''Centaurea gymnocarpa,'' also known as fiordaliso di Capraia (Italian) (centaury of Capraia/Caprian cornflower (English)) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a rare species endemic to Italy found only on Capraia, a small island located in the Tuscan Archipelago, with the species being distributed across 8 subpopulations on the island's surface. Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation and rocky areas, colonizing in the cracks and fissures of cliffs. While true ''C. gymnocarpa'' is an

endangered species An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and inv ...

in the wild, a hybrid with the related species ''

Centaurea cineraria ''Centaurea cineraria'', the velvet centaurea, is also known as dusty miller and silver dust (though these latter two names may also apply to ''Jacobaea maritima'' and ''Silene coronaria''). ''Centaurea cineraria'' is in the family Asteraceae and ...

'' is sometimes used in gardens as an ornamental plant. It is classified on the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species.

Description

This perennial plant has a woody base and long stem that reaches a height between 80 and 100 cm (27.5 and 39.3 inches). The plant is covered with dense short hairs, giving a greyish-white appearance to the plant. The leaves are somewhat fleshy and appear green above and greyish-white below, with old leaves persisting at the base. ''C. gymnocarpa'' Flowers in May, producing tiny pink flowers in a compact flower head.

Conservation status

''Centaurea gymnocarpa'' has previously been categorized as endangered according to the IUCN Red List in 2005, but has recently been downgraded to vulnerable status in 2017 due to an increase in recorded mature individuals (<250 in 2006, <1000 as of 2017). In addition, ''

Carpobrotus acinaciformis ''Carpobrotus acinaciformis'' (commonly known as Elands sourfig, Elandssuurvy or Sally-my-handsome) is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa. Description All species of ''Carpobrotus'' ("sour fig") form sprawling ...

'', an

invasive species An invasive species otherwise known as an alien is an introduced organism that becomes overpopulated and harms its new environment. Although most introduced species are neutral or beneficial with respect to other species, invasive species ad ...

in the area and also one of the main competitive risks for ''C. gymnocarpa'' was eradicated during 2013-2014 on some portions of the island leading to an increase in established seedlings in some subpopulations.

Threats

While ''

'' has been eradicated from some areas of the island, no recent data is available for other sites and as such may still pose a threat to some subpopulations. '' Senecio angulatus'', another competitive invasive species, is also starting to expand across the island and may pose a threat to the species. In addition, increases in tourism on the island can enhance the risk of damage to the plants.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q4117797 gymnocarpa Endemic flora of Italy Endangered plants Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Taxa named by Giuseppe De Notaris