Plantago tunetana (Plantaginaceae) in Tunisia: notes on its morphology, distribution, and ecology

A review of the available knowledge for the Tunisian-Algerian endemic Plantago tunetana is proposed in the present work. This narrowly endemic species was hitherto known from Tunisia within a very restricted area. Field surveys of its occurrence during the last few years, within its locus classicus, allow to find only one population in Gouraia locality in north-western Tunisia. IUCN Red List assessment shows that the species could be considered as Critically Endangered and requires the implementation of immediate appropriate measurements to ensure its conservation. Besides, an identification key to subgenera, sections, series and species of the genus Plantago in Tunisia is provided.

Automated summary

This study provides a review of the available knowledge on the Tunisian-Algerian endemic Plantago tunetana. The species is narrowly endemic and was previously known to occur only within a limited area in Tunisia. Recent field surveys identified a single population in the Gouraia locality in north-western Tunisia. The IUCN Red List assessment categorizes the species as Critically Endangered and calls for immediate conservation measures. Additionally, an identification key to subgenera, sections, series, and species of the genus Plantago in Tunisia is provided.