II genere Symphytum L. (Boraginaceae) in Italia. Revisione biosistematica

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After a historical synthesis on the taxonomic and nomenclatural framework proposed by several Authors for the genus Symphytum, the results of micro-, macromorphological and cytological investigations on the Italian taxa are reported. For each unit, besides the chromosome number, non glandular hairs and secretory structures of stem, leaves and flowers have been described. As regards taxonomy and phytogeography, besides the specimens cultivated in the Botanic Garden of Pisa and collected from several stands in Italy, the exsiccata from all major Italian and European Herbaria have been checked. Nomenclatural type, synonymies, distribution in Italy, ecology and other data from both bibliographical and original observations have been indicated for each species. An analytical key based on some morphological characters is proposed. References on the most significant iconography are also given.