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The Harvesting Memories Project (funded by Bona Furtuna LLC) aims to investigate the long-term landscape transformations in the central part of the Alto Belice Corleonese (Central-Western Sicily). The case study area is formed by a sequence of gentle hills (Contrade Castro and Giardinello), rich in water springs that offer an optimal condition for agricultural exploitation, irregularly interrupted by the Mt. Barraù (1420 m a.s.l.) with steep and abrupt slopes in the south-west side. The study of this territory is approached by an holistic perspective to detect and evaluate the relationships and the interactions among human activities and the environment. The holm oak forest that covers part of the Mt. Barraù slopes – mentioned in a latin parchment dating to AD 1425 in the Tabularium of the monastery of Santa Maria del Bosco di Calatamauro – represents a sort of palimpsest in the interpretation of the rural landscape forming-processes. In fact, the application of a diachronic and ecological analysis on this woodland displayed the correlation between the habitat characteristics, vegetation dynamics and human activities. A comparative study made on the aerial images showed the absence in the mid-20th century photogram of the lush trees which today growing on Mt Barraù. The decline of the wood as fuel resource occurred after the development of electrification in rural areas may explain the regression of intensive cutting activities since 1950s. These types of changes testify the close interconnection between human practices and the landscape layout that is especially recognizable in the vegetation series. The vegetation series is composed by all plant communities, stages of the same ecological succession process, that can be found within an area with homogeneous environmental conditions (Land Unit). They are defined in relation to the Potential Natural Vegetation resulting to successional process. In the study area, the distribution of the holm oak forest series (Ampelodesmo mauritanici-Querco ilicis sigmetum) indicates the process of formation of grazing lands and the spatial patterns of the land suitability for forestry and pastoral activities. The ecological and historical contextualization of the Mt Barraù woodland has proven decisive for understanding the intrinsic characteristics, suitabilities and transformations of the landscape.

Bona Furtuna is an organic farm located 8 km far from Corleone closed to Campofiorito (Palermo). The study area includes the slopes of Castro, Giardinello and Valle Fredda which goes up to Barraù Mt. included in the Special Areas of Conservation (ITA020037) according to the Natura 2000 European Birds and Habitat Directives. The high level of biodiversity is supported by over 502 taxa of vascular flora, 38 of which are endemic to Sicily. The study area is quite diversified from a bioclimatic point of view as well, presenting different gradients from the Lower Mesomediterranean (Upper dry) and the Lower Supramediterranean (Lower subhumid). The landscape has been shaped by frequent changes in geological strata with the alternation of clayey or marly hills and calcareous reliefs of the Mesozoic period (Sicana facies) (3). This has resulted in a sequence of hills with gentle slopes, irregularly interrupted by isolated mountains with steep, if not abrupt, slopes, which reach the considerable height of 1,420 m a.s.l. (Monte Barraù). Two different vegetation series were identified: 1. The Holm oak woods series (Ampelodesmo mauritanici-Querco ilicis sigmetum) 2. The Downy oak series (Oleo oleaster-Querco virgilianae sigmetum). The mature stage of the first series consists of a coppiced holm oak wood (Ampelodesmo mauritanici- Quercetum ilicis viburnetosum tini). The degradation of this wood is indicated by shrubberies with Prunus spinosa (Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii). The presence of pasture and farming practices is the main cause of the passage to a further stage of degradation of the series, leading to the formation of secondary Ampelodesmos mauritanicus grasslands (Helictotricho convoluti-Ampelodesmetum mauritanici). The second series is widespread over clayey substrates (sometimes with a rocky matrix originating from limestone) with hilly morphologies, in stations with a certain environmental xericity (annual average rainfall from 500 mm to 800 mm). The mature formation consists of small remnants of oak woods (Oleo oleaster- Quercetum virgilianae) near waterways. In marginal areas (escarpments and steep slopes) hardly exploitable for agricultural uses, fires and grazing have triggered degradation processes that normally lead to the establishment of Ampelodesmos mauritanicus grasslands or Mediterranean grasslands, often dominated by Arundo collina. During the last fifty years, abandoned areas have been re-colonized by shrubs of Sicilian sumac (Rhus coriaria) whose abundance testifies to the ancient and widespread cultivation of this species in the area. The farm since its founding (year 2013) was distinguished by several voluntary self-protection strategies adopting the following actions: removal of alien species that threaten biodiversity, grazing control, restoring habitat corridors, hunting activity control, fire prevention, preserving wetlands and spring waters, microhabitats protection (e.g. heaps stone, stonewalls and terraces), protection against soil erosion, removal of electrical lines to preserve birds and landscape, restoring polluted sites, organic farming, demolition of buildings with negative visual impact. The company in accordance with University of Palermo founded different projects including floristic, phytosociological, mycological, zoological and archaeological studies. Moreover, a new project for a Botanical Garden is coming soon; it will include existing habitats and wild species of native flora and ethno-varieties. This project aims to protect biodiversity in situ not only to maintain plant collections but entire plant communities for display education, research, conservation and enjoyment.

