Floristic Survey Research Articles

Prediction and evaluation of allelopathic plants species in Algerian Saharan ecosystem

Allelochemicals involved in plant-plant interaction (Allelopathy) are a potential source for alternative agrochemicals to solve the negative effects caused by synthetic herbicides. The present study is focused on the prediction and evaluation of allelopathic plants species in Saharan ecosystem from the Souf region in the southeastern of Algeria. The study was articulated through three steps of investigation: (1) a floristic survey, including a general inventory with notation of abundance and sociability scores for each species to understand the floristic composition of the study area, (2) Species co-occurrence analysis, using a presence/absence of data species in restricted sampling plots, which allowed to identify eight negatively associated species pairs with only one positive association and (3) allelopathic bioassays were performed with the aqueous extracts of the three species negatively associated species. The results showed a significant effect of aqueous extracts of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb, Retama raetam Forssk. Webb and Limoniastrum guyonianum Boiss on seed germination or seedling growth of target species (Lactuca sativa L., Daucus carota L., Triticum durum Desf. and Zea mays L.) at concentrations of 10 % and 15 %. H.strobilaceum showed the highest phytotoxic activity with 0% germination rate of all target species at concentration of 15 %, followed by R. raetam and L. guyonianum, and D. carota was the most sensitive target species with total inhibition of germination in most of treatments. Besides, plumule length was most affected then radicle length. It was conducted that some of these extracts may be represent a promising alternative bioherbicides from Saharan plants in agricultural and environmental management.

Influence of anthropization on flora and the carbon stock of the corridor's vegetation at the Benoue National Park of Cameroon

This study was conducted to examine the impact of anthropic activities carried out by migrants population on six corridors (Buffalo, Giraffe, forest Gallery, Cobe défassa, Derby Eland and Hippotrague) crossing two hunting areas if interest (HAI 1 and 4) made of five riverside villages (Banda-Wani, Sakdjé, Dogba, Djaba and Guidjiba) in the Benoue National Park (BNP) of Cameroon. The main objectives were to (i) determine the various threats to the established corridors, (ii) assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on flora and the fauna passing through the corridors, and (iii) estimate the carbon stocks in the investigated corridors. Floristic surveys were conducted in the selected six sites of 50 m x 20 m, divided each in 10 subplots. In the investigated corridors, nine types of anthropogenic activities were identified in total. However the main anthropogenic activities were: logging (53.56%), agriculture (20.23%) and overgrazing (6.21%). The main users of the corridor's natural resources are farmers (100%), gold miners (51.38%) and charcoal producers (32.78%). Plants species such as Piliostigma thonningii (82.674%), Combretum spp. (78.18%) and Tamarindus indica (75.06%) are the most endangered species. The Shannon diversity index is high in all corridors (between 4.30 and 5.07) and the equitability index is regular everywhere (between 0.50 and 0.59). This study showed that, conservation and recovery efforts in the BNP need to be increased. There is an urgent need for the Cameroonian government to set up a protection and participatory management system to safeguard the wildlife biodiversity in the National park of Benoue (BNP).

Floristic core of the Russian Plain pine forests along Pinus sylvestris southern borders

Pine forests - forest tracts on the sandy left banks, where the main area is occupied by plant communities with a predominance of Pinus sylvestris. Due to the significant distance from each other, the floras of the pine forests differ. However, the flora of these pine forests also shares common characteristics. In order to establish the floristic unity of the forests at the southern limit of the distribution of Pinus sylvestris, work was carried out to identify their floristic core. For 20 years, floristic surveys have been carried out in the forests of the steppe and forest-steppe zones. A general floristic list was compiled, with the identification of aboriginal and alien fractions, and the floristic core was established. Revealed: the core of the flora is determined by the pine forest flora with the lowest number of species among the comparable pine forests. The core of the flora of the studied pine forests included 30.8% of the species of the general flora. An increase in the number of analyzed floras will bring accuracy to the determination of the floristic core. This will make it possible to form an understanding of the pine forest flora as a single floristic complex.

Passive regeneration of subtropical grassland vegetation in a chronosequence of ex‐cultivated fields in Australia

AbstractAimIn Australia, natural grasslands largely occur on fertile clay soils and have consequently been extensively cultivated since European settlement. Other studies have demonstrated that passive restoration of subtropical grassland is possible in environments where there is substantial native remnant vegetation in the surrounding landscape. This study examined a chronosequence of abandoned fields to investigate the recovery of fragmented grassland in a matrix of cultivated land with significant exotic species that may impede succession.LocationDarling Downs, Queensland, Australia.MethodsIn this study we surveyed a chronosequence of ex‐cultivated subtropical grasslands in Queensland's Darling Downs, where only 1% of the original grasslands remain. Floristic surveys were carried out in 80 fallow sites up to 51 years old, and data were compared with 16 previously surveyed remnant grasslands on the same land type.ResultsRichness of native species increased with time since cultivation and approached, but did not reach, that of remnant grasslands after 51 years, whereas the richness of exotics declined with time since cultivation. Rainfall and grazing positively and negatively affected exotic plant abundance respectively and these factors had no significant direct or indirect effect on the native species richness. In terms of composition, fallow grasslands supported 54% of the native plant species from remnant grasslands after 51 years. The native perennial grasses Dichanthium sericeum and Aristida leptopoda were the only dominant species in the remnants that were present in more than 60% of the fallow grasslands. Of the species from remnants that were “missing” from fallow sites, most were native perennial forbs and grasses. Compositional dissimilarity of fallow grassland to remnant grasslands remained high after 51 years (78%). Grassland species that are uncommon in nearby hill woodlands were preferentially absent in fallow grassland and this partly explains the slow compositional recovery.ConclusionIn a highly fragmented landscape, passive restoration is only partially effective. The restoration of grassland is probably enhanced by repositories of native seeds from hill woodlands that are too rocky to cultivate. However, some species may have to be actively reintroduced to achieve complete recovery. In this landscape, where grazing is a dominant land use, exotic species do not seem to impede succession.

Flora of herbaceous and arboreous plants in Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo, Japan.

BackgroundRecent studies revealed that green spaces in urban areas are critical for conservation of native biodiversity and that assessment of the present flora of green spaces in urban areas is critical for protection of the native biodiversity. The Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo embraces a relevant green area, located in a highly urbanised area in Tokyo Metropolis (35.66 N 139.68 E, Japan). The total area of this Campus is 25.4 ha, from which, 4.5 ha are covered by vegetation. Although intense urbanisation can be observed around the Campus, new insect species had been reported for the Campus area, suggesting that the biodiversity on the Campus still demands some attention. Differently from fauna surveys, no flora survey has been done for more than 30 years on the Campus. In this study, we have extensively surveyed the plants diversity on the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo, aiming for an update of the plants list on this green urban area in Tokyo.New informationThe survey covered all herbaceous and arboreous plants growing wild on the Campus. Garden plants were excluded in this survey because these plants were supposed to be cultivated. The final dataset contained, in total, 324 taxa, from which 234 were herbaceous plants and 90 were arboreous plants. The top three taxa are as follows: Poaceae (38 taxa), Asteraceae (34 taxa) and Rosaceae (14 taxa), respectively. This is the first update to the Flora of the Komaba Campus of the University of Tokyo in 30 years and represent an important contribution to conservation of native species in the Tokyo metropolis.

Triuris hyalina Miers: first record of Triuridaceae in the southern Atlantic Forest of Paraná, Brazil

We report the first occurrence of the family Triuridaceae in the Atlantic Forest of Paraná state, Brazil. We found Triuris hyalina Miers in a nature reserve and present a description, taxonomic and ecological comments, distribution data, and images. It is a small, mycoheterotrophic plant species. We found it in an area of dense ombrophilous forest in the municipality of Piraquara, eastern Paraná. Our new record represents the first of the family in the state and the southernmost known occurrence of the species. The new occurrence highlights the importance of floristic surveys to better understand the flora of the Atlantic Forest.

Ethnobotanical Study and Plant Diversity in the Forest of Kedarnath Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India

The present study was carried out in the forest of Kedarnath valley in Garhwal Himalaya. The aim of the study was to access the diversity status and ecological status. The study was conducted following the stratified sampling techniques by placing quadrates (1m×1m) for herbs, (5m×5m) for shrubs, and (10m×10m) size for trees in the forest area. A total number of 221 plant species were recorded during the floristic survey in the project area. Plant diversity of the project area encompasses 49 species of trees, 28 species of shrubs, and 144 species of herbs. Important value index, the Shannon diversity index, and total basal area species were recorded. The tree density in the present study was highest in the Kedarnath valley which ranged from 0.3 to 8.5 no./ha. Shrub density in the present study varied from 0.4 to 13.5 no./ha, whereas herb density ranged between 0.2 to 22.4 no.ha-1. Total basal cover (TBC) for trees showed a range of 9.542 to 0.075 m2.ha-1, and the Shannon diversity index (H) for tree species was recorded from a minimum of 0.976 to a maximum of 3.048. The horrific disaster in the Kedarnath valley in 2013 caused a lot of damage to the bugyals (High altitude grass) and forests of the valley. About 500 species of vesicular medicinal plants, fodder plants, and other important plant species were washed away (Botanical Survey of India 2015). The current study is a pioneer in the aspect and can be helpful in making district forest plans, protocols, and implementation of forest policy to protect the forest by local people.

Analysis of species floristics within the oak forests of Guerrouche (Jijel, Algeria)

Abstract The Guerrouche forest is home to a fairly important flora heritage which offers this massif a forest cover by the presence of quite remarkable forest stands, from a floristic point of view by the presence of natural vegetation characterized by a diverse flora. This study aims to quantify the floristic diversity of the vegetation associated with the three main tree species (zeen oak, cork oak and afares oak) that inhabit the Guerrouche forest on the basis of distributed floristic surveys, according to a sampling strategy. stratified and systematic, which took into account the species present in each type of tree stand. The floristic surveys thus carried out, numbering 55, made it possible to establish a list of a floristic list made up of 172 species, which belonged to 69 genera and 45 botanical families. Of these, 42 were endemic species, including 4 specific to the study area. The number of rare and very rare species was 70 taxa. The study also revealed the clear degradation of the genus Erica of this ecosystem. Analysis of the overall chorological spectrum showed a dominance of Mediterranean species (209 species), with a dominance (82.3%) of species that were therophyte species. The forest stands of the genus Quercus inhabiting the Guerrouche massif must be supported by the authorities to preserve and conserve this forest heritage against fires, illegal logging, etc. The results of this study will be the subject of development actions and rational management of these natural forest ecosystems.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Flora and Fauna Species in Kainji Lake National Park New-Bussa Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to identify the Ethnobotanical uses of flora and fauna species in Kainji Lake National Park New-Bussa Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. The study objectives were to document knowledge and generate data on identification and uses of Plant species and animal species in Borgu and Zugurma sector of the park. Ethnobotanical surveys based on interviews from the park ranges, plant taxonomist and zoologist staff of the park and Botanical survey was carried out based on sample plots. A stratified random sampling was used to select sample sites within the two sector of the Park, based on flora and fauna sub-classification. A total Ten (10) plots of 100m x 100m strips were demarcated within the two sectors. In each plot a total of four (4) 20m x 20m sub-plots were randomly selected for identification of Flora and Fauna resources in both the two sector of the park. Results from Flora resources shows a total of 45 plants species belonging to 21 families were selected.in both the two sector. Family- Leguminosae and Combretaceace were the dominant family in terms of number of species represented. The species are multipurpose and are exploited to satisfy different subsistence needs. Bark and Leaf are the most commonly used Flora parts for medicinal in KLNP. Results from Fauna resources shows that Family-Bovidea and Felidae are the most dominate in the Mammal species, Family-Pythonidea is dominate in Reptile species, Birth has different family and species. Alestidae and Cyprinidae are the dominates in fish found in KLNP while Family-Mochokidae and Bagridae are the most dominates in the fresh-water fish species in Kainji Lake (Northern Nigeria).

Taxon‐level assessment of the data collection quality in Atlas Florae Europaeae: insights from the case of Rosa (Rosaceae) in Eastern Europe

