Investigating elevational gradients of species richness in a Mediterranean plant hotspot using a published flora

The Apuan Alps are one of the most peculiar mountain chain in Mediterranean, being very close to coastline and reaching an elevation almost 2000 m. Based on published flora, we investigated distribution plant species richness along whole elevational gradient this considering: (i) all species, (ii) endemic versus alien species; (iii) functional groups based Raunkiær life forms (RLF). Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were used analyse patterns gradient, models area belts fitted test effect surface area. Our results showed decreasing with increasing elevation. In contrast, increased gradient. Alien mainly distributed at low elevations, but result should be taken caution since historical data. Species not equally gradient: chamaephytes hemicryptophytes richest high while therophytes highest elevations. findings suggest that there is a major composition could reflect evolutionary history. Furthermore, highlight key role floras as relevant source biodiversity