Poggio S. Maria (ITA070011)
Site type: SAC Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA070011 - Hectares: 807
Description:
This is an area essentially characterized by extensive clayey outcrops of the calanchivo type. In some points the outcrop of the water table determines the
forming of wet areas, even quite extensive, with swampy stretches. Within the site there are also some fluvial stretches of the Simeto river, as well as some
surfaces covered with lava blankets. The bioclimate is of the upper thermo-Mediterranean type with a lower subhumid shadow type. Vegetation is represented by
steppe grasslands with Lygeum spartum or sometimes Hyparrhenia hirta, as well as halo-subnitrophilic bushes to various species of Salsola, Suaeda vera and Atriplex
halimus. Hygrophilous formations with helophytes are also frequent in which Phragmites australis, Schoenoplectus tabernemontani, Typha angustifolia, Apium dominate
nodiflorum, Cyperus distachyos, Carex divisa, Juncus subulatus, etc. Also significant is the presence of some very rare subhalophilic therophytes, which they form
ephemeral lawns, frequent especially in coastal areas.
4.2Quality and importance
This site is of considerable naturalistic interest as it is one of the few inland areas characterized by hygrophilous vegetation aspects of the subalophilic type normally linked to coastal environments. In addition, very rare species on the island, some of which are endemic, believed to be localized in these wet habitats
significant phytogeographic interest, in turn mentioned in the list in section 3.3 (D). Based on current knowledge Pucinellia gussonei,
endemic from Sicily, it is found only on this site. The invertebrate fauna is very rich and articulated, in particular the freshwater one, with numerous
species which in Sicily are always very rare and localized.
Ministerial data: Natura 2000 form
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Region of Sicily
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