The populations usually attributed to Solenopsisbivonae (Tineo) M.B.Crespo, Serra & A.Juan are investigated from a taxonomical and morphological viewpoint. Within this species complex, four new subspecies occurring in Sicily and Calabria are recognized, such as subsp. bivonae, subsp. madoniarum, subsp. peloritana and subsp. brutia. In addition, a new species from Cyprus described as S.meikleana and S.bacchettae from Sardinia must be included in this group. The synonymy, typification, description, seed testa morphology, chorology, ecology, illustrations, conservation status, and examined specimens for each taxon are provided. Besides, the analytical keys, distribution maps, and phytosociological arrangement regarding these taxa are given too.
Keywords: Lobelioideae; Mediterranean flora; Solenopsis; ecology; taxonomy.
Salvatore Brullo, Cristian Brullo, Salvatore Cambria, Valeria Tomaselli, Alessandro Crisafulli, Giuseppe Siracusa, Pietro Minissale, Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo.