The flora of the Bosco degli Ontani: where is the Bosco degli Ontani?
The Flora of the Bosco degli Ontani
The aquatic vegetation that thrives in the woodland site consists of submerged hydrophyte species such as:
- The callitriche (Callitriche stagnalis), recognizable by its emergent lanceolate leaves (elliptical shape with pointed ends) gathered in rosettes and by a stem that can reach lengths of over 40 cm.
- The pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), a rooting hydrophyte whose height generally varies from 10 to 15 cm and width between 50 and 90 cm. The scientific name of the herbaceous plant derives from the appearance of the deciduous leaves that seem to be combed by the current.
The presence of marsh helophyte varieties is attested by species such as:
- The water parsnip (Berula erecta), a perennial herb with a tubular stem up to 90 cm tall, characterized by white inflorescences formed by irregular umbels with 10-20 rays (whose flowering can be admired in June and August) and leaves with serrated margins.
- The branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), a perennial aquatic helophyte distinguishable by its fleshy rhizomatous roots anchored to the bottom of the clear spring, from which erect stems emerge covered by wide leaves with entire blade and generally leathery consistency. The basal leaves are quite long and fan-shaped, while those along the stem are shorter and sheathing the stem. The inflorescences are branched and have a globose shape of light green color. The male flowers have a superior position to female ones.
Flora of the Bosco degli Ontani
Among the tree species that clothe the woodland area, Alnus glutinosa stands out, from which the naturalistic area takes its name. Characterized by ovate-elliptical leaves with a blunt and incurved apex, the black alder prefers the banks of rivers and streams and has sturdy roots submerged in water, observable thanks to the clarity of the spring.
The shrubby undergrowth is covered by a dense mantle of ivy that often intertwines with shrubs such as the gray willow, privet, elder, and Viburnum opulus (better known as snowball tree for the soft white flowers that bloom in spring, taking on a spherical shape).
The herbaceous undergrowth is characterized by a widespread presence of primroses, male fern, Solomon’s seal (with whitish tubular flowers), pendulous sedge, and axillary sedge. The latter is a rare plant of Caucasian origin that prefers moist and shaded areas and is recognizable by its slender stems with a triangular section, spike-like inflorescences, and yellowish-green fruits with a beak.
The Bosco degli Ontani is an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the timeless atmosphere of a charming natural oasis lapped by crystalline springs.
