Discovery of new populations in Mazara del Vallo (Sicily, Italy) of Galium litorale Guss. (Rubiaceae): a naturally rare species with a small distribution area

Galium litorale Guss. (Rubiaceae) is an endemic species of south-western Sicily (Italy) with a very restricted natural range of distribution, confined to a system of calcareous outcrops lo cated along the coastal stretches of the Trapani territory, but circumscribed and fragmented between Marsala and Selinunte. The overall knowledge of the real conservation status of Galium litorale in south-western Sicily is poor and is limited to the discovery of a few populations, but some research carried out between 2024 and 2025 in this area, has allowed us to census numerous new populations that are useful for a better understanding of the distribution and protection of this species.