2023/2024

The aim of the course is to provide the knowledge necessary for the identification, biology, and ecology of Italian tree species. Particular attention will be paid to the ontogenetic cycle of trees and the state and dynamics of forest populations with insights related to the naturalness of ecosystems (old forests, managed forests, degraded forests), the dynamics of forest vegetation, and the impact of climate change. At the end of the course, the student must have acquired the ability to apply the criteria of taxonomic identification of trees of forest interest and be able to understand the environmental needs and the bio-ecological role of each species in the dynamism of forest populations. During the course, students will be stimulated to develop independent judgment, communication skills, and the ability to learn.

It is suggested to acquire the skills foreseen in the Botany and Ecology courses.

Scientific articles available on the Moodle platform

General part
Bases of nomenclature and evolution. Concept of species. Diagnostic characters for the identification of forest taxa: the habitus, the posture, the bark, the leaf apparatus, the reproductive apparatus. Variability of diagnostic characters. Hybridization in forest trees. Classifications based on morphology and on a molecular basis. Growth and development of trees. Phenological cycles. Predetermined and indeterminate growth. Reproductive cycles in temperate forests. The longevity of forest trees.
Bioclimatology and forest ecoregions. Biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Succession processes and structuring dynamics of forest stands. Principles and practice of dendroecology. Environmental gradients and climate changes. Old-growth forests and natural levels. Monumental trees and their role in the landscape and nature conservation.
Special part
Dendrology: monographic treatment of species of forest interest in Europe: taxonomy, habitus, chorology, habitat, cenology, xylology and traditional uses.
Taxus baccata, Cedrus spp., Larix decidua, Picea abies, Abies alba, Mediterranean firs, Pinus halepensis, P. pinea, P. pinaster, P. nigra, P. heldreichii, P. silvestris, P. mugo, P. uncinata P cembra, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus spp., Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, Quercus ilex, Q. coccifera, Q. suber, Q. cerris, Q. macrolepis, Q. trojana, Q. frainetto, Q. pubescens, Q. petraea , Q. robur, Carpinus betulus, C. orientalis, Ostrya carpinifolia, Corylus avellana, Betula pendula, B. pubescens, Alnus cordata, A. glutinosa, A. incana, A. viridis, Populus alba, P. canescens, P. tremula , P. nigra, Salix caprea, S. alba, S. eleagnos, Ulmus minor, U. glabra, Celtis australis, Juglans regia, Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos, Acer pseudoplatanus, A. platanoides, A. lobelii, A. opalus , A. campestre, A. monspessulanum, Fraxinus ornus, F. excelsior, F. angustifolia, Laburnum anagyroides, Cercis siliquastrum, Ceratonia siliqua, Sorbus torminalis, S. domestica, S. aria, S. aucuparia, Prunus aviu m, Pyrus pyraster and Malus sylvestris.
THE MEDITERRANEAN macchia: distribution, physiognomy, and composition in the main ecological areas (thermo-Mediterranean and meso-Mediterranean region), evolutionary and recessive dynamics

In-depth teaching material for the lessons available on the Moodle platform.
Gellini R. Grossoni P. - Forest botany, Cedam
Trees in Lazio. CD provided by the teacher.
Websites (Acta plantarum).

The course consists of lectures, field exercises, and laboratory activities. In particular, the field exercises constitute a fundamental moment of involvement of the students who are called to active participation during the excursions and, therefore, to draw up an herbarium based in part on group work and in-depth studies conducted during the study phase and personal application. The course also includes dendroecological laboratory activities carried out on wood samples collected in the forest stands during excursions.

Though recommended, attendance to lessons is optional

The level of learning achieved and the relative ability to communicate it are monitored through questions and discussions during lectures and field and laboratory exercises. In particular, the exercises constitute a fundamental moment of involvement of the students who are called to draw up a technical-scientific report based in part on group work and, therefore, on subsequent in-depth studies conducted during the study and personal application phase. This report also contributes to the assessment of the skills acquired in the area of ​​communication.
In the oral test for the attribution of the final grade the acquired level of knowledge, skills and competence will be evaluated with particular reference to the critical understanding of principles and theories of tree biology and ecology. In particular, the acquisition by the student of the ability to apply in concrete cases - derived for example from dendroecological activities and collections of herbarium samples in the field - the concepts and methods acquired for the taxonomic identification of tree species and dendroecological monitoring through reasoning will be verified. Analysis and synthesis will be evaluated in relation to the knowledge acquired on the biology and ecology of trees. The exam includes the evaluation of a herbarium of at least 20 tree species that must be prepared by each student. The student must have correctly identified at least 18 species. The student who has not drawn up the herbarium is given 5 samples of taxa belonging to the species of the program; in this case, the student must have correctly identified at least 4 samples.
The oral exam includes at least three-course topics, one of which will be chosen by the student.

    Gianluca PIOVESAN