By the method of data re‐collection and re‐assessment, we here test the completeness of distribution areas of the species and species aggregates of Rosa in Eastern Europe as mapped in volume 13 of Atlas Florae Europaeae (AFE), and discuss insights into the issues connected with the data. We found many new occurrences which are additions to the published maps: 1068 records of species and 570 records of species aggregates. The new occurrences are listed with references to the sources, and the updated AFE maps are provided. The greatest increase by new native occurrences was revealed for the species that are widespread or taxonomically complicated, and by new alien occurrences for the species that currently expand their secondary distribution areas. The mapping work published in 2004 is considered good, with minor omissions caused by possible oversights and incomplete sampling. The majority of new additions originated in the period after the original data collection. Nearly the same amount of new data originated from larger and smaller herbarium collections, underlining the value of small collections for chorological studies. We found that only ca 20% of new records based on herbarium specimens have been published, thus highlighting the need for data papers for publication of distributional data. The greatest increase by new records based on herbarium specimens was found for insufficiently studied territories (Belarus, central, northern and eastern parts of Russia), whereas the same level of increase for the territories with reasonably good coverage (Latvia) was achieved by observations. We conclude that the overall sparsity of published records in Eastern Europe is caused by a lower level of data collection rather than by poor data availability, and that floristic surveys based on herbarium specimens cannot compete in speed and density of records with observation‐based surveys, which may become the main source of distributional information in the future.

Unraveling the plant diversity of the Amazonian canga through DNA barcoding.

The canga of the Serra dos Carajás, in Eastern Amazon, is home to a unique open plant community, harboring several endemic and rare species. Although a complete flora survey has been recently published, scarce to no genetic information is available for most plant species of the ironstone outcrops of the Serra dos Carajás. In this scenario, DNA barcoding appears as a fast and effective approach to assess the genetic diversity of the Serra dos Carajás flora, considering the growing need for robust biodiversity conservation planning in such an area with industrial mining activities. Thus, after testing eight different DNA barcode markers (matK, rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1, atpF‐atpH, psbK‐psbI, trnH‐psbA, and ITS2), we chose rbcL and ITS2 as the most suitable markers for a broad application in the regional flora. Here we describe DNA barcodes for 1,130 specimens of 538 species, 323 genera, and 115 families of vascular plants from a highly diverse flora in the Amazon basin, with a total of 344 species being barcoded for the first time. In addition, we assessed the potential of using DNA metabarcoding of bulk samples for surveying plant diversity in the canga. Upon achieving the first comprehensive DNA barcoding effort directed to a complete flora in the Brazilian Amazon, we discuss the relevance of our results to guide future conservation measures in the Serra dos Carajás.

NEW DATA ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF RARE AND PROTECTED SPECIES OF VASCULAR PLANTS IN THE LENINGRAD REGION AND SAINT PETERSBURG

New information is given on the habitats, distribution, population status and dynamics of 9 rare vascular plant species. The material was collected through floristic surveys carried out by the author in the Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg, mainly in 2018-2020. One of the species ( Dactylorhiza baltica ) is listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, three species ( Alisma gramineum, A. juzepczukii, Persicaria mitis ) are red-listed in Saint Petersburg, and two species ( Carex arenaria, Viola persicifolia ) are red-listed in the Leningrad Region. Most of the rare species records were made in the Zapadnyi Kotlin Nature Reserve. In addition, the article presents new information on rare alien species - Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Bidens frondosa, and Erigeron annuus . The invasive status of Bidens frondosa and the dynamics of its distribution in the region are discussed.

Characterization of a Disjunct Population of Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and Surrounding Plant Communities in the North Carolina Piedmont after 65 Years of Forest Change

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a 57-ha preserve in the piedmont of North Carolina. A small disjunct Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) population exists in the preserve, primarily within a microclimate on a north-facing bluff. A study published in 1956 included a 1952–1953 inventory of the hemlock population as well as records of the local flora and climate. We re-inventoried the Eastern Hemlock population, conducted a new floristic survey, and recorded new climate data in the preserve in 2018–2019. Our new data reveal a notable change in both the Eastern Hemlock population and preserve-wide stand structure. Only 2% average light transmittance through the canopy was recorded in the preserve in the 2019 growing season, compared to 11% in the 1953 growing season (P = 0.02). At least 7 plant taxa underwent notable shifts in distribution, mostly moving down-slope on the bluff face. Average ambient air temperatures on the bluff were 1.62 °C higher in 2018–2019 than in 1952–1953. Canopy closure, inbreeding depression, increased temperatures, erosion, and browsing by Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) all likely contribute to low Eastern Hemlock seed germination and high seedling mortality within the preserve. These factors may also partially account for observed shifts in floristic distribution. In addition to mortality caused by Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid), these environmental changes endanger the future viability of this Eastern Hemlock population.

