Preliminary characterization of the Quercus pubescens complex in southern Italy using molecular markers
Quercus pubescens s.l. is a group of taxonomically intricate and highly debated deciduous white oaks
widely distributed in southern Europe. The Apulia region occupies the south-easternmost part of the Italian Peninsula;
the land-use pattern is based on extensive agricultural systems and only 10% is covered by forests that are
mainly composed of oak woods. It is the region in Italy showing the highest number of oak species, among which
four putative species of the Quercus pubescens group, have been reported in floras and checklists with uncertain