Contribution to the knowledge of the endemic vascular flora of Iglesiente (SW Sardinia -Italy)

The results of a survey on the endemic vascular flora of Iglesiente (SW Sardinia) are presented. This flora consists of 140 taxa, including 115 species, 18 subspecies, 4 varieties and 3 hybrids ; 92 genera and 34 families are represented. The most represented genera are: Asteraceae (20 taxa), Caryophyllaceae (13) and the Orchidaceae (11). The most represented genera are: Ophrys (9 taxa), Genista (7), Silene and Dianthus (5). The analysis of biologic and chorologic data highlighted the environmental peculiarities of Iglesiente, given by the local evolution of a rich floristic contingent. Eighteen taxa exclusive endemics, together with an unique blend of geolithologic, geomorphologic, paleogeographic, bioclimatic and vegetation features, let to attribute the rank of biogeographic sector to the Sulcis-Iglesiente territory, whose northern part, with 9 exclusive endemics, can be seen as the Iglesiente subsector. From the surveyed taxa, 32 are included in the IUCN Red List and 5 in the EU 92/43 Habitat Directive. Moreover, 11 species (including all the Orchidaceae) are protected by the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna) and 1 species by the Bern Convention