Abstract
A new species from Mt Etna (Sicily), Allium aetenense of A. sect. Codonoprasum, is described and illustrated. It is a diploid species (2n = 16) that grows on basaltic rocks in the mountain belt and shows close relationships with A. tenuiflorum of the Italian peninsula. Its morphology, karyology, leaf anatomy, seed coat microsculpturing, ecology and taxonomic position are examined.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Dr Girolamo Fichera (Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, Catania University) for SEM preparations of seeds and micrographs, as well as the curators of the consulted Herbaria (BM, CAT, FI, G, K, M, NAP-GUSS, P) for specimen loans and assistance during our visits.
Funding
Financial support of Catania University (Fondi d'Ateneo per la Ricerca, cod. 20104001100/2011) is gratefully acknowledged.