New taxa belonging to Dianthus vulturius Guss. & Ten. Group (Caryophyllaceae) from s Calabria (Italy)

The populations belonging to the Dianthus vulturius group from the Aspromonte area (S Calabria) are examined. With morphological features it is possible to distinguish three new taxa: Dianthus vulturius subsp. aspromontanus, occurring on metamorphic rocky cliffs near Montebello Ionico; Dianthus brutius, represented by two subspecies, subsp. brutius, linked to mountain dwarf-schrub vegetation on metamorphic rocks of the Ionian slope, and subsp. pentadactyli, on conglomerate rocky cliffs of various southern basal places. Furthermore, the taxonomic position of related Dianthus atlanticus from Algeria is examined. A key of the taxa of Dianthus vulturius group is provided.