The vascular flora of Montarbu of Seui and Perda ‘e Liana: an annotated checklist

The areas of Montarbu and Perda ‘e Liana (C-E Sardinia) consist of a group of isolated limestone mountains which are commonly called "Tonneri" or "Tacchi" (1) with a total surface area of 10,730 ha. The geographical position, the elevation, the isolation and the complex geology of this area determined an extraordinary richness of plant species, as well as a variety of ecosystems and unique landscapes. This area is characterised by mountainous peaks above 1,200 m a.s.l. and other particular environments, such as rocky cliffs and gorges, small wetlands and vast scrublands and woodlands represent other important floristic territories. Also, there are peculiar vegetation coenosis of biogeographic and conservation interests, such as the relict forest formations of Taxus baccata L., Ilex aquifolium L., Acer monspessulanum L. subsp. monspessulanum, and Ostrya carpinifolia Scop. Even if several researchers studied this area in the past (e.g. 1, 2), further endemic plant species were more recently described or found, such as Senecio morisii J.Calvo & Bacch. and Pinguicula sehuensis Bacch., Cannas & Peruzzi (3, 4). We present a checklist of the vascular flora of Montarbu of Seui and Perda ‘e Liana in order to update the knowledge about the vascular plant species diversity and distribution, with particular regard to its endemic component, in order to better assess the conservation priorities. This work was based on bibliographic and herbarium studies, integrated by several field surveys carried out from 2012 to 2017. A total of 763 taxa, belonging to 88 families had been found. As regards the endemic component, 92 taxa with 36 exclusive for Sardinian territories and additional 26 taxa with phytogeographical interest, have been identified. The results show that this area is one of the most important micro hotspot of the island, mainly driven by its isolated conditions and degree of wilderness. Due to the relatively high number exclusive endemics, and the geologic and geomorphologic peculiarities, and despite the already implemented initiatives, further activities supporting the conservation of this area are suggested and encouraged.