abstract

Flora and veqetation of the La Vota coastal lakes (C-W Calabria). The La Vota ponds, from Tyrrhenian shoreline of Calabria (Italy), are a very interesting biotope
for the occurrence of rare species and phytocoenosis. They are menaced by strong human pressure: tourists, farming and water pollution. To propose the preservation
for this area as a whole, data about the flora were produced with a special emphasis on their peculiarities. Furthermore, the vegeration has been analysed from
shore-line to retro-dunes and around the ponds, showing the distlibution of associations, dynamic and catenal relations between different kinds of coenoses. Ipomoea
sagittata, a critically endangered species in Italy, was found with several more, worthy of protection according to I.U.C.N. status. Therefore, steps should be
taken to preserve this area.

keywords

Calabria, coastal vegetation, flora, Italy, phytosociology, Tyrrhenian shoreline