A Contribution to the Characterization of Ruppia drepanensis (Ruppiaceae), a Key Species of Threatened Mediterranean Wetlands

Olga De Castro; Anna Geraci; Anna Maria Mannino; Nicolina Mormile; Annalisa Santangelo; Angelo Troia

doi:10.3417/2020520

Olga De Castro University of Naples Federico II https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4861-3960
Anna Geraci University of Palermo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4860-487X
Anna Maria Mannino University of Palermo http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6419-7066
Nicolina Mormile University of Naples Federico II
Annalisa Santangelo University of Naples Federico II http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5560-1725
Angelo Troia University of Palermo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5193-8865

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3417/2020520

Keywords: Aquatic meadows, DNA barcoding, herbarium, historical specimens, ITS, morphology, Ruppia, Ruppiaceae, seagrass, typification

Abstract

To elucidate the taxonomic status of Ruppia drepanensis Tineo ex Guss. (Alismatales, Ruppiaceae), we performed morphological analysis and DNA barcoding of historical materials (including the lectotype) and fresh samples (including those from a recently discovered population near the locus classicus in Sicily, Italy). We conclude that R. drepanensis is a separate species, closely related to R. spiralis L. ex Dumort., that occurs in temporary inland waters from the western to central sectors of the Mediterranean region. We also highlight the importance of vouchers and the need to link molecular investigations to field, ecological, and morphological investigations.