Osservazioni biosistematiche su Retama gussonei Webb (Fabaceae)

The only Calabrian population of Retama gussonei Webb (name which was lectotypified) was cytotaxonomically (2n = 48) and morphologically studied. A survey on geographic distribution and taxonomic value of the unit is given. On this basis, the opportunity to consider R. gussonei as a subspecies of R. raetam (Forsskål) Webb is confirmed. We effected observations on the germination of the seeds (13%) and on the survival rate of the seedlings (30,7%). An update of the national and regional risk categories is proposed under the IUCN 2000 criteria, according to the following codes: EN B1a-b(II) for Italy and, at regional level, for Sicily; CR B1a-b(II) for Calabria.