The genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) in Sicily

An update on the taxonomy and geographic distribution of the genus Thymus in Sicily is given. This study is based onliterature, herbarium and field investigations. In total, five taxa belonging to Thymus sect. Serpyllum (Th. richardiisubsp. nitidus, Th. longicaulis and Th. praecox subsp. parvulus) and Th. sect. Hyphodromi (Th. spinulosus and Th. paronychioides)occur in Sicily. For each one, information about taxonomy, habitat, phenology, chromosome number and distribution areprovided. Furthermore, the name Thymus pedicillatus Lojac. is here typified. Finally, an analytical key for the identification ofthe studied taxa is proposed.