The genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) in Sicily

Abstract

An update on the taxonomy and geographic distribution of the genus Thymus in Sicily is given. This study is based on literature, herbarium and field investigations. In total, five taxa belonging to Thymus sect. Serpyllum (Th. richardii subsp. nitidus, Th. longicaulis and Th. praecox subsp. parvulus) and Th. sect. Hyphodromi (Th. spinulosus and Th. paronychioides) occur in Sicily. For each one, information about taxonomy, habitat, phenology, chromosome number and distribution are provided. Furthermore, the name Thymus pedicillatus Lojac. is here typified. Finally, an analytical key for the identification of the studied taxa is proposed.