Taxonomical and phytogeographycal remarks on Trifolium savianum Guss., a misappreciated species of the Italian flora.

Abstract

The taxonomic position, chorology and phytosociological role of Trifolium savianum, a misappreciated species of the Italian flora, are examined. The species is closely related to T. uniflorum, E.-Mediterranean element, from which it differs in several morphological features regarding leaves, flowers and fruits. Distinction of the two taxa at the specific level is also supported by their geographical isolation dating back to the end of the Messinian period. From the phytosociological point of view, T. savianum is a member of an orophilous grassland rich in chamaephytes belonging to Plantaginion cupani, alliance of Molinio-Arrhenatheretea. This community is proposed as a new association, named Micromerio canescentis-Trifolietum saviani. As concerns T. uniflorum, it takes part in several coastal and inland phrygana communities belonging to the Cisto-Micromerietea class; besides it occurs in halophilous coastal communities of Crithmo-Limonietea.