Acta Botanica Malacitana is an international scientific journal published annually by the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology and the Publications and Scientific Dissemination Service of the University of Malaga. Its purpose is the transmission of the results of original works related to any field of Botany and Mycology, especially those dedicated to systematics, chorology, ecology, applied botany, and Mediterranean area. The publications are available in Spanish, English, or French and are released annually. On this Acta Botanica Malacitana website, you will find the most recent articles (published in the latest current volume) in the "Current" tab. For past issues, please refer to the "Previous Issues" tab.
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Petrosedum thartii (Crassulaceae), an overlooked species of the Iberian flora
We report here the presence in the Pyrenees of plants assignable to Petrosedum thartii based on current knowledge of the difficult yellow-flowered Petrosedum complex. Petrosedum thartii has not previously been reported from the Iberian Peninsula and the nearest known locations are in the Alps. However, this plant is quite common in the inland valleys of the south-eastern Pyrenees but has seemingly often been confused with P. rupestre, a widespread species in this area whose presence has only been confirmed in areas with a maritime influence in eastern Catalonia. Our observations also indicate that confusion between P. montanum and P. rupestre is common, which suggests that an updating of the distribution of the yellow-flowered Petrosedum species in the Pyrenees is required.
Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Botanica Malacitana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Narcissus ×urenae (Amaryllidaceae), a new hybrid for the flora of Northern Morocco
A new notospecies is described: Narcissus ×urenae, resulting from the cross between Narcissus obsoletus and Narcissus papyraceus. In addition, for the correct characterization of one of the parents, Narcissus obsoletus, the distinctive morphological characteristics of this species and the most related taxa are detailed, given the taxonomic discrepancies in the treatment of daffodils with white corollas and strictly autumnal flowering in several areas of the Mediterranean, differentiating several taxonomic entities, such Narcissus serotinus, N. deficiens, N. obsoletus and N. elegans, depending on their geographical distribution and specific characteristics.
Pteris ×pseudosefuricola (Pteridaceae) a new alien fern for the Iberian Peninsula
Pteris ×pseudosefuricola (Pteridaceae) is here reported as a new alien species to the flora of the Iberian Peninsula. An established population, previously included in databases as Pteris cretica was found north of Sabadell (Barcelona province). Morphological data are provided suggesting that these plants may refer to Pteris ×pseudosefuricola instead of Pteris cretica.
A phytosociological study of the subrupicolous and subnitrophilous fig tree (Ficus carica) communities on the Cantabrian coast (Spain)
In this paper we studied the shrub formations dominated by the fig tree, Ficus carica L. (Moraceae), that are found along the Cantabrian coast. Previous studies on these communities in the Principality of Asturias revealed the difficulty, due to their rarity, floristic composition and structure, to be able to adequately adscribe them to a specific syntaxonomic unit. A total of 29 plots are presented, 20 from Asturias and 9 unpublished from Cantabria. These plots are compared with other associations from western Mediterranean basin and Iberian Peninsula, in which Ficus carica participates, as well as with the association Hedero hibernicae-Sambucetum nigrae in order to study their degree of similarity. Cluster and detrended correspondence (DCA) analyses revealed the separation of the plant communities of the Cantabrian coast under study in a group different and independent from the rest. Consequently, the new association Hedero hibernicae-Ficetum caricae ass. nov. (Pruno spinosae-Rubion ulmifolii, Pyro spinosae-Rubetalia ulmifolii, Crataego-Prunetea) is confirmed and described. Data are also provided on its synecology and the ecological relationship with other floristically related communities and syncorology, as well as conservation and management measures are suggested.
