Mapping the advancements in floristic knowledge of Italy (2005–2025)

Abstract Based on the evaluation of 3,902 local floristic references published between 2005 and 2025, an update to the floristic knowledge map of Italy is presented. To measure the progress in floristic knowledge across Italy’s administrative regions, the ‘Index of Floristic Knowledge Advancement’ (IFA) is proposed here. This index categorizes regions based on the proportion of potential improvement that has actually been achieved. Results showed an improvement in knowledge, most notably for Northern and Central Italy. Emilia-Romagna emerged as the most comprehensively documented region with the highest IFA value (0.81), followed by Lombardia (0.60), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (0.54), Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto (0.53). In central Italy, Lazio (0.50), Sardegna (0.45) and Toscana (0.36) registered the highest scores. Over the past twenty years, 453 specific and subspecific taxa have been described from the Italian territory, the majority of which (443) are Italian endemics. Hieracium is the most represented genus (147 taxa). The marked progress documented is likely due to the accelerated impact of coordinated scientific projects, citizen science programs, the development of digital databases, and an increased focus on taxonomic research.