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Phytogeochemical, geographical and vulnerability study of the Paleosubtropical element Notholaena marantae subsp. marantae (Sinopteridaceae) at the western edge of its range

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Abstract

Serpentine outcrops are distinct from their background geological context, as they are often isolated from one another, and provide a home to a significant number of rare or endemic taxa. The aim of this study was to assess the Portuguese populations of one such taxon, Notholaena marantae subsp. marantae, including information on its biogeography, habitat, geographical range and conservation status. A detailed study was also made of the endemic association Notholaenetum marantae, a member of the Phagnalo saxatilis-Cheilanthion maderensis alliance, a type of vegetation included in the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/ECC. The distribution of Notholaena marantae was highly fragmented, with two sites accounting for over 50% of the total number of individuals recorded. The presence of N. marantae is associated with that of ultramafic rocks, which show specific geochemical features. The conservation status of the species is a cause for concern. We propose that the species be considered ‘vulnerable’ according to the criteria of the IUCN (2001), and that areas where its populations grow be protected. This study confirms the endemic status of N. marantae subsp. marantae in Portugal and the importance of the conservation of its serpentine habitats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Evolution, Taxonomy and Conservation Group (ECOMED), Department of Botany, University of Salamanca, E-37008, Salamanca, Spain

    Mónica García-Barriuso, Sonia Bernardos & Francisco Amich

  2. Centre for Funcional Ecology, University of Coimbra, P-3001-455, Coimbra, Portugal

    Cristina Nabais

  3. Department of Geology, University of Salamanca, E-37008, Salamanca, Spain

    Dolores Pereira

Authors
  1. Mónica García-Barriuso
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  2. Sonia Bernardos
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  3. Cristina Nabais
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  4. Dolores Pereira
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  5. Francisco Amich
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Correspondence to Francisco Amich.

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García-Barriuso, M., Bernardos, S., Nabais, C. et al. Phytogeochemical, geographical and vulnerability study of the Paleosubtropical element Notholaena marantae subsp. marantae (Sinopteridaceae) at the western edge of its range. Biologia 66, 258–265 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-011-0002-9

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