 Drosera rotundifolia var. corsica. Photo by A. Perugi
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This Drosera rotundifolia is a unique world species; probably is possible to find it only in one single area of the Tuscany (Italy), close to the Cerbaie’s hills. |
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Drosera rotundifolia var. corsica. Photo by A. Perugi
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This Drosera rotundifolia is a unique world species; probably is possible to find it only in one single area of the Tuscany (Italy), close to the Cerbaie’s hills. |
| In the heart of the Tuscany, close to the Cerbaie’s Hills, in a tiny area, it’s possible to find the Drosera rotundifolia L. var. corsica Maire, a carnivorous plant unique in the world. The “sfagnum-bog” of the little San Martino’s valley (Fucecchio – FI) is, probably the exclusive site where is possible to find this particular species that, differently from the typical shape of Drosera rotundifolia (as well existent there), has carnivorous leafy bract leaves on the inflorescences. The “sphagnum-bog” is large 1,000 sq. mtrs and additionally has some esteem species, like the Osmund, (Osmunda regalis L.) and, until few years ago, the nice Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe L.), probably extinct due to phytosanitary measures and for many fires in this zone. |
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| AIPC, in close cooperation with the probate authorities and the landlord, is working in order to promoting the preservation project (began in 2005) for this very important natural biotope, participating in the activities structures, management and info campaign, aimed at the Drosera’s survival; this plants, indeed, is currently at very high risk of extinction because of the site peculiarity and the lack of effective protection from the danger elements (infesting plants, shading, indiscriminate plants-collection, etc.). |
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The project includes the re-establishment of the original habitat, limiting the competition of other infesting plants (such as the Ulex europaeus, Erica arborea, Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus sp., etc.). and cutting several trees (Alnus glutinosa, Frangola alnus). This way, the most important species like Sphagnum sp. and Drosera sp. are able to receive more sunlight for growing up. The area will be fenced and several footbridges will be built as well as some guide-boards will help even the less expert excursionist to understand the peculiar area. The Author of the script about the Drosera rotundifolia var. corsica "Rugiada del Sole” (“Sun’s Dew”) is considering to write the second book in order to update the situation of the area, and to describe the activity and the studies completed. This project interacts perfect with the printing of the book, giving its support for its diffusion through presentations and sight-seeing of the area. |
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What’s the AIPC intent? Jointly the Ecocerbaie Association (www.ecocerbaie.it), with the supervision of the Italian Corps of Forest: ● First of all, cleaning and lopping the most infesting plants in the area (2008, December). ● Afterward planting approximately 50-60 timber 10 cm. diameter (provided by the Empoli’s Corps of Forest ) in order to completely delimit the area. ● Affix 5 forex guide-boards that inform about the peculiarity of the area and the action performed by the different contributors. ● After this basic, initial intervention, will be built several footbridges, around 80 mt. (it’s still under consideration between a static or a floating solution, to be determined after the delimitation of the area). In the future may be undertaken some further actions: 1. Re-introduce again the sphagnum in the re-opened area. 2. To spread Drosera’s seeds inside the area. In order to achieve this goal, AIPC begin an awareness campaign for fund-raising in order to buy the wood required for the footbridges and the boards. The initial cost is about 1,800 €. It’s possible to contribute in different ways: 1. By buying the European Meeting 2008’s conferences DVD. 2. By buying the AIPC T-shirts. 3. By buying the “Carnivorous Plants in the World” CD (only Italian language). 4. By buying the back number of the AIPC’s gazette, years 1998-2000 (Vol. 1) and 2001-2003 (vol. 2) (only Italian language). 5. With cash, using the Paypal button below. If you click on each proposal, it’s possible to read all the related explanations. Many of this proposals could be nice Christmas’ gifts that will give an important contribution to the project, or just a way to contribute to inform and to know the frailty of this ecosystem. |
For further information, please, send an e-mail to conservazione.aipc@gmail.com
