Silvio Fici

Narrow genetic base in forest restoration with holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Sicily

In order to empirically assess the effect of actual seed sampling strategy on genetic diversity of holm oak (Quercus ilex) forestations in Sicily, we have analysed the genetic composition of two seedling lots (nursery stock and plantation) and their known natural seed origin stand by means of six nuclear microsatellite loci. Significant reduction in genetic diversity and significant difference in genetic composition of the seedling lots compared to the seed origin stand were detected. The female and the total effective number of parents were quantified by means of maternity assignment of seedlings and temporal changes in allele frequencies. Extremely low effective maternity numbers were estimated (Nfe ≈ 2–4) and estimates accounting for both seed and pollen donors gave also low values (Ne ≈ 35–50). These values can be explained by an inappropriate forestry seed harvest strategy limited to a small number of spatially close trees.RésuméDe manière à évaluer empiriquement l’effet sur la diversité génétique de la stratégie couramment utilisée pour échantillonner des graines en forêts de chêne vert en Sicile, nous avons analysé la composition génétique de deux lots de semis (en pépinière et en plantation) et de leur peuplement naturel d’origine à l’aide de six marqueurs nucléaires microsatellites. Une réduction significative de la diversité génétique et des différences significatives dans la composition génétique des lots de semis comparés à leur peuplement d’origine ont été détectées. Le nombre de mères efficace et le nombre d’ascendants total efficace ont été quantifiés en recherchant l’origine maternelle des semis et par une quantification temporelle des fréquences alléliques. Des nombres efficaces extrêmement faibles ont été estimés pour les mères (Nfe ≈ 2–4) et les estimations concernant les deux parents sont aussi faibles (Ne ≈ 35–50). Ces valeurs peuvent s’expliquer par une stratégie de récolte de graines inappropriée, se limitant à un très petit nombre de géniteurs spatiallement proches.

Micromorphological observations on leaf and pollen of Capparis L. sect. Capparis (Capparaceae)

Sect. Capparis is represented by a single species, Capparis spinosa L., divided into several intraspecific taxa showing plesiomorphic features and disjunct distributions in the Old World. Leaf surface and pollen features were investigated in the whole group by SEM and light microscope observations. The section is characterized by simple hairs, a reticulate to undulate cuticle, anomocytic stomata surrounded by a peristomal rim, and trizonocolporate, prolate pollen grains. The characteristics of the indumentum appear constant, while the studied taxa are fairly differentiated with respect to cuticular patterns and dimensions of the stomata, and show slight differences in pollen size and exine surface. This micromorphological evidence, coupled with other phenotypic features, supports the placement of this section at the base of the genus Capparis in the paleotropical area. Considering the striking geographic disjunction and symplesiomorphies of the group, its biogeographical and systematic aspects are also discussed.

Evidences of adaptive traits to rocky substrates undermine paradigm of habitat preference of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica

Posidonia oceanica meadows are acknowledged as one of the most valuable ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. P. oceanica has been historically described as a species typically growing on mobile substrates whose development requires precursor communities. Here we document for the first time the extensive presence of sticky hairs covering P. oceanica seedling roots. Adhesive root hairs allow the seedlings to firmly anchor to rocky substrates with anchorage strength values up to 5.23 N, regardless of the presence of algal cover and to colonise bare rock without the need for precursor assemblages to facilitate settlement. Adhesive root hairs are a morphological trait common on plants living on rocks in high-energy habitats, such as the riverweed Podostemaceae and the seagrass Phyllospadix scouleri. The presence of adhesive root hairs in P. oceanica juveniles suggests a preference of this species for hard substrates. Such an adaptation leads to hypothesize a new microsite driven bottleneck in P. oceanica seedling survival linked to substrate features. The mechanism described can favour plant establishment on rocky substrates, in contrast with traditional paradigms. This feature may have strongly influenced P. oceanica pattern of colonisation through sexual propagules in both the past and present.

The contribution of archaeological plant remains in tracing the cultural history of Mediterranean trees: The example of the Roman harbour of Neapolis

In this paper, we present a detailed record of the plant remains recovered on the palaeo-seafloors of Neapolis harbour, spanning ≈700 years, between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD, thus intersecting the entire Roman Imperial Age. The site preserved many cultivated or cultivable plant remains, especially from food related trees. This particular feature provided the opportunity to reconstruct the puzzling history of planting them and the Roman economy, especially with respect to food production, the market and to dietary habits. The evidence suggests that Prunus persica, Castanea sativa, Juglans regia and Pinus pinea were locally grown all along the investigated period, testifying for a well advanced arboriculture. A broad presence of P. pinea cones could be related to their large use as stoppers for amphorae which probably was among the driving force for planting it actually influencing its original range. The seafarers had extensive access to dry fruit such as walnut, hazelnut and chestnut that for its imperishable nature and the high energy density, would probably have been part of the food-stocks of the galleys. Chestnut consumption, attested throughout the entire period in the harbour, represents the first strong archaeobotanical evidence of chestnut as food in the Western Mediterranean in Roman time. This evidence shed light on the cultural-social significance of these fruits that was probably eaten mainly or almost exclusively by low social classes. The exceptional find of Hyphaene thebaica for the first time outside its native range is also reported.

