Viola ucriana

Viola ucriana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Violaceae
Genus: Viola
Species:
V. ucriana
Binomial name
Viola ucriana
Erben & Raimondo

Viola ucriana is a species of plant in the Violaceae family. It is a violet that is endemic to Sicily in Italy, where its known in Italian as Viola di Ucria.

Distribution

Viola ucriana is only found on Mount Pizzuta, near Palermo in north-western Sicily, growing above the Piana degli Albanesi at an altitude of 800–1,300 metres (2,600–4,300 ft).[2] Its natural habitats are in Mediterranean shrubby vegetation and rocky areas here.

Endangered

The only known populations are in two localities, covering a total area of 0.2 square kilometres (0.077 sq mi).[2] It is an IUCN Red List Critically Endangered plant species and IUCN Top 50 Campaign Mediterranean Island Plants, threatened by habitat loss.[2]

Description

Viola ucriana is perennial, evergreen herbaceous plant, with elongated upper leaves and lower leaves gathered forming a cushion at the base. The greyish green leaves are partially hairy. The flowers are yellow, with yellowish-green spur. The plants predominantly flowers in late Spring, between April and June.[2]

The Viola di Ucria of Sicily.

References

  1. ^ Gianguzzi, L.; La Mantia, A. (2006). "Viola ucriana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2006: e.T61681A12523710. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T61681A12523710.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d IUCN 50 . accessed 11.30.2011


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