This small section is primarily dedicated to the exhibition of living species found on the rocky slopes of the coastal regions of southern Italy. The plants present in these environments must tolerate high salinity, aridity, intense sunlight, and survive through adaptations such as long and robust roots reaching the deeper and moister layers of the soil, succulence, and reduction of leaf size.
Close-up of the inflorescences of Centranthus ruber (L.) DC., commonly known as red valerian.
Among the species in display in this area, there are very rare and protected plants that are at risk of extinction, such as the Palinuro primrose (Primula palinuri) and the rock pomegranate (Eokochia saxicola). Some species found in other limestone environments on the Italian peninsula are also cultivated here.
Specimen of Primula palinuri Petagna, endemic to the coasts of southern Campania, Basilicata, and northern Calabria.
Sistema Museale di Ateneo