collected in May 2024 along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 1070 to 1120 m asl Adetailed morphological investigation, genome size analysis and ploidy level estimation were conducted for all of the sampled plants. Two individuals were identified as belonging to the diploid D. affinis subsp. affinis var. affinis, whereas the remaining five individuals were identified as triploid D. robusta. The confirmation of the presence of D. affinis in Sicily and the first finding of D. robusta on the island proves the key role played by the Peloritani Mts. as a refuge for species with a mid-European and boreal range.
The identity of Linaria xversicolor (Jacq.) Chaz. is discussed, supporting a hybrid origin in cultivation that involved species of the North African clade of Linaria subsect. Versicolores as parents. Due to the lack of original elements, a specimen from the SEV herbarium is designated as the neotype of the name. Ornamental plants usually known as "Linaria maroccana hort." correspond to this taxon, and not to L. maroccana Hook.f., one of the putative parents, native to the High Atlas (Morocco). Keywords: Linaria, nomenclature, typification, hybrid, Jacquin.
Sedum dasyphyllum L. has a controversial infraspecific treatment, with three subspecies distinguished based on the abundance of glandular indumentum. Sedum dasyphyllum L. subsp. glanduliferum (Guss.) Nyman, characterized by the presence of abundant glandular hairs, was considered a subspecies with a southern tendency, with very few and unclear records in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. In the present study, 56 herbarium sheets from the LEB FCO and SANT herbaria were assigned to the taxa Sedum dasyphyllum L. and Sedum dasyphyllum L. subsp. dasyphyllum were analyzed. Of these, 45 were re-assigned to Sedum dasyphyllum L. subsp. glanduliferum (Guss.) Nyman, constituting the first records for this taxon in the provinces of Le & oacute;n, Lugo, Oviedo, Orense, Palencia, and Santander. Moreover, five sheets were reassigned to Sedum dasyphyllum L. subsp. dasyphyllum, while another five retained their original assignment (Sedum dasyphyllum L. subsp. dasyphyllum). The populations are now identified as Sedum dasyphyllum L. subsp. glanduliferum (Guss.) Nyman do not appear to occupy more southern enclaves or southern slopes, although they are, on average, found at higher altitudes within the study area.
In this study we present a review of the orchid family in the Principality of Asturias, Northwestern Spain. The study area comprises 10,000 km² for which we have compiled and curated up to 9197 records coming from several sources: fieldwork, herbaria, specialized publications, gray-literature, citizen science platforms, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and social media. The territory comprises 52 confirmed species and 13 hybrids, with other 16 possibly present species being discussed and still other 6 explicitly dismissed. Gymnadenia densiflora (Wahlenb.) A. Dietr. and all nothotaxa, except those in Serapias, represent novelties for the area. For each of the 52 species we provide a brief description of their habitat, altitudinal range and flowering period. Additionally, we present a statistical exploration of the main drivers of orchids’ ecology and distribution in the territory. Our review demonstrates how the Principality of Asturias, despite its marginal geographic position—away from major diversification centers—, and the scarcity of detailed floristic studies and, in particular, of those specifically focused on orchids, qualifies as a significantly orchid-rich region within the European context, even when judged by the demanding standards of the rich Iberian flora. The role of citizen science, particularly triggered by these cherished plants, has been and will continue to be crucial in perfecting our knowledge of Asturian orchids.
The Dryopteris affinis species complex has a predominantly European distribution. The taxonomy and distribution of the Mediterranean taxa belonging to this complex are poorly studied and not fully understood. This paper provides new information on the occurrence and distribution of two taxa belonging to the D. affinis complex in Sicily, following the 2021 discovery of a new population in the Peloritani Mts in the Cataolo Valley. The new population is composed of approximately 15 individuals. Plant material (7 individuals) was collected in May 2024 along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 1070 to 1120 m a.s.l. A detailed morphological investigation, genome size analysis and ploidy level estimation were conducted for all of the sampled plants. Two individuals were identified as belonging to the diploid D. affinis subsp. affinis var. affinis, whereas the remaining 5 individuals were identified as triploid D. robusta. The confirmation of the presence of D. affinis in Sicily and the first finding of D. robusta on the island proves the key role played by the Peloritani Mts. as a refuge for species with a mid-European and boreal range.
This study investigates perennial halophyte vegetation communities within the Salicornioideae subfamily in the marshlands of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, with a particular emphasis on the Tinto River salt marshes. We focus on communities dominated by three Sarcocornia species (S. perennis, S. pruinosa, and S. alpini) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. Utilizing geobotanical analysis, we reaffirm existing classifications, delineating one association for A. macrostachyum (Inulo crithmoidis-Arthrocnemetum macrostachyi) and three for Sarcocornia (Puccinellio ibericae-Sarcocornietum perennis, Cistancho phelypaeae-Sarcocornietum pruinosae, and Halimiono portulacoidis-Sarcocornietum alpini). Our research comprises 70 relevés, which reveal distinct zonation patterns among these species in relation to their proximity to water and tidal influences. This investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of halophyte biodiversity and provides comprehensive floristic inventories, thereby facilitating future ecological assessments and restoration initiatives in fragile saline ecosystems.
Cytisus x praecox Bean, a hybrid between C. multiflorus (L’Hér.) Sweet and C. oromediterraneus Rivas Mart., T.E. Díaz, Fern. Prieto, Loidi & Penas, is described and discussed respect to the references about its artificial origin. Next to the material indicated as neotype, an epitype and isoepitypes are designated.
The typification of the name Linaria badalii (Plantaginaceae, Antirrhineae), is discussed. The designation of the nomenclatural type is based on an assessment of Loscos’s original material collected by Antonio Badal in Las Parras de Martín (Teruel, Spain). The name is lectotypified using a specimen from Loscos’s herbarium preserved in The Royal Aragonese Economic Society of Friends of the Country (RAESFC) in Zaragoza (Spain). However, the lectotype lacks seeds, and the seeds have relevant diagnosis characters considered useful for taxonomy. Therefore, a specimen conserved in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid (at MA) and also collected by Badal in the same locality that the original material used by Loscos to describe his species is designated as the epitype of L. badalii in order to avoid any ambiguity in the interpretation of the lectotype
