A comparative morphometric and phytochemical analysis of the calabrian endemic treasure Crepis aspromontana Brullo, Scelsi & Spamp. with alimentary potential

Abstract Crepis aspromontana, an endemic species from Calabria (Southern Italy), is a traditional nutritional source in the ethnobotany of the Graecanic area. This study compares the morphometric and chemical properties of wild and cultivated specimens, also evaluating the phytochemical response to abiotic stress. The results highlight a clear growth-defense trade-off: cultivated plants exhibit superior morphometric characteristics (larger rosettes, greater leaf number), whereas wild specimens produce significantly higher concentrations of beneficial phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids, and possess markedly greater antioxidant activity. Notably, cultivated specimens, when subjected to heat stress, showed a dramatic increase in polyphenol content, reaching levels well above those of wild samples. This research reveals that domestication optimizes yield but reduces phytochemical quality, which can be restored or enhanced through stress management. Crepis aspromontana is confirmed as a valuable, nutrient-rich food source, and this study balances biodiversity safeguarding with its potential as a typical Calabrian product.