A revision of Helichrysum panormitanum s.l. (Asteraceae) in the Italian and Maltese floras

Abstract

As part of the ongoing researches on Asteraceae for the new edition of the Italian Flora, a revision of Helichrysum panormitanum s.l. is presented here. On the basis of previously published morphological and chemical data, as well as our morphological and chorological observations, we hereby propose to recognize six subspecies under H. panormitanum: subsp. panormitanum, subsp. stramineum, subsp. brulloi subsp. nov., subsp. messeriae, subsp. latifolium, and subsp. melitense comb. nov. All these taxa are endemic to Sicily and Egadi Islands (Italy), except H. panormitanum subsp. melitense which is endemic to Gozo island (Maltese archipelago). A diagnostic key for the six accepted subspecies is provided.