Inventory of Rubiaceae species in Mt. Pao Range, Ilocos Norte, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines

Abstract. Batuyong MAR, Calaramo MA, Alejandro GJD. 2021. Inventory of Rubiaceae species in Mt. Pao Range, Ilocos Norte, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines. Biodiversitas 22: 3604-3612. Botanical assessments in the Philippines are mostly conducted on declared Protected Areas (PAs). However, many remaining potentially interesting and largely unexplored floristic sites are not considered PA, one of which is the Mt. Pao Range in the Municipality of Adams, located in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Among the flowering plant family, Rubiaceae is one with the largest number of endemic species and genera in the Philippines Thus, floristic surveys of Rubiaceae species were conducted, and collections were made from September 2019 to March 2021. A total of 39 species belonging to 13 tribes and 24 genera of the family were recorded. These constitute 7.09% of the total Philippine Rubiaceae. Of these species, 18 are Philippine endemics while two are considered narrow endemic to Mt. Pao. Two endemic genera were also found in the area Antherostele and Kanapia. According to the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants, their conservation status in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2017-11 found one species assessed as Critically Endangered (Antherostele callophylla). This study contributes to the data on the distribution and occurrence of Philippine Rubiaceae. Moreover, it also highlights the area's importance with the presence of threatened and endemic species as an area of concern for protection and conservation.

Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae) from Espírito Santo state, Brazil

We present a floristic survey for Byrsonima (Malpighiaceae) from Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Of the 17 species occurring in Espírito Santo, one is recorded for the first time for the state (B. intermedia). In addition, three species were considered vulnerable or near threatened (B. alvimii, B. bahiana and B. cacaophila). Identification key for all species was presented, along with morphological descriptions, photograph plates, distribution maps, and ecological notes of the studied species.

Rare plants of the Voronezh region in ecosystems of Khrenovsky pine forest

To evaluate the environmental significance of Khrenovsky Bor isolated pine forest, we identified rare plant species in this area. We have been conducting floristic surveys for 10 years using route method. Herbarium specimens, literary and archival data were also analyzed. This allowed us to identify 850 species pertaining to 718 genera and 130 families in the forest area. The flora of Khrenovsky pine forest encompasses 5 plant species listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and 46 species in the Red Data Book of the Voronezh region. It accounts for 19.4% of all rare vascular plant species in the region. Most of the rare species are representatives of boreal, boreal-nemoral, nemoral, boreal-nemoral-forest-steppe latitude groups. This indicates high importance of the pine forest in conservation of rare species, and forest species make up the greater portion of them. One of the important results was the discovery of Elatine alsinastrum L. in the forest area. A proposal has been put forward to include this species in the rare taxa cadastre of the Voronezh Region and regional Red Data Book. We consider the possibility of giving the nature protection status to Khrenovsky Bor pine forest as a unique forest area, where rare plant species are preserved, and for some of them this forest area is the only habitat in the region.

Ethnomedicinal Survey of Indigenous Flora for the Management of Cancer in South-Western, Nigeria

Background: Nigeria as a multi-ethnic and multi-regional nation is blessed with a great diversity of traditional approaches to common diseases of mankind. Thus, ethnomedicinal surveys are key in reconciling long existing therapeutic approaches as bedrocks for drug discovery to ailing diseases of man today. Objective of Study: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States of South-western region of Nigeria where mostly the Yoruba people live; to identify and document medicinal plants used in the management of cancer. Methods: Herbalists, traditional healers, herb sellers, old men and women who have information regarding the use of herbs either by inheritance or by trainings were questioned with the help of a well-structured questionnaire. A sample size of 200 respondents was randomly chosen with the help of their (community) leaders. Data on the local names, methods of preparation and the plant parts used were collected and analyzed to determine their frequency of citation, species use value and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: A total of 126 plant species (belonging to 112 genera and119 families) used in the treatment of 20 types of cancer were identified. Members of the family Fabaceae (10 species) were the most widely used. It was observed that Bryophyllum pinnatum and Tetrapleura tetraptera were the most frequently cited species for the treatment of cancer. Analysis revealed 14 plant parts used in the treatment of cancer by the practitioners. Result also showed that bone and kidney cancers had highest degree of consensus from informants (0.5each). Conclusion: Bioassay guided fractionation is required on the most frequently cited plant species such that adequate information based on ethnomedicinal practice for the treatment of cancer in South-Western Nigeria can be kept for successive generation. New anti-cancer herbal medicines may also be discovered to alleviate the suffering of mankind.