Il progetto di censimento degli alberi monumentali dei Sicani, avviato circa 15 anni fa, ha consentito ad oggi di acquisire dati su 72 alberi che, sulla base dell’art.7 della legge n.10 /2013 e del DECRETO 23 ottobre 2014 del Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, possono essere considerati monumentali. Alcuni di essi figurano già in pubblicazioni scientifiche e divulgative (Schicchi 2005, Schicchi e Raimondo 2006, 2007, 2010; Amato et al., 2012). Di esse, 56 sono localizzate in provincia di Palermo e 16 in quella di Agrigento. Complessivamente le piante individuate afferiscono ai seguenti taxa: Arbutus unedo L., Celtis australis L., Ceratonia siliqua L., Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl., Olea europaea L. var. europaea, Pinus pinea L., Populus nigra L., Prunus dulcis D.A. Webb, Pyrus spinosa Forssk., Quercus congesta Presl., Quercus ilex L. e Quercus virgiliana (Ten.)Ten.

RÉSUMÉ On décrit les séries de végétation du massif des Madonie en Sicile. Ici sont développées trois séries dynamiques de végétation, à savoir: la série mesophyle basiphyle du hêtre (Fagus sylvatica) , la série océanique acidophyle méridionale du hêtre (Fagus sylvatica) et la série orophyle acidophyle du rouvre méridionale (Quercus petraea subsp. austrotyrrhenica).

New data about the expansion of Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Caesalpinaceae) in Sicily are reported. The species, cultivated as ornamental, has known as a naturalized since 1977. Data on new finding localities, near Menfi, Sciacca, Canicattì (Agrigento), Misilmeri (Palermo) and Catania are given.

Viene presentato uno studio botanico volto al recupero del paesaggio vegetale dell’Area Archeologica di Capo Lilibeo (Marsala). Il progetto prevede l’eradicazione delle specie esotiche ad alto grado di invasività quali Ailanthus altissima e Vachellia karroo, il risanamento fitosanitario dei viali di Palme delle Canarie e la sostituzione degli individui malformati con specie ornamentali altamente decorative e a basso grado di invasività. E’ previsto l’impiego di specie afferenti agli stadi più evoluti dei sigmataxa Chamaeropo humilis- Querceto calliprini sigmetum ed al Pistacio lentisci- Chamaeropo humilis sigmetum al fine di assicurare i migliori risultati contro l’espansione della componente esotica ad alto grado di invasività. A plan based on a previous botanical investigation is presented here in order of recovering the plant landscape of the archaeological area o fthe Lilibeo Cape near Marsala. It includes the uprooting of highly invasive exotics such as Ailanthus altissima and Vachellia karroo, the recovery of the Canary date palms the replacement of disfigured tree specimens using less invasive ornamental trees. In addition, species belonging to the final stages of the sigmataxa Chamaeropo humilis- Querceto calliprini sigmetum and of the Pistacio lentisci- Chamaeropo humilis sigmetum in order to oppose successful barriers against the most invasive aliens.

Checklist of the native vascular plants of potential use in phytoremediation in Sicily. A list of native vascular plants suitable for phytoremediation in Sicily is presented here. It includes 192 specific and intraspecific taxa, each provided with the relevantbiological form and subform, chorotype, and macrophyte classification. An index based on the aesthetic value of each taxon is also proposed.

In questo libro sono presentati i risultati di una ricerca portata avanti dagli Autori, botanici del Dipartimento di Biologia ambientale e Biodiversità dell’Università di Palermo. L’indagine ha riguardato sia ambienti di tipo forestale sia di tipo agricolo tradizionale ed ha messo in luce un ricco patrimonio arboreo di tipo monumentale. Significative sono le immagini relative ai grandi aceri, ai ragguardevoli individui di due specie endemiche dei Nebrodi (Pyrus vallis-demonis e Malus crescimannoi) e al faggio di Fago scuro che rappresenta il patriarca di tutti i faggi d’Italia. Dopo il 150° dell’Unità d’Italia non poteva mancare il Grande Pino piantato in concomitanza dello sbarco di Giuseppe Garibaldi in Sicilia.

