1,720,999 research outputs found
Un progetto di valorizzazione della scienza nell’arte: le rappresentazioni botaniche nei festoni rinascimentali della scuola di Raffaello
No full textAggressiveness of Hedera helix L. growing on monuments: Evaluation in Roman archaeological sites and guidelines for a general methodological approach
No full textIvy (Hedera helix L.) growing on monuments is a common issue in the study of nature’s relationship with artefacts in the Euro-Mediterranean area. This is due to its pervasiveness and its double role as protective and as deteriogen. We studied the effect of ivy colonization within the archaeological site of Villa of Massentius. We applied a quantitative method derived from monument mapping method by Fitzner, to evaluate deterioration due to ivy colonization on vertical surfaces. Instead, the capping ivy effects was investigated through a multi-parameter evaluation. We recognized three different damage categories: the superficial loss of surface (W), ivy residues on wall after the removal event (I), and the loss of compact stone fragments (P/O). Mean W corresponded to 58% and P/O to 14%. The total damage rate was positively correlated to the amount of ivy cover and to favourable shady conditions. For the capping ivy, we calculated an average loss of 4.34 cm3/m2 and a high level of soil deposit, which led to a secondary ivy colonization process. This paper proposes a contribution to the identification and quantification of ivy deteriogen activity. The application of the proposed method also provides a useful tool for planning restoration activity
Combining Statistical Tools and Ecological Assessments in the Study of Biodeterioration Patterns of Stone Temples in Angkor (Cambodia)
No full textBiodeterioration is a major problem for the conservation of cultural heritage materials. We provide a new and original approach to analyzing changes in patterns of colonization (Biodeterioration patterns, BPs) by biological agents responsible for the deterioration of outdoor stone materials. Here we analyzed BPs of four Khmer temples in Angkor (Cambodia) exposed to variable environmental conditions, using qualitative ecological assessments and statistical approaches. The statistical analyses supported the findings obtained with the qualitative approach. Both approaches provided additional information not otherwise available using one single method. Our results indicate that studies on biodeterioration can benefit from integrating diverse methods so that conservation efforts might become more precise and effective
Natural habitats of typical plants growing on ruins of Roman archaeological sites (Rome, Italy)
No full textIn this study, we support the hypothesis that wall plant species come mainly from rocky habitats, taking into account that ancient walls show similar characteristics to rocks. The occurrence of wall species in natural habitats was investigated. The main literature concerning wall and natural vegetation of central-southern Italy was viewed. Vegetation synoptic tables were analysed through statistical procedures for comparing occurrence and behaviour of wall species in ruderal habitats as archaeological sites and natural ones.The study pointed out that wall species show similar ecological and coenological features in both habitats. This confirms that the main natural habitat from which wall species come from are rocks, but secondarily also ephemeral Mediterranean meadows and garrigues. Particularly, some wall species belonging to Parietarietea judaicae class are participating in the formation of natural rocky communities of Asplenietea trichomanis. Species occurring on emerging ruins form ephemeral meadows belonging to Helianthemetea guttati, also found in natural Mediterranean environment. On wide tops of ruins, where community dynamism is higher, some perennial herbaceous and shrubby species participate in the formation of impoverished communities matching to natural aspects of Mediterranean maquis. The knowledge of the natural habitat of wall species can be useful for a better management of archaeological sites
Street trees in italian cities: story, biodiversity and integration within the urban environment
No full textSince the nineteenth century, street trees have become a significant component of urban landscapes, with multiple ecological roles and social-economic functions. However, data about their abundance and diversity, and information about the criteria used for the species selection, are still limited. Besides providing a historical overview, we analyze and compare data on abundance, diversity and criteria of species selection of street trees in 15 Italian cities chosen considering their representa- tiveness along a bioclimatic transect across Italy. The biodiversity of urban street trees resulted quite rich with 277 species (about 60% are exotic); among these, Platanus × hispanica Mill. ex Münchh., Celtis australis L. and Quercus ilex L. resulted as the most common species. Besides the general suitability for the local climatic conditions, several factors seem to concur in the species selection, such as their aesthetic appeal and dimension. Other selection criteria based on the species’ ecology or functionality were not evident
Safeguarding natural and cultural heritage on Etruscan tombs (La Banditaccia, Cerveteri, Italy)
