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 Natural Reserve "Torre Salsa" (Siculiana - Southern Sicily) is examined. The area at issue is characterized by the occurrence of several plant-communities, mainly represented by nanophanerophytic evergreen coenoses (Quercetea ilicis), chamaephytic thermo- xe rophilous coenoses (Ci s t o - Mi c ro m e r i e t e a), communities of clayey substrates (Lygeo- Stipetea), rive r i n e h y g rophilous communities (Ph ragmito- Magnocaricetea, Galio- Urt i c e t e a), halophilous communities of salt-marshes (Sarcocornietea fruticosae), psammophilous coenoses (Ammophiletea, Tuberarietea guttatae and Cakiletea maritimae), arid dry grasslands (Stipo-Trachynietea distachyae), and associations of untilled fields (Stellarietea mediae). The occurrence of several xerophytes, endemic or quite rare for the Sicilian flora, testifies the importance of this reserve (Juniperus phoenicea ssp. turbinata, Salsola agrigentina, Hormuzakia aggregata, Chaenorhinum rupestre, Launaea resedifolia, Seseli tortuosum var. maritimum, Sedum gypsicola, Eryngium bocconei, Asteriscus acquaticus, Catapodium zwierleinii, Ononis oligophylla, Cressa cretica, Diplotaxis crassifolia, etc.). The noteworthy botanical value of this biotope suggests to do every possible efforts to preserve this threatened area, especially developing tools (management plan, action plan, etc.) suitable for ensuring the conservation of such a beautiful and unique site.