Distribution, ecology, vegetation and conservation survey on the relictual population of Carex panormitana Guss. (Cyperaceae) in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

We report the results of research on the Carex panormitana Guss. (Cyperaceae) population in Sicily, carried out within its locus classicus at the Oreto River (Palermo). The survey led to a morphological, biological and autoecological characterization, to the definition of the current distribution in the site, to an estimate of the number of individuals and to an analysis of its conservation status. The risk status was also assessed and the species was ascribed to the category Critically Endangered (CR), in accordance with the CR B1ab (ii, iii, v) and EN C1 IUCN criteria. Moreover, the phytosociological survey carried out on the meso-hygrophilous vegetation in which the species is dominant allowed description of the association Caricetum pendulo-panormitanae ass. nova, in turn framed into the alliance Magnocaricion elatae (ord. Magnocaricetalia, cl. Phragmito-Magnocaricetea).

Keywords:

• Carex panormitana
• critically endangered species
• Cyperaceae
• Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC
• IUCN Criteria and Direct Threats
• phytosociology
• population analysis

Acknowledgements

This work was carried out with financial support from Università degli Studi di Palermo (Ricerca d’Ateneo ex 60%: “Vegetazione dei corsi d’acqua della Sicilia in sistemi paesaggistici con problematiche d’impatto ambientale”, resp. Prof. L. Gianguzzi). The authors wish to thank an anonymous referee for the critical review of the text.