Adaptability of relic populations: a case study in Pinus leucodermis Ant.

Pinus leucodermis Ant. is a wind-pollinated coniferous species with a discontinous and restricted distribution. Its range consists of small and disjunct populations located both in the Balkan peninsula (main range) and in southern Italy. Pinus leucodermis in Italy occurs in only four small groups of populations located in Basilicata and Calabria regions. A drastic reduction of its distribution occurred during the last centuries because of the strong human impacts on this species. Due to the restrictedness of its actual range and to the frequent occurrence of fires in these areas, it can be considered as a highly endangered species. This species shows a great adaptability to extreme environmental conditions and a great colonising potential (Avolio 1986), thus making it suitable for forestation of extensive dry areas in southern Italy.