The Italian endemic forest plants: an annotated inventory and synthesis of knowledge

Background and aims – Forests are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, endemic plants often a vulnerable component of flora given territory. So far, however, understory forest endemics southern Europe have received little attention poorly known for several aspects. Material methods We developed first list native vascular that restricted to Italian forests. Available information on taxonomy, regional distribution, ecology, biology, functional traits, conservation status was collected each taxon, allowing identify major knowledge gaps calculate baseline statistics. Key results The includes 134 taxa, which linked closed-canopy habitats, while others also found in margins gaps. non-forest differed terms taxonomic life-form distribution. rate density endemism increased with decreasing latitude were highest Sicily, Calabria, Basilicata, where paleoendemic mono- or oligotypic genera occur. Endemic phanerophytes especially numerous islands. Beech deciduous oak forests important but hygrophilous woodlands host endemics. Overall, traits taxa still known. ratio diploids/polyploids south Almost 24% assessed as “Critically Endangered”, “Endangered”, “Vulnerable”, categorized “Data Deficient”, based IUCN system. Increasing frequency intensity fires frequent threat. Conclusions This work can contribute implement European plant species serve basis further research unique biological heritage continent. However, more about these globally rare is needed, support their changing landscapes.