Taxonomic remarks on the Centaurea aeolica (Asteraceae) species complex

In the course of a taxonomical revision of Centaurea aeolica and the closely related C. pandataria, species confined to the Aeolian Archipelago (N Sicily) and Ventotene island (Pontian Archipelago, Latium) respectively, we describe a new species, named C. phalacrica, occurring on coastal metamorphic rocks near Messina (NE Sicily). These three species, well differentiated in several features, are examined from morphological, nomenclatural, chorological, and ecological points of view. For each species, a detailed iconography, consideration on their conservation status and identification keys are provided too. The lectotype of C. pandataria kept in the Florence Herbarium (Fl) is designated.

Automated summary

This study describes a new species, Centaurea phalacrica, growing on coastal metamorphic rocks near Messina in northeastern Sicily, and compares it with two related species, Centaurea aeolica and C. pandataria, from the Aeolian and Pontian Archipelagos. The three species are differentiated in morphology, nomenclature, distribution, and ecology, with detailed illustrations, conservation status considerations, and identification keys provided for each. The lectotype of C. pandataria in the Florence Herbarium (Fl) is designated.