Copyright (c) 2025 Juan Antonio Durán Gómez, Rubén Ramírez-Rodríguez, Ramón Luís Álvarez Arbesú, Javier Berzosa Aránguez, Alfred Llorente Rodrigo, José Antonio Cadiñanos Aguirre https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Avena L. (Poaceae) in Morocco
In this article, we present a revision of the genus Avena in Morocco based mainly on the morphological study of the remarkable collection of the Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation (ECWP, Missour, Morocco). A new key is provided for the identification of the 24 taxa found, one of which, A. strigosa Schreb. new for North Africa. The presence of several taxa of poorly known distribution range, belonging to the A. barbata Link complex, is confirmed, and the known distribution range of several taxa is greatly improved. The new combination A. atlantica subsp. atlantigrandiflora is proposed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Carlos Romero Zarco, Mathieu Chambouleyron, Jean-François Léger, Abbès Tanji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Cosmos sulphureus Cav. (Asteraceae) in the Iberian Peninsula
Cosmos sulphureus (Asteraceae) is an annual herb widely used as an ornamental, here reported as a new addition to non-native flora of the Iberian Peninsula. Individuals escaping from cultivation were recently detected in 2024 on the campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Barcelona province, Spain). While citizen-science platforms suggest that the species might be spreading for some years, it was not cited in the Iberian Peninsula in bibliographic or electronic references. The finding of novel records of non-native plants in an extensively sampled area highlights the need for continuous vegetation sampling.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marc Riera, Llorenç Sáez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Typification of the Linnaean name Rhamnus tinctoria, the basionym of Flueggea tinctoria (Euphorbiaceae), an endemic plant to the Iberian Peninsula flora
The name Rhamnus tinctoria was published in 1758 by Linnaeus in Loefling’s Iter Hispanicum. The work was published posthumously after Loefling’s death in Venezuela in 1756. Although Linnaeus received specimens from Loefling’s Iberian collections, several were lost, so Linnaeus relied on Loefling’s notes for these taxa. Since it was impossible to find original material of Rhamnus tinctoria in the various Linnaean and Linnaean-associated herbaria, a neotype has been designated for this Linnaean name. The neotype selected is a specimen preserved at MA, collected in central Spain (Talavera de la Reina, Toledo). This specimen belongs to the exsiccatum “E. Bourgeau. Plantes d’Espagne” (number 2492), which contains several duplicates (e.g., at P, barcodes P05595291, P05503187, P05502243).
Iter Hispanicum, Loefling, Linnaeus, neotype, nomenclature, Spain, tamujo
Copyright (c) 2025 Pedro Pablo Ferrer Gallego https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
New records on the allochthonous flora of Andalusia (Southern Spain)
12 citations of 10 taxa of allochthonous origin herborized in Andalusia are presented, providing remarkable chorological novelties of special interest, as well as providing information on possible biological invasions in the future. The confirmation of Lepidium virginicum in Andalusia and the discovery of Cyperus alopecuroides as a novelty for the Iberian Peninsula stand out.
Copyright (c) 2025 Julián Fuentes, Jesús Vílchez, Francisco Megías, Miguel Cueto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Parietaria officinalis (Urticaceae) a new addition to the alien flora of Morocco
Parietaria officinalis (Urticaceae) is reported in this study for the first time for the vascular flora of Morocco. This ruderal species was observed on old walls and sidewalks in the city of Kenitra. It likely represents a recent accidental introduction that requires monitoring through further observations. This record enriches the list of exotic taxa in Morocco.​
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdelilah Jbilou, Ouafae Benkhnigue, Hind Elaidi, Lahcen Zidane, Jamila Dahmani, Nadia Belahbib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Updated checklist and analysis of the Vascular Flora of Andalusia (Southern Spain)
The presence of 4,898 flora taxa (species, subspecies, and hybrids) belonging to 171 families and 1,172 genera in Andalusia is reported. Of these, 4,253 (86.8%) are native and 645 (13.2%) are allochthonous. The number of species is 4,324, the number of subspecies is 328, and 246 are hybrids. In the Andalusian territory, there are 944 endemic taxa in the context of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, of which 429 are strictly Andalusian; another 76 have the main nucleus in Andalusia but have some population in the provinces bordering the territory; 14 have their main nucleus in a neighboring province, but have some population in Andalusia, and 425 are strict Ibero-Balearic endemics with a distribution that far exceeds the limits of Andalusia. The high Andalusian plant diversity is due to the great environmental, lithological, soil, climatic, and altitudinal heterogeneity as well as to its complicated geological history and its position between the European and African continents. The provinces of Granada, Jaén, Almería, Málaga and Cádiz, occupied mostly by the Baetic mountain range, with over 2,400 taxa and 2,200 species, with the province of Granada having the highest values, with 3,209 taxa and 2,912 species.
