Morphometric and reproductive variation in the strict endemic Helichrysum melitense (Asteraceae) in Gozo, Malta

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterise the distribution, leaf-morphological amplitude and reproductive effort of the strict island endemic Helichrysum melitense (Pignatti) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone & Ronsisvalle (Asteraceae) in Gozo, Malta. This species is restricted to the coastal fringe of Western Gozo and was rarely observed further inland. Five main sub-populations, those at Ponta tal-Wardija, Tal-Port, Fuq il-Qawra, Ta’ Slima and at Il-Ponta ta’ Hekka, were recorded and surveyed. A total of 983 plants were investigated. The largest sub-population was that at Tal-Port (364 individuals) whilst the smallest was the one at Il-Ponta ta’ Hekka (30 individuals).