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR

Southeastern Asia is one of the main centres of diversity of the genus Capparis in the Old World. Morpho-chorological investigations carried out on collections from Lao PDR provided new data on the variation and distribution of some intrageneric taxa that were critical, poorly known or unrecorded in the country. The variability of Capparis pyrifolia and Capparis zeylanica is discussed, while Capparis acutifolia subsp. acutifolia and Capparis tenera are respectively confirmed and first recorded in Lao PDR. A new variety of Capparis micracantha is described and 12 lectotypes are designated. For each taxon morphological, chorological and autecological data are given.

Variation in the Senecio aethnensis group (Asteraceae) along an altitudinal gradient

ABSTRACT The variability of the Senecio aethnensis group was investigated through morphometric analyses of seven populations along an altitudinal transect on Mt. Etna (E Sicily). The data obtained show a separation into two groups, one including the populations of the upper and middle belts, at and above 1700 m, the other including the populations from lower altitudes. In the first group a clinal morphological variation in several reproductive and vegetative characters was observed in relation to altitude. The analysis of leaf characters in progeny cultivated under uniform conditions confirmed the differentiation into the two groups, which are to be treated as separate species, i.e. S. aethnensis Jan, split in two varieties, and S. siculus All.

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. II: A new species from the Khammouan karst

Abstract A new species of Capparis, Capparis lanceolatifolia, is described and illustrated from central Lao PDR, where it is known from a single limestone doline in the Hinboun District, Khammouan Province. The new species is characterized by narrowly lanceolate leaves, racemose inflorescence bearing trifid bracts and small size of flower. Its affinities with related taxa and conservation status are discussed.

Capparis tchaourembensis, a new species of Capparaceae from Mayotte, Comororian Archipelago

SummaryA new species of Capparis, C. tchaourembensis Fici, is described and illustrated. Its conservation status is assessed and its affinities with related taxa are discussed.

Studies on the genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Lao PDR. III: A new species from the deciduous forest of the Hin Nam No National Protected Area

Abstract A new species of Capparis, Capparis hinnamnoensis, is described from the Khammouan Province, central Lao PDR. The new species is characterized by the indumentum constituted by stellate, two-armed and simple hairs, and by the terminal racemes bearing trifid bracts and medium-sized flowers. It is so far known from a single locality in the Hin Nam No National Protected Area, where it has been observed in the deciduous forest on Permo-Carboniferous limestone. Its conservation status is assessed.

A taxonomic revision of the genus Capparis (Capparaceae) in New Caledonia

ABSTRACT A revision of the genus Capparis has been carried out in New Caledonia, a global biodiversity hotspot with a high rate of endemism in its vascular flora. The taxonomic treatment of Capparis in this area required study because of some incompletely known taxa and deviating forms. Based on morphological and distributional investigations carried out on historical and recent herbarium collections, four species are recognised in New Caledonia: C. spinosa, belonging to sect. Capparis; C. quiniflora, belonging to sect. Monostychocalix; and C. parvifolia and C. artensis, both belonging to sect. Busbeckea. Capparis spinosa is represented by subsp. cordifolia, a taxon widespread in several Pacific islands, for which only scanty collections from the Loyalty Islands have been examined. Capparis quiniflora, widely distributed from the Malesian Region to Australia, is present along the coast and lowlands of New Caledonia on various substrata up to c. 250 m elevation. Capparis parvifolia is endemic to Mont Kaala, North Province of New Caledonia, where it is reported on ultramafic substrata from c. 100 to 800 m. Capparis artensis, known from New Caledonia and Vanuatu, is widespread prevalently on ultramafic substrata from sea level to c. 700 m. A nomenclatural novelty, C. artensis var. dielsiana comb. et stat. nov., is here proposed and seven lectotypes are designated. A key to species is provided, along with descriptions, distributions and autecological data. Capparis loranthifolia var. bancroftii, formerly recorded from a single mountain range of New Caledonia, is excluded from the flora of the island.