Abstract
The specialised flora of serpentine outcrops in Tuscany (Italy) is analysed in terms of species richness and geographic variation, in order to identify main centres of diversity and provide a basis for conservation programmes. Five edaphic groups are distinguished, among which obligate endemics, serpentine-preferential taxa, facultative basiphilous and facultative calcifuge serpentinophytes. Relatively low diversity (87 taxa) and high taxonomic distinctiveness (28.7% of endemics plus preferentials) underscore the insular condition of the ophiolitic outcrops. Hemicryptophytes and chamaephytes are the dominat life-forms, in line with the mainly continental character revealed by the phytogeographical analysis. Presence/absence of the taxa in 10 serpentine island systems was assessed using literature and original field data. Number of species and surface of the areas are significantly correlated. Cluster analysis identifies five groups of areas, while ordination indicates the species which are more effective in determining the floristic differences among the areas. Cecina valley, Monte Ferrato, Murlo hills and upper Tiber valley are the main centres of endemism and taxonomic diversity. However, the positive relationship between floristic and geographic distances and the remarkable proportion of species with frequency < 50% highlights a considerable among-area variation. To ‘catch’ such variation, a network of distant protected sites appears more effective than to search for single areas with high diversity. At least one site in each of the five clusters should be included in a ‘Important Plant Area’ network which would ensure the conservation of such a peculiar component of the Italian vascular flora.
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Selvi, F. Diversity, geographic variation and conservationof the serpentine flora of Tuscany (Italy). Biodivers Conserv 16, 1423–1439 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-006-6931-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-006-6931-x