Vascular flora of "Comate e Fosini" Natural Reserve (Southern Tuscany) [La Flora vascolare della Riserva Naturale Regionale “Cornate - Fosini” (Toscana Meridionale)]

We report the results of floristic research carried out in the 'Riserva Naturale Regionale Cornate e Fosini', situated along the border between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto. Firsdy, a brief description of the geomorphological, climatical and vegetational features of the area is given. Secondly, the list of the vascular flora is given, which was made out through floristic field researches, bibliography and herbarium specimens (SIENA, FI, Herb. Selvi). This list includes 591 species belonging to 85 families and to 325 genera; 568 of the species are spontaneous or naturalized plants, whereas 23 of them are introduced species. The biological spectrum shows that hemicryptophytes largely outnumber therophytes here - 42.6% against 25% - suggesting a mixture of subcontinental and mediterranean subclimate. This is also confirmed by a chorological analysis, which reveals an equal distribution of Mediterranean and Eurosiberian features and numerous connections with the Alpine-Appennine and Balkan regions. There are 3 endemic species - Centaurea paniculata subsp. carueliana, Cerastium arvense subsp. arvense var. etruscum and Viola etrusca. Moreover, a number of species are interesting from a phytogeographical and conservational viewpoint: Allium carinatum subsp. pulchellum, Carduus chrysacanthus, Deschampsiaflexuosa, Fritillaria orientalis, Gagea pusilla, G. villosa, Opbrys insectifera, Ranunculus millefoliatus, Salix apennina, Sternbergia colchiciflora and Viola ki taibeliana. The data collected indicate that the Riserva is a key area for the protection of many calcicolous xerophytes. Moreover, its environmental variety allows a fairly high level of floristic biodiversity.