My research activity lies at the interface between botany, plant ecology, biogeography and conservation biology, with a particular focus on wild orchids as a model group to investigate the processes shaping plant diversity, distribution, endemicity, rarity and vulnerability. Orchids represent an especially suitable system for exploring the links between evolution, ecology and conservation, owing to their high taxonomic diversity, complex reproductive strategies, interactions with pollinators and mycorrhizal fungi, and sensitivity to environmental change.
A first research line focuses on orchid biogeography and macroecology, aiming to identify spatial patterns of species richness, endemicity and rarity across different geographical scales, from Italy and the Mediterranean region to global contexts. In this framework, I use floristic data, georeferenced occurrences, ecoregions, functional traits and GIS tools to analyse species distributions and identify biodiversity hotspots and priority areas for conservation.
A second research theme concerns plant conservation biology, with particular emphasis on conservation gap analysis, spatial prioritisation and the effectiveness of protected areas. My work aims to integrate taxonomic, ecological and spatial information to support evidence-based conservation strategies, especially for rare, endemic and threatened plant species.
Another key area of interest concerns systematics, evolution and the species concept in orchids. In particular, I investigate reproductive isolation, insular diversification, plant–pollinator interactions and the role of morphological, ecological and biogeographical variation in species delimitation. This approach integrates biosystematics, phylogeny, reproductive ecology and conservation biology.
Finally, I work on the development, harmonisation and use of plant biodiversity databases, with particular reference to the Italian and Mediterranean flora. This includes the management of digital archives, occurrence data, morpho-functional and ecological traits, and their application in biogeographical, macroecological and conservation analyses. At the University of Bologna, these activities are also linked to LifeWatch Italy, LifeWatchPlus and digital biodiversity research infrastructures.
