Pyrus vallis-demonis (Rosaceae), a new species from the Nebrodi Mountains (NE-Sicily).

Abstract

The genus Pyrus in Sicily is represented by P. amygdaliformis Vill., P. communis L., P. pyraster Burgsd. and, in addition, by several other taxa such as P. pyrainus Raf., P. cuneifolia Guss., P. parviflora Desf., P. sicula Tin., P. tinei Tod. ex Decne, etc.. These taxa, presently considered at lower rank or quite insignificant from the taxonomical point of view, show on the whole a remarkable morphological diversity. Therefore, new field surveys and collections in the whole Sicilian area as well as the revision of the herbarium material were started up some years ago. As a first result of these surveys, a new species occurring in the Nebrodi Regional Park (NE Sicily) has been found and is here described and named Pyrus vallis-demonis.