In the context of plant species rarity in mediterranean ecosystems, this study aims to precise the autoecology of the local annual endemic plant, Arenaria provincial's (Caryophyllaceae), by quantifying habitat and vegetation characteristics, and demographic parameters Its populations are surprisingly scattered along a wide attitudinal and topological range, but over small geographical distances This implies an important habitat differentiation from the thermophilous dry coast to the colder supra-mediterranean summits in open limestone rocky habitats such as steep screes, ledges, cracks or crests Among the 163 plant species identified in presence of A provincial's within 100 m(2) area, 92% belong to the stress Grime pole, highlighting the stressful conditions within the different habitats caused by drought, strong wind, and high thermic contrasts Demographical surveys reveal strong spatial and temporal fluctuations

The Armeria populations (Plumbaginaceae) scattered along the south-eastern French coastline are small and often endangered by habitat destruction. Because their taxonomic status remains unclear, we conducted a molecular and phenetic analysis to test for the existence of different taxa and to set conservation priorities. Multivariate analysis of morphometric data demonstrated that the majority of coastal populations are similar to inland populations of Armeria arenaria subsp. bupleuroides. However, discriminant analysis isolated two distinct populations. One of these has a morphology intermediate between the narrow endemic Armeria belgenciensis and A. arenaria subsp. bupleuroides. However, rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences display no fixed variation, even between highly remote populations. We discuss these results in the light of recurrent hybridization in Armeria, and propose the description of two new subspecies of Armeria arenaria (subsp. pradetensis and subsp. peirescii) located in the Var department. (C) 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159, 255-267.

The last IUCN evaluation of the sandwort of Marseilles (Arenaria provincialis Chater & Hallyday) places this species in the « Rare » category according to old categories dating back from before 1994. A better knowledge about its natural history now allows us to revaluate its status. This winter thero- phyte, endemic to Provence, protected by national and international texts, lives in calcareous screes and rocks. After assessing its geographic area and the total number of mature individuals, none of the IUCN criteria version 3.1 (2001) is completely applicable. Nevertheless its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are limited, and many threats could have a negative effect on its habitat. Thus, we propose the new status "Near threatened" (NT), more or less equivalent to the ancient category « Rare » (R). We therefore strongly suggest a regular revaluation of its status, increasing knowledge, experimental restoration and a global management plan to avoid a deterioration risk.

The last IUCN evaluation of the sandwort of Marseilles (Arenaria provincialis Chater & Hallyday) places this species in the, Rare, category according to old categories dating back from before 1994. A better knowledge about its natural history now allows us to revaluate its status. This winter therophyte, endemic to Provence, protected by national and international texts, lives in calcareous screes and rocks. After assessing its geographic area and the total number of mature individuals, none of the IUCN criteria version 3.1 (2001) is completely applicable. Nevertheless its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are limited, and many threats could have a negative effect on its habitat. Thus, we propose the new status "Near threatened" (NT), more or less equivalent to the ancient category, Rare, (R). We therefore strongly suggest a regular revaluation of it; status, increasing knowledge, experimental restoration and a global management plan to avoid a deterioration risk.

À l’occasion de divers travaux d’inventaire et de recherche sur la répartition et l’écologie de Gouffeia arenarioides DC., nous avons été amenés à reprendre et corriger la fiche espèce officielle des "cahiers d’habitats Natura 2000". Afin de mieux diffuser les connaissances sur cette espèce d’intérêt communautaire, endémique de Provence et encore peu connue, nous proposons une analyse critique de la fiche, corrigée et complétée.