Page 6 - Geraci -Schicchi - 2002

182 Geraci & Raimondo: Cytogeographical investigation of Scilla autwnnalis ...

autumnalis in Lhe Mediterranean sensu strictu, this could be cxplained by absence ofimpor-
tant factors to impose a definite geographicaJ direction on the evolution of polyploids.
In the central-south Europcan arca diploids become more and more rare unti! disap-
pearing as it is shown in Northem ltaly, France and England whcre the northern distribu-
tion limit is found.
In conclusion, Sicily where both di plaid and polyploid chromosome races occur togelh-
er. may be considered as an area whcre the conditions for Lhe ancestor's diploid cytotype
pre ervation stili exist and al tbe same time as a potential centrc for future sympatric evo-
lution in the Mediterranean starting from the present polyploid complcx.

Acknowledgments
This study has been done wiù1ìn a research project funded by MI UR (Contribution ex 60%) which
is gratcfully acknowledgcd.

References
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Addresses of the authors:
Don. Anna Geraci. Prof. Rosario Schicchi, Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche
dell'Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi 28- 1-90123 Palermo.