Plant diversity in old-growth woods: the case of the forest edges of the Favorita Park in Palermo (north-western Sicily, Italy)

• DOI: 10.3897/pls2024611/01
• Publication Date: 2024-05-28T09:29:33Z
• Authors: Lorenzo Gianguzzi; Orazio Caldarella; Patrizia Campisi; Sonia Ravera; Riccardo Scalenghe; Giuseppe Venturella

This article presents the results of a study on plant diversity at different levels in residual forest stands, located historical Favorita Park Palermo, Italy (established and named 1799 by King Ferdinand IV House Bourbon). These aspects have naturally evolved for over two centuries, under minimal conditions anthropogenic disturbance (e.g. deforestation, fires, grazing activities, etc.). is especially true area known as “Bosco Niscemi”, spread about 8.5 hectares, centre park. Bosco Niscemi characterized widespread presence old trees, abundant necromass litter. In this study, four soil profiles were analysed, classified follows: (i) Solimovic Regosol (Arenic); ii) Eutric Arenosol (Chromic); (iii) (iv) Skeletic (Ochric). From phytosociological point view, communities been identified, which are described new associations ( Viburno tini-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova Teucrio flavi-Phillyreetum nova). The species richness was also found to be noteworthy, with co-occurrence several taxa (phanerogams cryptogams) that biogeographic interest or rare Sicily, including: i) vascular flora Viburnum tinus Arbutus unedo , both very throughout western sector Sicily); bryophytes [ Cryphaea heteromalla (new record Sicily) well Hypnum cupressiforme Leptodon smithii never previously such low altitudes]; iii) lichens Bacidia rosella Gyalecta derivata Ramalina roesleri Waynea stoechadiana ); iv) mushrooms Eichleriella leucophaea only location Italy). Based scientific documentation produced these woods can reported “old-growth forests” included “National Network” has recently established (Ministerial Decree 23 June 2023). might serve an ideal control urban environmental studies, given its pristine ecological setting.