La vegetazione costiera della R.N.O. “Torre Salsa” (Siculiana – AG)

The coastal vegetation of the Natural Reserve “Torre Salsa” (Siculiana – AG) - The vegetation of the NaturalReserve “Torre Salsa” (Siculiana – Southern Sicily) is examined. The area at issue is characterized by the occurrence of severalplant-communities, mainly represented by nanophanerophytic evergreen coenoses (Quercetea ilicis), chamaephyticthermo-xerophilous coenoses (Cisto-Micromerietea), communities of clayey substrates (Lygeo-Stipetea), riverinehygrophilous communities (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Galio-Urticetea), halophilous communities of salt-marshes(Sarcocornietea fruticosae), psammophilous coenoses (Ammophiletea, Tuberarietea guttatae and Cakiletea maritimae), ariddry grasslands (Stipo-Trachynietea distachyae), and associations of untilled fields (Stellarietea mediae). The occurrence ofseveral xerophytes, endemic or quite rare for the Sicilian flora, testifies the importance of this reserve (Juniperus phoeniceassp. turbinata, Salsola agrigentina, Hormuzakia aggregata, Chaenorhinum rupestre, Launaea resedifolia, Seseli tortuosum var.maritimum, Sedum gypsicola, Eryngium bocconei, Asteriscus acquaticus, Catapodium zwierleinii, Ononis oligophylla, Cressacretica, Diplotaxis crassifolia, etc.). The noteworthy botanical value of this biotope suggests to do every possible efforts topreserve this threatened area, especially developing tools (management plan, action plan, etc.) suitable for ensuring theconservation of such a beautiful and unique site.