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Wednesday 11 October 2017

Phyto-toponyms of Arbutus unedo L. and their distribution in Sardinia (Italy).

PLoS One. 2017 Jul 13;12(7):e0181174. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181174. eCollection 2017. Pinna C1, Carta L1, Deiana V1, Camarda I1. Author information 1 Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, Sassari, Italy. Abstract The study shows the results of an inventory of place names connected to Arbutus unedo L., a Mediterranean species, widespread throughout Sardinia. The main aim was to compare the past distribution of place names, referring to the strawberry tree, to the current distribution of the species on the island. In addition, we investigated the meaning and the diversity of these local place names in the various communities. The result was a collection of 432 phyto-toponyms. 248 of them were used for an analysis of their distribution in the habitats, indicated on the Map of the Nature System in Sardinia, defined on the basis of the current vegetation typology. The persistence of the species in the various habitats was either confirmed or negated with in site investigations and interviews. 47.5% of municipalities have place names related to the strawberry tree. Of the 248 phyto-toponyms, 127 fall in the habitats where the species currently persists proving a correspondence between their regional distribution and the current distribution of the species. The remaining 121 phyto-toponyms fall in habitats where the strawberry tree is currently absent. Most of them are found in man-made habitats where man has transformed the forest cover which previously included the strawberry tree. This study also contributes to promoting and conserving the linguistic heritage of local communities. PMID: 28704491 PMCID: PMC5509287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181174 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Free PMC Article Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Google+ Images from this publication.See all images (5)Free text Fig 1Fig 2Fig 3Fig 5 MeSH terms