Sicilian monumental trees reports. 27-36. – The reports 27-36 concerning unpublished monumental trees surveyed in Sicily are here presented. They are: the Almond tree of Rifesi Santuary [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb var. dul- cis]; the Ash tree (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl subsp. angustifolia) in Alefina land and Tusa country; the Olive trees (Olea euro- paea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) in the following lands: Murro, Fontecà and Serra Bruno; the largest Apple tree of Crescimanno (Malus crescimannoi Raimondo) and the Hawthorn tree (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) of Piano Menta; the Willow tree of Mangalaviti Homes (Salix alba L. subsp. vitellina ) and the Common Yew of Tassita Wood (Taxus baccata L.).

Viene riportata l’individuazione un inedito popolamento di Taxus baccata, che per età e caratteristiche dendrometriche viene inquadrato nella tipologia di “popolamento monumentale”. Il biotopo si localizza all’interno del faggeto acidofilo delle pendici settentrionali di Monte Soro (Contrada Lenza Monica), a sud-est del Lago Biviere di Cesarò (7°56’47” Nord - 14°43’04’’Est) ed è posto a quota 1.330 m.

Flora and vegetation of Natural Reserve “Laghetti di Marinello” (North-Eastern Sicily) - Flora and vegetation of the Natural Reserve “Laghetti di Marinello” (Patti, NE Sicily) are examined. in this area extending 414 hectares, different environmental aspects enabled the emergence of various types of vegetation. The plant-communities are represented by halophilous communities (Juncetea maritimi), riverine hygrophilous communities (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea), psammophilous coenoses (Ammophiletea, Cakiletea maritimae), chasmophytic coenoses (Asplenietea trichomanis), woody and nanophanerophytic coenoses (Quercetea ilicis), and steppic prairies (Lygeo-Stipetea). The floristic analysis testifies the importance of this Reserve, in which 2 taxa exclusive to this area (Centaurea panormitana subsp. seguenzae, Festuca humifusa), 9 regional endemics and other 14 at risk according to the Regional Red Lists. The Habitat mentioned in the Habitats directive 92/43/cEE are 12. The Reserve need more protection, which respect to the human pressure.

I Monti Sicani costituiscono un comprensorio montuoso-collinare, a prevalente ossatura carbonatica di era mesozoica, localizzato tra le province di Palermo e Agrigento (Sicilia centro-occidentale). Esteso circa 2.800 km2 si spinge a settentrione fino a Rocca Busambra mentre a meridione fino al complesso di Rocca Ficuzza-Monte Telegrafo; ad occidente i confini sono segnati dalle colline trapanesi di Salaparuta mentre ad oriente dall’Alta Valle del Platani. In tale contesto s’inserisce il Parco dei Monti Sicani istituito con L.R. n. 6 del 14 maggio 2009 e che, in base alle determinazioni dell’ARTA, interesserebbe il territorio di 12 Comuni (Bivona, Burgio, Cammarata, Castronovo di Sicilia, Chiusa Sclafani, Contessa Entellina, Giuliana, Palazzo Adriano, Prizzi, Sambuca di Sicilia, San Giovanni Gemini, Santo Stefano Quisquina). Il territorio del Parco, in corso di delimitazione, comprende 4 riserve naturali orientate: Monte Cammarata (D.A. 86/44 del 18/04/2000), Monte Carcaci (D.A. 480/44 del 25/7/1997), Monti di Palazzo Adriano e Valle del Sosio (D.A. 481/44 del 25/7/1997), Monte Genuardo e S. Maria del Bosco (D.A. 480/44 del 25/7/1997). Intercetta, inoltre, la ZPS Monti Sicani, Rocca Busambra e Bosco della Ficuzza (ITA020048) e 13 Siti d’Importanza Comunitaria così distinti: Rocche di Castronovo, Pizzo Lupo, Gurgo di S. Andrea (ITA020011); Calanchi, Lembi boschivi e Praterie di Riena (ITA020022); Bosco di S. Adriano (ITA020025); Serra del Leone e M. Stagnataro (ITA020028); M. Rose e M. Pernice (ITA020029); M. d’Indisi, Montagna dei Cavalli, Pizzo Potorno e Pian del Leone (ITA020031); Monte Carcaci, Pizzo Colobria e Ambienti umidi (ITA020034); Monte Genuardo e Santa Maria del Bosco (ITA020035); M. Triona e M. Colomba (ITA020036); Monti Barracù, Cardellìa, Pizzo Cangialosi e Gole del Torrente Corleone (ITA020037); Monte Cammarata - Contrada Salaci (ITA040005); Pizzo della Rondine, Bosco di S. Stefano Quisquina (ITA040007); La Montagnola e Acqua Fitusa (ITA040011). In passato, diversi contributi hanno rappresentato la fisionomia del paesaggio vegetale di porzioni significative del comprensorio in esame (Raimondo, 2000; Marino & al., 2005; Bazan & al., 2007; Marino & al., 2009) ma senza far riferimento all’unità comprensoriale commisurata alle effettive dimensioni del Parco recentemente istituito. Il presente contributo, pertanto, oltre ad implementare le conoscenze sul paesaggio vegetale del territorio regionale, consente di caratterizzare l’area di studio al fine di contribuire alla predisposizione di strumenti utili alla pianificazione delle aree protette regionali. 2 La carta del paesaggio vegetale, redatta in scala 1:25000, riguarda un territorio di circa 1.400 km e consta di 40 tipologie, riunite in 10 gruppi. Tra le più significative si ricordano quelle espresse dalle formazioni dell’Oleo oleaster-Quercetum virgilianae, presenti nella fascia montana fino a circa 1.000 m di quota, del Sorbo torminalis-Quercetum virgilianae, che fisionomizzano le porzioni più elevate del comprensorio fino a circa 1.400 m, i boschi di leccio dell’Aceri campestris-Quercetum ilicis, la macchia ad Olivastro ed Euforbia arborescente dell’Euphorbietum dendroidis typicum. La carta del grado di naturalità, ottenuta sulla scorta dei criteri delineati da Bazan & al. (2009), evidenzia 4 classi di sistemi e permette di definire la connettività tra i sistemi ecologici presenti nel comprensorio indagato e la Rete Natura 2000, secondo il seguente schema: Sistemi ad alta naturalità e Sistemi seminaturali ==> Sistemi ad alta connettività ecologica; Sistemi agricoli ==> Sistemi a media connettività ecologica; Sistemi artificiali ==> Sistemi a bassa connettività ecologica. Lo studio, oltre a mettere a disposizione un utile strumento di lettura del paesaggio e di inquadramento del comprensorio del Parco, permette di definire nuovi criteri per l’identificazione dei corridoi ecologici e delle connessioni utili al potenziamento della rete ecologica regionale. Esso, pertanto, offre criteri utili anche per la delimitazione dell’area di Parco.

