Taxonomic remarks on Sesleria nitida Ten. (Poaceae), an orophyte endemic to Sicily and the central-southern Apennines

Abstract

A taxonomic revision regarding the Italian and Sicilian populations of Sesleria nitida Ten., critical species of the Tyrrhenian flora, is presented. It is a peculiar orophyte occurring on the carbonatic substrata of many central-southern Apennine massifs and northern Sicilian ranges. Based on several morphological features, it is possible to distinguish three new subspecies, well differentiated also from a phytogeographical viewpoint. They are subsp. nitida (Abruzzi to Mt. Pollino), subsp. aprutia (C-Apennines) and subsp. sicula (N-Sicily). Each taxon is also examined from the chorological, ecological, and nomenclatural point of view. An iconography is also provided.

Key words:

• Italian flora
• nomenclature
• Poaceae
• Sesleria nitida
• taxonomy

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the keepers and the staff of the following Herbaria: B, BOLO, CAT, FI, G, M, NAP, PAL, RO, W, WU.