Biocoenotic and karyological characterization of four upspring critical taxa of the eastern Po Plain (North-Eastern Italy)

ABSTRACT

Four critical species of a damp site of the eastern Po Plain were examined from a karyological point of view, and their population density related to their status based on UICN categories. These taxa are: Armeria helodes Martini et Poldini, an endemic species to lower Friuli, with 2n=18; Gladiolus palustris Gaudin, a species of humid grasslands with a fluctuating water level, with 2n=60; Senecio doria L., a vulnerable species with 2n=40, and S.paludosus L. considered an Italian endangered species, with 2n=40. Some observations about the biotopes studied are also reported.

KEY WORDS:

• endangered species
• karyology
• Po Plain
• status
• upsprings