Copyright (c) 2025 Miguel Cueto, Julian Fuentes, Esther Giménez, Leonardo Gutiérrez, Manuel Melendo, Gabriel Blanca https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Identity of Anthyllis heterophylla (Loteae-Leguminosae): an obscure name derived from a misinterpretation
Anthyllis heterophylla (Loteae-Leguminosae) has been regarded as an enigmatic species since its original description in 1763. Subsequent taxonomic and nomenclatural treatments of the species have been conducted without the designation of the type. We examined the original material of A. heterophylla preserved at LINN, and our morphological analysis indicated that A. heterophylla is conspecific with A. barba-jovis. The typification of A. heterophylla is discussed herein, and a lectotype for the name is designated.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pedro Pablo Ferrer Gallego, Javier Fabado https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
First records of Centaurea hyalolepis Boiss. subsp. hyalolepis (Asteraceae, Cardueae-Centaureinae) in Tunisia
Botanical surveys within Tunisian territory undertaken during the last two decades led to the discovery of many scattered and extended populations of Centaurea hyalolepis subsp. hyalolepis (Centaurea sect. Calcitrapa, Asteraceae). A taxon, native in the east Mediterranean to Iran and Arabian Peninsula but widely naturalized in many european countries, here firstly reported for Tunisia. The plant seems to be well-established and takes part within ruderal/sub-nitrophilous vegetation, representing the first case of appointment/naturalization in Tunisia. Phenology of the species as well as original photographs are here provided.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ridha El Mokni https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Ononis varelae (Fabaceae), a new species to the Portuguese flora
Two specimens of Ononis varelae Devesa were collected by the authors in 2024 at two different locations within the Odeleite River valley in Serra do Caldeirão, Algarve. Initially believed to be the first gatherings of this species in Portugal, a thorough examination of herbarium material revealed an earlier specimen from the same region, collected in 1969. These records extend to the west the known distribution range of this species, previously considered endemic to the Sierra Morena, in southwestern Spain. Plants were found in similar habitat conditions to the ones described in the literature. Therefore, it should be added to the Portuguese vascular flora as a native species and considered as an Iberian endemic. It is preliminarily assessed as Endangered in Portugal, following the IUCN red list criteria.
Copyright (c) 2025 André Carapeto, Maria João Correia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Gamochaeta falcata (Lam.) Cabrera (Compositae, Gnaphalieae) in Tunisia, a first official record for the African continent
Gamochaeta falcata (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae), a species native to southern America, is reported here for the first time to the African Gnaphaliinae from a collection made in northwestern Tunisia. Based on a review of relevant literature, a brief morphological description is provided, along with information on phenology and original photographs of the Tunisian specimen. Moreover, some data on the habitat and current distribution of this neophyte are presented.
Nuevas citas de xenófitos invasores en Andalucía (España)
New records of invasive xenophytes in Andalusia (Spain) New records of invasive xenophytes in Andalusia (Spain) are reported: Acacia mearnsii De Wild. in Aznalcóllar (Seville), Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb. on the coast of Conil and Tarifa (Cadiz), Opuntia dejecta Salm-Dyck in Manilva cliffs (Malaga), and Solandra maxima (Moc. & Sessé) P.S. Green in Algeciras (Cadiz). They all colonize natural or semi-natural biotopes as metaphytes with clearly invasive behavior, except for O. dejecta, whose population size suggests a state of incipient invasion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Juan García-de-Lomas, Elías D. Dana, Enrique Sánchez Gullón, Fernando Márquez, Juan L. Rendón, Filip Verloove, Carlos Salazar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Notes on four naturalized weeds in Morocco: extended distribution and new record
This contribution deals with the record of four alien naturalized plants in Morocco due to field surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024, with special emphasis on weeds occurring in farmlands (agricultural regions of Chaouia, Gharb, Haouz, Loukkos, Sous, and Tadla). Among these reported plants, three are here presented as new national distributional records namely, Euphorbia heterophylla L., E. nutans Lag. (Euphorbiaceae) and Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke subsp. coromandelianum (Malvaceae) whereas Cardiospermum microcarpum (Kunth) Blume (Sapindaceae) is here reported for the first time in the country. Photographic evidence, distribution maps, and taxonomic notes are provided for each taxon. In addition, voucher herbarium specimens were prepared and deposited at the national herbarium (RAB) of the Scientific Institute in Rabat.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abbes, Hamid Khamar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Correction to the typification of Limonium serpentinicum R.Pino, Silva Pando & J.J.Pino in Novon 24: 382 (2016)
A nomenclatural correction is included for the species Limonium serpentinicum.
