Synecology, conservation status and IUCN assessment of Potentilla fruticosa L. in the Italian Alps

Abstract Potentilla fruticosa L. is a self-incompatible clonal shrub, characterized by a wide circumpolar distribution (Asia and North America). In Europe the species has many peripheral isolated populations, and within the Alps it is confined to a restricted area of the Maritime Alps (Italy and France). In alpine environments P. fruticosa is affected by a significant lack of information about current population status and little and conflicting information is reported about its potential habitat. Our study investigated P. fruticosa populations on the Italian side of the Alps to evaluate its synecology, syntaxonomy and conservation status. Results showed that six out of the seven populations inventoried in the area during the study, consisted of 20 or fewer individuals, and only one included a high number of plants. The species was observed in the study area within the Caricetum frigidae association (Caricion davallianae alliance), very close to small creeks characterized by fairly constant water levels. In the Italian Alps P. fruticosa has a very restricted geographic range, estimated at around 16 km2 (extent of occurrence). Isolation of populations affected viable seed production. A continuing decline in the quality and extent of the habitat is expected due to the continuing abandonment of pastures that began 40 years ago in the study area. According to the most recent IUCN categories and criteria the species should be listed at the regional/national level as Critically Endangered.