Bryophytes as ecological indicators in the beech woods of Sicily

An analysis of the bryophyte flora of the so far studied Sicilian beech woods is carried out. Overall, 151 mosses and 23 liverworts are reported for these forest systems localized in the Madonie, Nebrodi, Peloritani and Etna (northern and north-eastern Sicily). The bryofloras show a quite high diversity level in species composition (similarity always below 50%) and include several taxa rare in Europe or phytogeographically interesting. A survey of ecological and chorological features reveals the occurrence of peculiar bryophyte floras in accordance with meso- and microclimatic as well as with edaphic conditions of the different woods. The bryophytes, therefore, may be particularly useful for monitoring the conservation status of these woods, which in Sicily reach the European southernmost latitudinal and highest altitudinal limit.