Copyright (c) 2025 Francisco Javier Silva-Pando, Rubén Pino Pérez, Juan José Pino Pérez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
On the occurrence of Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb. (Convolvulaceae, Ipomoeeae) within coastal dunes of Tunisia, the lost piece of the puzzle fell into place!
The occurrence of Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb. is here confirmed and clearly documented for the first time in Tunisia following botanical surveys recently carried out on coastal dunes within the north-western and central-eastern part of the country. General characteristics as well as original photographs are here provided for the Tunisian material. Phenology, habitat and ecological notes of the species in Tunisia are presented. Moreover, a discriminating key for known species of the genus in Tunisia is proposed.
Contributions to the flora of Galicia (Spain), 16
A review of Cormophyta material held in LOU herbaria and recent collections in Galicia has revealed floristic novelties for the region: Pteris multifida, P. cretica, Ranunculus trichophyllus subsp. eradicatus, Sisymbrium austriacum subsp. contortum, Narcissus × medioluteus, and Isolepis pseudosetacea, and confirmed populations of Salix purpurea and Geranium lanuginosum in Galicia. Of the eight taxa discussed, five correspond to plants considered native and three are exotic.
Copyright (c) 2025 Francisco Javier Silva-Pando, Juan Baladrón González, Rubén Pino Pérez, Juan José Pino Pérez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Eryngium corniculatum Lam. (Apiaceae) and its habitat, a novelty in the province of Malaga (Spain)
Eryngium corniculatum has been collected as a new record for Malaga province (Spain) and second record for Eastern Andalusia. The phytosociological association and the Habitat of Community Interest (HIC) where Eryngium grows, have been identified and both constitute a new record for Eastern Andalusia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andrés Vicente Pérez Latorre, Julio Carralero Benítez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
New Iberian locality for the invasive aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae)
A new population of the invasive aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes (Araceae) has been found in the Guadalquivir River Dock (Seville). This constitutes the third confirmed record of the species in Spain, where it was first detected at the beginning of this century.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pablo García-Murillo, Jon Jáúregui Arana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
On the presence of Cotoneaster tomentosus (Aiton) Lindl. in the province of Ciudad Real (Spain)
In this paper, we report a new record of Cotoneaster tomentosus in the province of Ciudad Real (Castile-La Mancha), which is the southernmost record of this species in the Iberian Peninsula. Given the difficulty in determining the taxonomic assignment of some species in the genus, a morphological study and a molecular sequencing study have been conducted to accurately identify this species. Both studies confirm the identity of this new individual as C. tomentosus. In addition, data on its ecology and measures for its conservation are provided, as it is a species included in the Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species of Castile-La Mancha.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juan Francisco Jiménez Martínez, José Luis Cánovas Rubio, Carlos Aedo Pérez, Rubén Ramírez Rodríguez, Helena Blanca Ordóñez, Pedro Sánchez Gómez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
New contributions to the knowledge of charophytes in south-western Spain
Sampling of charophytes (Characeae family) in locations in South-western Spain (marshlands and temporary brackish lakes in Doñana National Park, Malaga, Seville and Badajoz), as well as germination tests in laboratory conditions using sediment, have revealed 16 new findings regarding charophyte algae in Spain. Of particular relevance are the taxa described for the Campillos and Utrera Lagoon Complex and the province of Badajoz. New locations are described for Doñana NP. The information corresponds to three different genera of charophytes: Chara (4 species), Lamprothamnium (1) and Nitella (2). All this highlights the interest of these particular habitats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Adriana Arnal, María Antonia Rodrigo, Pablo García-Murillo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
First record of Teucrium aristatum Pérez Lara (Lamiaceae) in Portugal