Topography and terrain morphology play a key role in landscape structure and functionality. Landscape ecology modelling based on patch-corridor-matrix usually analyzes the area of study as a plane surface. However, this assumption could be critically far from reality, especially in mountainous areas, and lead to significant mistakes in calculation. Different areas of study were analyzed using both classical and more recent indices. Calculation was performed using a bi-dimensional terrain model and a three-dimensional model in which length and surface area values were much closer to real world values. Results were confronted to understand the different sensitivity of various analysis tools to errors introduced with the use of a planar model which cannot perfectly represent a three-dimensional landscape.

Landscape as we perceive it is the product of many different interacting factors: macro- and topoclimate, lithology, geomorphology, land use and human activities. The evaluation of the relative influence of each one of these factors on vegetation pattern and landscape is strongly dependent from the scale of observation. Hierarchical classification (Blasi et al. 2000) makes scale-related use of these factors as diagnostic attributes: macroclimate (over 1:250,000 scale) defines landscape regions, lithology (1:250,000 scale) defines systems and lithomorphology (1:50,000 scale) defines subsystems. At a finer scale (less than 1:10,000), land forms and land-use are the predominant landscape makers and control landscape dynamics. This work investigates the influence of land forms on land-use and vegetation pattern. Sicily has been choosen as a case of study. Detailed data for an area of large extent was used to perform a fine scale, statistically significant analysis. The tridimensional model of Sicily, from which slope data is derived, has a 10 meters resolution. Land-use data used for processing is constituted by more than 125,000 polygons and the minimum spatial unit covers 2000 sq.m. The overlay of slope data and land-use data allowed to perform accurate geostatistical analysis aimed at comprehending the relationships that shape landscape. Land cover data has also been regrouped into naturalness classes to evaluate the possible link between land forms, human impact and landscape conservation. Resulting data demonstrated certain relationships between land forms and land-use. For instance, agricultural systems are all distributed within the 20 degrees slope limit; 97% of crops are concentrated within 10 degrees, due to the limit of mechanized cultivation and harvesting. Woods are distributed on steeper slopes than crops, with a small overlap range corresponding to marginal agricultural areas. The proposed modelling process produces a valuable database to perform analisys on potential natural vegetation; moreover it allows to identify marginal agricultural systems, particularly prone to potential land-use change.