Bryophyte diversity in the gypsum outcrops of Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

A study on the bryophyte diversity of 12 Sicilian gypsum outcrops, falling in 4 Nature Reserves and 5 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), is presented in order to increase knowledge about this peculiar flora for which conservation efforts need to be addressed. The bryoflora consists of a total of 85 taxa, 8 liverworts and 77 mosses, most of them belonging to the Pottiaceae family and characterized by xero-morphological adaptations. The bio-ecological analysis has emphasized the prevalence of xerophytic and basiphytic species with life form turf and life strategy colonist. Regarding the gypsicolous character, only one species, Tortula revolvens, behaves as a strict gypsophyte, and a small group of species (Aloina spp., Crossidium spp.) as wide gypsophytes. The bryofloras of the sites show a quite high diversity level in species composition and include some rare and interesting taxa for Italy, e.g. Acaulon triquetrum, Aloina brevirostris, Syntrichia handelii, Tortula brevissima, Tortula revolvens, Tortula solmsii, Petalophyllum ralfsii. This study, which improves the information on the gypsum flora, represents a contribution to the knowledge of a habitat which is today considered a priority for conservation.