Cyclamen Society Field Study: Sicily, Italy 2024

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Although the society had previously surveyed populations of C. hederifolium on Sicily
in 2006 and C. repandum on Corsica in 2003 no other studies had looked at C. repandum
as the primary species. This was the first of a series on planned studies across the
known distribution of the species, to look at the extent of populations and any genetic
diversification.

The primary aims of the field study were to.

  • Collect material for herbarium specimens and DNA analysis
  • Map the extent of populations and location of sites across the island
  • Asses any potential risk to sites whether it be from human intervention
    or climatic conditions

Reports of this 2024 field study was published in the
Cyclamen Society Journal Vol. 48 No. 2, December 2024.

CSE Plants and Sites Sicily, 2024.

Plant and Site images may be viewed by clicking on the purple numbers.

CSE Plant No.Site No.SpeciesDescription
2400124/01C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Roadside site with a lot of dumped rubbish, C. hederifolium also present.
2402124/02C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Damp site, many plants with deep pink ‘Vividum’ like flowers. C. hederifolium also present.
2404124/03C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Large deep pink ‘Vividum’ like flower. Very large extensive site, C. hederifolium also present.
2406124/04C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Excellent flower form. Very large extensive site, C. hederifolium also present.
24080A24/04AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2408124/05C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Very dense and populous site with many good plain leaf forms, C. hederifolium also present.
24100A24/05AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
24100B24/05BC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2410124/06C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
High altitude extensive site. C. hederifolium also present.
24120A24/06AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2412124/07C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Average leaf forms but good flower forms, very extensive site, C. hederifolium also present.
24140A24/07AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2414124/08C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Very extensive site, extending along ridge for over 10km.
24160A24/08AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2416124/09C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Lovely flower colour. Relatively small contained site, showing evidence of recent fire damage.
24180A24/09AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2418124/10C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Rounded leaf form. Very extensive and populous site on ancient terracing, C. hederifolium also present.
24200A24/10AC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
24200B24/10BC. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
2420124/11C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Very dispersed site with a large population of C. hederifolium.
2422124/12C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Small roadside site with tarmac spill. Evidence of (possibly wild boar) disturbance with many tubers,
(mainly C. hederifolium) uprooted on surface.
2422724/12AC. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis. Very large C. hederifolium subsp. crassifolium type leaf.
2424124/13C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Large flowers, extensive site extending a considerable distance up mountainside. C. hederifolium also present.
2426124/14C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Lovely flowers and colour, sporadic site on hillside. C. hederifolium also present.
2428124/15C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Large extensive site, C. hederifolium also present.
24300A24/15C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis.
2430124/16C. repandumHerbarium specimens and samples collected for molecular analysis.
Coastal site starting just metres above high tide mark, extending up hillside of ancient terracing. Evidence of recent burning.
2430224/17C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis.
Small gorge below Greek temple. No evidence of C. repandum present.
2430324/17C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis.
Small gorge below Greek temple. No evidence of C. repandum present.
2430424/17C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis.
Small gorge below Greek temple. No evidence of C. repandum present.
2430524/18C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis. Dense scrub,
C. hederifolium found at base of cliff. No evidence of C. repandum present.
2430624/18C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis. Dense scrub,
C. hederifolium found at base of cliff. No evidence of C. repandum present.
2430724/18C. hederifoliumSamples collected for molecular analysis. Dense scrub,
C. hederifolium found at base of cliff. No evidence of C. repandum present.
Map showing the locations of surveyed sites.
[Imagery ©2024 Data SIO, NOAA, US Navy, NGA, GEBCO, Landsat. Map data ©2024 Google, TerraMetrics]

Acknowledgement. We would like to thank Dr Gianniantonio Domina, Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Universita degli Studi di Palermo for assistance in obtaining permission to collect leaf samples and herbarium specimens in the Regional Parks of the Madonie, Nebrodi and Etna Mountains, as well as his assistance in arranging carriage to export those samples back to the UK. We would also like to thank the authorities of Parco Delle Madonie, Parco Dei Nebrodi and Parco dell’Etna for granting permission for us to collect plant material