Contribution to the flora of Ulziit Mountain in forest steppe region of Mongolia

The Ulziit Mountain has a unique ecosystem which is one of northern branch mountains of Khangai mountain range in Mongolia. Several field survey were conducted in summer in all habitats in different altitudes. A total of 314 taxa were registered belonging to 161 genera from 52 families in Ulziit Mountain flora. The family Asteraceae was found to be the largest with 37 taxa, followed by Poaceae with 30 taxa, Ranunculaceae with 24 taxa, Cyperaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Rosaceae each with 17 taxa, Salicaceae with 16 taxa, and Fabaceae with 15 taxa; in total, these comprised 55.1% of all flora complements in this mountain. During the investigation, 5 species were newly recorded in the Khangai mountains forest-steppe region. The most represented life forms in the flora are hemicryptophytes (71.97%), which are common for mountain steppe vegetation. In a time of climate change, effective conservation of nature is needed at an ecosystem such as a single mountain particularly for endemic, relict and other salient species. Furthermore, such a detailed floristic survey is important for finding new records in the field of plant taxonomy and conservation of nature in these specific areas.
 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 195-215, 2021 (June)

A Floral Checklist for Wheaton Regional Park, Montgomery County, Maryland

Wheaton Regional Park is a suburban 500-acre park in Montgomery County, Maryland, on the northern edge of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Early floristic surveys of the park, conducted between 1961–1964 when the park was founded, showed the park to be diverse, with 443 taxa of vascular plants. Our research team conducted a second round of floristic surveys between 2014–2019 to update the checklist of plants in the park. Here, we present a comprehensive checklist of all species collected in the park over the past 50 years, discuss recent plant introductions, and share a platform for a digital flora of the park through the Mid-Atlantic Megalopolis online portal. We documented 393 vascular plant species from the 1960s, as part of a comprehensive review of those collections. The 2010s collections recorded 293 vascular plant species, and an additional 16 species of bryophytes. In total, 554 species of plants (vascular and non-vascular) in 326 genera and 118 families have been recorded in Wheaton Regional Park over the past 50 years. We found that the surveys in the 2010s identified a substantial number of vascular plant species that were not recorded in the 1960s surveys. Additionally, we were able to recover less than half of the vascular plants recorded in the 1960s. The proportion of non-native vascular plant species increased from 22.1% in the 1960s to 34.5% in the 2010s. We offer recommendations for preserving the extant diversity of native plants in the park.

Last tesserae of a fading mosaic: floristic census and forest vegetation survey at Parche di Bilello (south-western Sicily, Italy), a site needing urgent protection measures

This paper illustrates the botanic heritage of Parche di Bilello, a site located in the municipality of Castelvetrano. The study area hosts several woodland fragments dominated by Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Quercus suber and Quercus ilex, respectively. According to historical data, these nuclei represent the last remnants of an open forestland which covered a much wider coastal area between Mazara del Vallo and Sciacca until the end of Middle Age. Phytosociological relevés were focused on these forest nuclei, probably the most representative of south-western Sicily, which correspond to three habitats included in the 92/43 EEC Directive (9320, 9330 and 9340, respectively) and represent the final stage of three different edaphic series. Wild olive forests probably dominated on sandy calcareous soils, holm oaks prevailed on steep calcareous and N-exposed slopes. In contrast, cork oaks mostly occurred on sandy subacid soils issuing from pedogenetic processes on palaeodunes. Moreover, field surveys allowed to list 331 vascular plant taxa. Among them, Linaria multicaulis subsp. humilis, Orobanche balsensis and Serapias orientalis subsp. siciliensis are new to Trapani Province. Detailed information on the current distribution and the synecology of several plant taxa of high biogeographic and conservation interest is also provided. The study site also hosts one habitat of priority interest (6220, i.e. xerophilous Mediterranean perennial grasslands and annual swards) and two species protected by international laws, i.e. the orchid Ophrys lunulata and the lichen Teloschistes chrysophthalmus. Considering the high value of its natural heritage, this territory deserves the adoption of more effective protection measures. For this reason the authors recommend its inclusion as a new Site of Community Interest within the Sicilian Natura 2000 network.