A new species within the Centaureabusambarensis complex (Asteraceae, Cardueae) from Sicily

BACKGROUND: The Centaureabusambarensis group is made up by eight species endemic to Sicily. We statistically evaluated a population found on the Nebrodi Mountain (NE Sicily) to verify if the observed morphological differences with the already known taxa justified the description of a new one. It resulted in being sufficiently distinct to deserve recognition at the species level. NEW INFORMATION: Centaureavaldemonensis, a new species endemic to Sicily is described and illustrated here. It is confined to the Nebrodi Mountains (NE Sicily). The distinction of this taxon from the others belonging to the C.busambarensis complex has been supported with the aid of statistical analyses on morphological characters. The differences with the related taxa are discussed.