Work

Is Genista anxantica (Fabaceae, Genisteae) worth of taxonomic recognition? An integrative approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Genista anxantica is an extremophile taxon described by Michele Tenore and strictly endemic to the mephitic fields in Ansanto Valley (Mefite, Rocca San Felice, province of Avellino, Campania region, SW Italy). Its taxonomic distinctness from the widespread G. tinctoria subsp. tinctoria , initially undoubted, has later been long debated. Recent population genetic evidence suggests that the Mefite population represents an ecotype within G. tinctoria , shaped by extreme ecological conditions. In this contribution, we integrate morphological data and ploidy estimation by flow cytometry with ecological and genetic information to reassess its taxonomical status. Our results highlight the distinctness of G. anxantica as a local, genetically established variant adapted to a peculiar ecology. Accordingly, we propose the subspecific rank. The name G. anxantica is typified on a specimen preserved in Tenore’s herbarium (NAP, Botanical Garden of Naples).

Source: Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology

DOI: 10.1007/s44473-026-00140-6

Authors: E. Del Guacchio, R. Vallariello, E. Di Iorio, S. Tomasello, O. De Castro

Institutions: University of Naples Federico II, University of Göttingen

Language: English

Topic: Mediterranean and Iberian flora and fauna

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

OpenAlex ID: W7154456767