In early autumn 2009 a new population of Zelkova sicula, a very threatened tree species endemic to Sicily, has been found some 17km east from the first and unique population previously known. The abiotic (slope, rock and stone outcrop cover, environmental stress, etc.) and biotic (plant species composition, vegetation mean height, total cover, etc.) features of 30 plots selected within the two populations were investigated in order to contribute at clarifying the actual and potential eco-geographic range of this species. Data analysis showed that the floristic differences among the sampled plots mostly relate to the rather high micro-habitat amplitude of the target species and the tree size. As in both populations Z. sicula appears to currently prefer hollow trails (“thalwegs” in hydrogeological terminology), the assumption may be confirmed that in the past it probably was more widespread in fresher and more humid environments. This hypothesis appears to be sound if we consider the ecological requirements of all the existing Zelkova species.
Garfì, G., Carimi, F., Pasta, S., Rühl, J., Trigila, S. (2011). Additional insights on the ecology of the relic tree Zelkova sicula di Pasquale, Garfì et Quézel (Ulmaceae) after the finding of a new population. FLORA, 206, 407-417.
Additional insights on the ecology of the relic tree Zelkova sicula di Pasquale, Garfì et Quézel (Ulmaceae) after the finding of a new population
RUHL, Juliane;
2011-01-01
Abstract
In early autumn 2009 a new population of Zelkova sicula, a very threatened tree species endemic to Sicily, has been found some 17km east from the first and unique population previously known. The abiotic (slope, rock and stone outcrop cover, environmental stress, etc.) and biotic (plant species composition, vegetation mean height, total cover, etc.) features of 30 plots selected within the two populations were investigated in order to contribute at clarifying the actual and potential eco-geographic range of this species. Data analysis showed that the floristic differences among the sampled plots mostly relate to the rather high micro-habitat amplitude of the target species and the tree size. As in both populations Z. sicula appears to currently prefer hollow trails (“thalwegs” in hydrogeological terminology), the assumption may be confirmed that in the past it probably was more widespread in fresher and more humid environments. This hypothesis appears to be sound if we consider the ecological requirements of all the existing Zelkova species.
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