A new endemic species (Asteraceae, Cardueae) is described as Cousinia khoiensis on the basis of specimens collected in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran. The distribution area of the new species belongs to the distribution range of the species of sect. Cousinia in the northwest of Iran. It is also morphologically similar to sect. Cousinia. These similarities are mainly in some characters such as the size and shape of the involucre, the number of flowers, the height of the plant and the texture of the leaves. The main differences between the new species and the members of sect. Cousinia in Iran are: the shape of the leaves, the number of phyllaries, the size of the capitula and the colour of the corolla. Cousinia khoiensis is compared with the closest species, including C. microcephala, C. sivasica, C. woronowii and C. calolepis. C. sivasica and C. woronowii of sect. Cousinia are distributed in Turkey, and C. calolepis belongs to sect. Stenocephalae. The holotype and isotype specimens of Cousinia khoiensis are illustrated, together with close-ups of various parts of the new species. An identification key for all taxa of sect. Cousinia in Iran as well as C. sivasica and C. woronowii, which is distributed in Turkey, has been provided. The number of species in the sect. Cousinia in Iran, including the new species, is 12. The relationship of Cousinia khoiensis and the related taxa was presented separately. In addition, a distribution map showing the distribution range of C. khoiensis and the related species is presented here.

Cytisus x praecox Bean, a hybrid between C. multiflorus (L’Hér.) Sweet and C. oromediterraneus Rivas Mart., T.E. Díaz, Fern. Prieto, Loidi & Penas, is described and discussed respect to the references about its artificial origin. Next to the material indicated as neotype, an epitype and isoepitypes are designated.

This study investigates perennial halophyte vegetation communities within the Salicornioideae subfamily in the marshlands of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, with a particular emphasis on the Tinto River salt marshes. We focus on communities dominated by three Sarcocornia species (S. perennis, S. pruinosa, and S. alpini) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. Utilizing geobotanical analysis, we reaffirm existing classifications, delineating one association for A. macrostachyum (Inulo crithmoidis-Arthrocnemetum macrostachyi) and three for Sarcocornia (Puccinellio ibericae-Sarcocornietum perennis, Cistancho phelypaeae-Sarcocornietum pruinosae, and Halimiono portulacoidis-Sarcocornietum alpini). Our research comprises 70 relevés, which reveal distinct zonation patterns among these species in relation to their proximity to water and tidal influences. This investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of halophyte biodiversity and provides comprehensive floristic inventories, thereby facilitating future ecological assessments and restoration initiatives in fragile saline ecosystems.

Abstract. Despite its proximity to cities with important botanical institutions such as Madrid and Salamanca, and its location between important mountain ranges (Gredos and Malagón mountain ranges), the flora of the province of Ávila had not been studied comprehensively until now. In this article, we present the first checklist of the vascular flora of this province, which is the result of a thorough critical bibliographic review, numerous field trips, and the study of materials preserved in Iberian herbaria, mainly those that house the majority of the collections made in the province. The taxonomic and nomenclatural treatment takes into account the results of the latest monographic works and, particularly, the molecular phylogeny studies conducted over three decades. These studies have substantially changed the classification to align it with the evolutionary processes that have contributed to the current plant biodiversity. We have accepted a total of 1960 taxa (species and subspecies), with 1797 considered native and 163 introduced. Additionally, we present the floristic spectrum of the province and the state of conservation of its flora. All of this is discussed in light of the data provided by the complete checklists available from neighbouring provinces. For each taxon, we highlight its presence or absence in the three ecological regions into which we have divided the province (La Moraña region, Sierra de Gredos, and Sierra de Malagón). Where necessary, we provide observations regarding its distribution, taxonomy, or nomenclature. Notably, we include the genus Exaculum in Schenkia, leading us to propose a new nomenclatural combination.

The first results of a herbariological study on the genus Callitriche L. at the Central Italian Herbarium (Herbarium Centrale Italicum) of the Museum of Natural History of the University of Florence are presented. This genus represents a critical group from a systematic and taxonomic point of view, as the diagnostic characters mainly consist in details of the reproductive structures that are difficult to observe and interpret. The herbarium specimens represent a material suitable for study only if they have anthers and especially ripe fruits. The study of these samples has brought to light the presence of material from newly reported locations for various Italian regions. In some cases, the reports derive from original new revisions, in other cases they are the result of the discovery and confirmation of previous revisions not incorporated by the modern Italian floras.

Carex hartmaniorum (sect. Racemosae, Cyperaceae) is reported for the first time for Spain, from a single known population in the Cerdanya region (Eastern Pyrenees, Girona province). The main differences with closely related taxa are highlighted, a dichotomous key to differentiate this species from members of section Racemosae inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula and the Pyrenees is presented, and some comments on its distribution and ecology are made. A preliminary conservation assessment for Spain resulted in the proposal of the Endangered category of C. hartmaniorum for Spain.

An unusual population of Alternanthera was discovered in the South-Eastern part of Sicily. In this paper, we analyze the morphological features of the collected specimens and the ecological features of the community in which they were found. Also, we discuss the taxonomic criticality of the genus and assess the risk that the new finding may become invasive. The species found is a new floristic record for the flora of both Italy and Europe. However, due to the taxonomic criticalities of the whole genus, specific identification cannot be given for certain, and further investigations are needed.

A former lectotype for Bromus cincinnatus Ten. (Poaceae) has been superseded, as it is in serious conflict with the protologue. Another element of the protologue has been designated as the effective lectotype. The new lectotype is identified as coespecific with Bromus intermedius Guss., a Mediterranean species of Bromus L. subg. Bromus. The new combination Helictochloa panormitana (Lojac.) Romero Zarco is proposed for the species originally described as Avena australis Parl., nom. illeg., which is currently known as Helictochloa cincinnata auct. The lectotypes of Avena panormitana Lojac., Avena opulenta Lojac., and Bromus intermedius Guss. are also designated.

The identification of priority conservation areas (PCA) plays an important role in biodiversity conservation, but uncertainties create challenges for conservation planning. The objective was to test a method based on 'taxonomic distinctness' (TD) and to identify PCA to quantify the heritage value of a territory and establish the most appropriate conservation measures. The researchers performed a systematic and phytogeographical analysis of ten islands in northeastern Algeria, a biological hotspot with heterogeneous ecosystem types and subject to socio-economic pressures. The biological diversity represented by 223 species in these environments reflects a high rate of endemicity (13%).

Coastal dunes have high ecological value, but are often damaged or overexploited by beach tourism. The main problems for the vegetation of this ecosystem are the physical destruction and the synanthropisation, the latter due to the colonisation of both alien and apophyte species, favoured by human action. This study analyses the degree of synanthropisation of the vegetation of a stretch of coastline in southern Spain, by systematically surveying the flora present in six biotopes: beach, foredune, mid-dune, back-dune, creek and rocky area. The percentage of synanthropic species was 51%, of which 33% are apophytes, mainly ruderal species and weeds, and 18% are alien species, mostly from gardens adjacent to the coastal zone. The degree of synanthropisation varies by biotope, ranging from zero on the beach to 63% on the back-dune, with a marked increase from the beach inland. Richness and diversity is highest in biotopes with higher synanthropisation, but at the cost of lower naturalness. Measures need to be taken to protect coastal vegetation, both from destruction and synanthropisation.