Exclusion of Saxifraga taygetea Boiss. & Heldr. (Saxifragaceae) and Vinca major L. subsp. balcanica (Pénzes) Kozuharov & A.V.Petrova (Apocynaceae) from the vascular flora of Italy

In this paper, which is based on literature surveys, revision of historical herbarium specimens, fieldwork, and morphometric analyses, the exclusion of Saxifraga taygetea Boiss. & Heldr. and Vinca major L. subsp. balcanica (Pénzes) Kozuharov & A.V.Petrova from Italy are proposed. This allows to update both the Italian vascular flora and the global distribution for both taxa, which must be considered endemic to the Balkans. This research also underscores the importance of herbaria to gain a deeper understanding of plant biodiversity worldwide.