We present the results of a study aimed at developing a vegetation map of Sicily (Italy) including the smaller circum-Sicilian islands, for an area of approximately 25,703 km 2 . The work is a synthesis of studies carried out in accordance with the survey methodology of phytosociology in the last 40 years over the whole study area. The vegetation map of Sicily was compiled in a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) environment, in order to produce a cartographic representation at a scale of 1:10,000 (reduced to a scale of 1:250,000). The physiognomic-structural characteristics of the plant landscape of Sicily are analyzed, providing a general and, at the same time, detailed overview of the phytocoenotic aspects represented on the territory, as well as of the relative bibliographic references. At the reference scale, 36 types are represented, 16 of which are related to zonal vegetation (Mediterranean maquis, Quercus ilex woods, Quercus suber woods, Castanea sativa woods, Quercus pubescens deciduous woods, mesophilous deciduous woods, Fagus sylvatica woods, Betula aetnensis woods, woods dominated by woody gymnosperms, forest edge shrubs, orophilous pulvinate shrubs, shrublands and garrigues, Ampelodesmos mauritanicus grasslands, mesophilous and sub-hygrophilous grasslands and pastures), 11 are related to azonal vegetation (riparian, psammophilous herbaceous, chasmo-halophitic, etc.) and 9 are related to anthropogenic vegetation (arable lands and extensive herbaceous crops, vineyards, olive groves and dry cultivation mosaics, hazelnut groves, irrigated citrus groves and orchards, greenhouses, built-up areas). ARTICLE HISTORY

A phytosociological study was done of Laurus nobilis woodlands in Sicily. The analysis, based on 18 relevés, supports\ud the definition of a new syntaxon (Acantho mollis-Lauretum nobilis ass. nov.), considered as a vicariant of similar vegetation\ud aspects described in other Mediterranean areas (Iberian and Italian peninsulas). The study mainly includes some unpublished\ud sites where polycormic individuals of laurel, sometimes reaching 13-15 meters in height, dominates the tree layer. This\ud vegetation is also characterized by some laurophyllous species (Hedera helix, Rhamnus alaternus, Smilax aspera and sometimes\ud Viburnum tinus) and lianas (Rubia peregrina var. longifolia, Asparagus acutifolius, Tamus communis, Clematis\ud vitalba, Calystegia sylvatica and Rubus ulmifolius), while in the undergrowth comprises particularly various broadleaved\ud elements such as Cyclamen hederifolium subsp. confusum, and Acanthus mollis subsp. mollis, both included in the characteristic\ud species combination together with Pistacia terebinthus and Orobanche hederae. The coenosis is typical of the\ud humic soils, often rich in lithic components, of shaded ravines and peririparian environments, in the thermo- and mesomediterranean\ud thermotype (Mediterranean pluviseasonal oceanic bioclimate). In view of the relictual status of this vegetation\ud - also included as a "Priority Habitat" in Council Directive 92/43/EEC - we underline the need for a suitable protection\ud and conservation of these small, fragmented and isolated patches.\ud Keywords: Laurus nobilis matorral, Quercetea ilicis, Mediterranean region, relic vegetation

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Petagnaea gussonei (Apiaceae) is an endangered species endemic to the Nebrodi mountains (north-eastern Sicily). Although an increasing number of studies have been performed on this species, its reproductive biology remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the structure of the flower and the fruit of Petagnaea, and the possible implications for its breeding system and seed dispersal mechanism. Results from fieldwork, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy suggest (1) the presence of protandrous hermaphrodite flowers; (2) geitonogamy, autogamy, and allogamy as breeding system mechanisms of P. gussonei, even if asexual reproduction is preferred by the plant; and (3) epizoochory and hydrochory as possible modalities of fruit dispersal.

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