Exploring the Flora on Inert Landfill Sites in Southern Ticino (Switzerland)

Abstract

Results of a floristic survey conducted in eight deposits of inert materials and landfill sites in the south of the Canton Ticino are presented. 512 taxa belonging to 297 genera and 85 families were recorded during 2009. Species richness and composition demonstrate the value of inert landfill sites as substitution habitats for threatened and rare native plants, as privileged sites of early arrival for adventive taxa new to the Swiss flora and as sites of proliferation and starting points for further spread of invasive alien plants. Underlying mechanisms and conditions explaining species composition and the distribution of some noteworthy taxa are discussed. Results are compared with floristic surveys of railway areas in the same region. Particularly interesting are the observations of: Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana, Bromus catharticus, Carduus pycnocephalus, Cyperus glomeratus, Cyperus longus, Eragrostis pectinacea, Eragrostis virescens, Kickxia elatine, Lactuca saligna, Paspalum dilatatum, Ranunculus sardous, Sporobolus vaginiflorus.