Seed germination reports of high mountain species native to Mount Etna (Sicily)

Abstract

The germination ability of five endemic species from the high mountain belt of Mt. Etna were studied; they are Astragalus siculus, Erysimum etnense, Senecio squalidus subsp. aethnensis, Silene italica subsp. sicula, and Tanacetum vulgare subsp. siculum. Mature seeds were collected in the field, within an elevation range of 1700–2000 m a.s.l. Different experimental conditions were tested and the best methods with optimal germination results are provided and compared for each species. First germination records are given for 4 out of 5 of the investigated taxa.