The annual Teucrium aristatum is reported from Portugal for the first time. Two isolated populations, composed of flowering and fruiting individuals, were found in small, seasonally flooded depressions in the municipality of Tavira, Algarve, in late spring of 2022, extending the known distribution of this globally rare species ca. 120 km westward. Total numbers fluctuated considerably in the last three consecutive years but are estimated to range between 250–1000 individuals. Due to its very limited distribution, single location and ongoing habitat loss, T. aristatum qualifies as regionally Critically Endangered in Portugal under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Copyright (c) 2026 João Neiva, Duarte Frade https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
On the presence of Astragalus geniculatus Desf. (Fabaceae) in Europe
The presence of Astragalus geniculatus Desf. is confirmed in the Iberian Peninsula, and therefore in Europe. The recently described A. castroviejoi Talavera & Sánchez-Gómez is considered a synonym of the former species, and the main differences with regard to the rest of the Iberian species of the sect. Sesamei DC. are remarked.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriel Blanca López, Miguel Cueto Romero, Julián Fuentes Carretero, Juan Francisco Jiménez Martínez, Pedro Sánchez Gómez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Narcissus ×fulgens (Amaryllidaceae), a new hybrid for the flora of Northern Morocco, and the identity of N. ×xanthochlorus
A new notospecies is described: Narcissus ×fulgens, resulting from the crossing of Narcissus cavanillesii and Narcissus viridiflorus, and the identity of N. ×xanthochlorus is discussed. The new notospecies is found in large plains of marl-clay substrates that are very susceptible to transformation into short-term crops, belonging to the natural region of Tangier (Northern Morocco). Additionally, illustrations and a table are presented for comparing the new hybrid with its parent species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julián Manuel Fuentes Carretero, Emilio Esteban-Infantes, Inés de Bellard https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Nota aclaratoria sobre un artículo despublicado
Copyright (c) 2026 Marta Recio Criado https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
one New records of vascular plants in Andalusia (Southern Spain): chorological novelties and relict species of conservation interest
Seven vascular plant taxa are reported from Andalusia, of which 4 represent novelties to the flora of Andalusia, 2 are provincial novelties and 1 constitutes a noteworthy chorological novelty. Several species have small or highly localized populations, and some are considered threatened (2 “Critically Endangered” and 2 “Vulnerable”), highlighting the importance of Andalusian mountain enclaves as refuges for relict flora of particular conservation interest.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julián Fuentes, Miguel Cueto, Jesús Vílchez, Alfredo Benavente, Andrés Ivorra, Francisco Rodríguez, Sandra García de Lucas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Limonium ×erbenii (Plumbaginaceae), new hybrid taxon for the Southeastern Iberian flora
Limonium ×erbenii, a hybrid resulting from the interspecific cross between Limonium estevei Fern. Casas and Limonium cossonianum Kuntze, is here described as a new nothospecies based on the morphological and molecular characterization of five individuals collected in Macenas, at the base of Sierra de Cabrera (Mojácar, Almería, SE Spain), where it coexists with the parental taxa. The morphological analysis included the measurement and comparison of 39 diagnostic characters to evaluate the intermediacy of the hybrid accessions relative to the parental species. For the molecular characterization, the ITS region of ribosomal nrDNA was amplified, sequenced and analyzed to detect potential additive polymorphic sites (APS). Results revealed a mosaic of parental and intermediate morphological traits, a typical pattern of a first-generation hybrid (F1), and the presence of APS indicative of the coexistence of ribotypes inherited from both parental species within the hybrid’s genetic background. Altogether, these findings provide strong evidence confirming Limonium ×erbenii as the product of natural hybridization between L. cossonianum and L. estevei.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lucía Miranda-Hernández, Esteban Salmerón Sánchez, María Jesús Fernández-Cobo, Encarna Merlo, Carlos Salazar-Mendías, Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernández, Fabián Martínez-Hernández, Francisco J. Pérez-García, Juan F. Mota https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0