Taxonomy and systematics of endemic critical groups of the Italian flora

Reaserch topics

The taxonomy and systematics of vascular plants allow us to describe the diversity of plant organisms and interpret their evolutionary relationships. The Italian vascular flora, comprising over 8,000 species, is among the richest in Europe, and knowledge of it is the basis for implementing appropriate management and conservation strategies. An integrated approach based on nomenclatural studies, bibliographical and herbarium research (herbarium website link), field data collection, morphometric and karyological analyses, and reproductive biology studies allows us to delve deeper into the taxonomy, distribution, biogeography, and systematics of critical groups and endemic and endangered species.

We have recently initiated population genetics and phylogenomic studies in the genus Hieracium, based on molecular, plastid, and genomic sequencing data. Our goal is to reconstruct the evolutionary history of this complex genus and understand the mechanisms underlying the formation of apomictic polyploids and hybrids.

Completed projects

PRIN HIERACIUM IT’S A MESS (HIERACIUM ITalian’ Species, Apomictic Mechanisms, Evolutionary SystematicS)

CLOVER – Agroecosistemi e Conservazione in LOmbardia di specie VEgetali Rare di Direttiva Habitat” (https://clover.unipv.it)