Studies on the genus Atriplex (Chenopodiaceae) in Italy VII. Atriplex micrantha and A. oblongifolia

Abstract

Abstract A population of Atriplex micrantha subsp. micrantha was found in Valle d’Aosta region representing the first north-western Italian record and the second one at national level. The newly found population (about 100 individuals) covers an area of about 200 m2, and grows on uncultivated and saline lands at 950 m. Despite the inland locality (the species naturally grows in saline places), its occurrence is probably linked to the use of salt-spreading vehicles. Concerning A. oblongifolia, only one Italian record was published up to now (in 1898 in Emilia-Romagna region) but neither any herbarium specimen was traced nor plants were discovered after field surveys. Finally, we studied in detail the types of A. micrantha subsp. micrantha, A. oblongifolia, and A. heterosperma. Lectotypes were designated for A. micrantha and A. oblongifolia (Ledebour’s and Waldstein & Kitaibel’s illustrations), whereas we correct Schwarz’s typification for A. heterosperma (Art. 9.10 ICN).