No full textArchaeological sites can represent a refuge for plant and animal species, protecting them from the pressures of urbanisation. However, sometimes these environmental resources can lead to negative consequences for the monuments. In order to investigate such contrasting effects, we selected the UNESCO World Heritage Site Etruscan necropolis known as “La Banditaccia” (Cerveteri, Italy). We performed floristic and phytosociological analyses, and observations on roots interactions with monuments on several tombs (9 tumuli and 5 cube-shaped tombs) and applied commonly used indices to evaluate damages to the structures. The study revealed rich biodiversity of the site and the presence of rare plants, but also of some invasive species. The analysis of the phytosociological sets showed differences among vegetation types found on the tumuli as a function of the varying degrees of anthropization. Abundant plant colonisation was detected on the top of the tumuli, sometimes causing damages to the structures. The results of the Impact Index analysis showed that the dynamic evolution of vegetation constitutes a significant risk to the archaeological structures. We suggest that careful management of vegetation should achieve equilibrium between the management requirements for the monuments and conservation of naturalistic values. A deeper evaluation of the interactions between plants and monuments is however necessary
Natural habitats of typical plants growing on ruins of Roman archaeological sites (Rome, Italy)
No full textIn this study, we support the hypothesis that wall plant species come mainly from rocky habitats, taking into account that ancient walls show similar characteristics to rocks. The occurrence of wall species in natural habitats was investigated. The main literature concerning wall and natural vegetation of central-southern Italy was viewed. Vegetation synoptic tables were analysed through statistical procedures for comparing occurrence and behaviour of wall species in ruderal habitats as archaeological sites and natural ones.The study pointed out that wall species show similar ecological and coenological features in both habitats. This confirms that the main natural habitat from which wall species come from are rocks, but secondarily also ephemeral Mediterranean meadows and garrigues. Particularly, some wall species belonging to Parietarietea judaicae class are participating in the formation of natural rocky communities of Asplenietea trichomanis. Species occurring on emerging ruins form ephemeral meadows belonging to Helianthemetea guttati, also found in natural Mediterranean environment. On wide tops of ruins, where community dynamism is higher, some perennial herbaceous and shrubby species participate in the formation of impoverished communities matching to natural aspects of Mediterranean maquis. The knowledge of the natural habitat of wall species can be useful for a better management of archaeological sites
When the Local Cuisine Still Incorporates Wild Food Plants: The Unknown Traditions of the Monti Picentini Regional Park (Southern Italy)
No full textEvaluation of Mediterranean perennials for extensive green roofs in water-limited regions: A two-year experiment
No full textExtensive green roofs (EGRs) play a crucial role in urban environments, offering numerous environmental,
economic, and social benefits. However, their performance largely depends on plant selection and adaptation to
local climatic conditions. This study investigates the suitability of six perennial Euro-Mediterranean species for
EGRs in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions, under different water regimes. A two-year experimental analysis
was conducted in Rome (Italy) assessing flowering and mortality rates. Results revealed species-specific responses to irrigation levels, with notable performances observed in Thymus serpyllum, Saponaria ocymoides, and
Teucrium chamaedrys, showcasing resilience to water stress. Conversely, Lavandula stoechas and Cerastium
tomentosum exhibited sensitivity to water availability, emphasizing the importance of species selection for EGRs.
No species completely adhered to the expected flowering period, but showed a general tendency of anticipation,
and sometimes an extended flowering period, with some differences between the species. The study underscores
the complexity of plant-environment interactions and highlights the need for diversified species composition to
enhance EGR functionality and resilience
Trends of plant communities growing on the Etruscan tombs (Cerveteri, Italy) related to different management practices
No full textVegetation management of archaeological sites is a recurrent problem when considering the conservation of historic structures and biodiversity. In the UNESCO site of the Etruscan necropolis “La Banditaccia” (Cerveteri, Italy), several plants grow on the ancient tumuli, which are subjected to different management practices. In order to assess the influence of interventions on plant colonisation, a comparative analysis of several tumuli was performed, through structural, chorological, phytosociological and statistical evaluations. This investigation identified and defined an ecological gradient among the tumuli. The cover values of Therophytes and Hemicryptophytes decreased by half with regular cutting, while those of Geophytes and Phanerophytes increased. Mesophilic field plants (MFP), both ephemeral and perennial, represented the most abundant group. Mediterranean bushes and forests (MBF) showed a positive trend from the entrance to the last tumuli of the necropolis. This trend was clearly defined by PCA, and it seems community changes were caused by the absence of mowing activities and to a lower tourist frequentation. SIMPER analysis highlighted which species on each tumulus mainly influence their dissimilarity. This knowledge, when combined with the evaluation of the potential risk of the different plant communities growing on the tumuli, can help to identify the best management practices
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