Taxonomical notes on the Sicilian populations of Asperula gussonei (Rubiaceae): A. peloritana sp. nov.

Abstract

Taxonomical investigation on Asperula gussonei, a rare Sicilian endemism, allowed us to verify that the Madonie population is well differentiated from the Mt. Scuderi one. These two populations are here treated as distinct species: A. gussonei Boiss. from Madonie and A. peloritana sp. nov. from Mt. Scuderi. The main morphological and ecological differences between the two species are pointed out. Their iconographies and relationships with the allied species are given too.

Keywords

• rubiaceae
• endemism
• asperula
• sicily
• taxonomy