Abstract
Peridotite outcrops have special lithological (serpentine) and soil characteristics; they also support an unique flora and vegetation “that clearly differ from that of other soil types. One of the most important peridotite outcrops in the Western Mediterranean Basin is located in Sierra Bermeja (Andalusia, Spain). The establishment of a complete ecological-floristic checklist of serpentinophytes in this area, and a comparison with other serpentine-endemic floras in the Mediterranean Basin, is essential for the assessment, management and conservation of these special areas. The recognition of serpentinophytes was made following six criteria used for floras inhabiting special substrata,. The list of species exclusively or partially found on peridotite comprises 27 taxa with a variable degree of serpentinophily: obligate serpentinophytes (obligate endemics), preferential serpentinophytes (populations located mainly on serpentine) and subserpentinophytes (with some populations located on magnesium-rich substrata). As observed in other Mediterranean outcrops, the number of obligate serpentinophytes increases with the area of the outcrop, and the genera Alyssum, Arenaria, Armeria, Centaurea and Silene were the most frequent. Most of the studied serpentinophytes, except for a few xerothermophilous taxa, present a wide bioclimatic (altitudinal) range and grow in shrublands and pastures in rocky places with shallow soils. As many as 56% of the serpentinophytes are threatened and, among obligate serpentinophytes, 45% are categorized as critically endangered or endangered, emphasizing the need for urgent conservation measures on the species and their habitats Based on this checklist, more detailed studies may focus on serpentinophytes for their particular physiology, adaptive traits, functional types, phenology and applications.
Highlights
Peridotites are recognized as one of the most peculiar rock types on Earth, both for their plutonic igneous origin and chemical composition (Roberts & Proctor, 1992)
As many as 56% of the serpentinophytes are threatened and, among obligate serpentinophytes, 45% are categorized as critically endangered or endangered, emphasizing the need for urgent conservation measures on the species and their habitats Based on this checklist, more detailed studies may focus on serpentinophytes for their particular physiology, adaptive traits, functional types, phenology and applications
Except for Asplenium adiantum-nigrum var. corunnense and Notholaena marantae, the south Iberian serpentinophytes are considered as Mediterranean floristic elements (Blanca & al., 2011), showing eco-morphological and functional adaptations to the characteristic dry period of the Mediterranean climate (Orshan, 1986)
Summary
Peridotites are recognized as one of the most peculiar rock types on Earth, both for their plutonic igneous origin and chemical composition (Roberts & Proctor, 1992). Serpentine soils originate from this type of rock, and are well known for their physical and chemical anomalies that present a hostile environment for plants (Brooks, 1987) Anomalies such as high Fe and Mg contents, a low Ca content, a deficiency of nutrients (N, P, K), infertility, toxic concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Co, Va), very slow soil development and high xerothermicity characterize these soils (Whittaker, 1954; López González, 1975; Brooks, 1987). Studies on species adapted to this type of serpentine ecosystem are considered of great interest for the restoration of contaminated soils, the mining of heavy metals, the study of the evolution in extreme habitats, and in conservation biology surveys (Brady & al., 2005)
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