Discovery of new populations in Mazara del Vallo (Sicily, Italy) of Galium litorale Guss. (Rubiaceae): a naturally rare species with a small distribution area

Galium litorale Guss. (Rubiaceae) is an endemic species of south-western Sicily (Italy) with a very restricted natural range of distribution, confined to a system of calcareous outcrops lo- cated along the coastal stretches of the Trapani territory, but circumscribed and fragmented between Marsala and Selinunte. The overall knowledge of the real conservation status of Gal- ium litorale in south-western Sicily is poor and is limited to the discovery of a few popula- tions, but some research carried out between 2024 and 2025 in this area, has allowed us to census numerous new populations that are useful for a better understanding of the distribution and protection of this species.