Publications
Istantanee di natura. Achille Forti e la fotografia botanica del primo Novecento in Italia
A collection of 1705 photographic plates by Achille Forti (1878–1937), housed at the Botanical Garden of Padua, reveals the pivotal role of early 20th-century photography in botanical science. Forti, a renowned algologist and scientist-photographer, leveraged photography as an indispensable tool for research, documentation, and communication, blending disciplinary expertise with photographic mastery. Unlike traditional botanical illustration, which emphasized selective specimen features, Forti's photographs capitalized on the perceived 'objectivity' of the medium, capturing nature's details with precision. This study highlights how Forti's work bridged the gap between traditional and photographic methods in Italian botany, demonstrating photography's transformative potential in scientific practice during this era.
Lella io Verdcourt, 1974 and Oxychilus alliarius (Miller, 1822): first reports of two greenhouse snails in Italy (Gastropoda: Streptaxidae, Oxychilidae)
Two snail species, Gulella io and Oxychilus alliarius, have been documented for the first time in Italy within greenhouse environments. Gulella io, a tropical African species, was identified from specimens collected in 2019 at the Botanical Garden of Padua, while Oxychilus alliarius, a widespread European predator, was found in 2024 at the Aquarium of Genoa and previously in Milan. Both species are likely introduced via plant trade, with Oxychilus alliarius posing potential ecological risks due to its invasive nature elsewhere. Despite its global spread, its impact in Italy may be limited by the presence of similar native species. The findings highlight the role of botanical gardens as unintentional vectors for alien species and underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring greenhouse ecosystems.
Travels of European botanists of the 16th-18th centuries in search of Mediterranean plants described by Dioscorides and Theophrastus
European botanists of the 16th to 18th centuries faced significant challenges in accurately identifying plants described by ancient authors Dioscorides and Theophrastus, due to insufficient descriptions and inconsistent nomenclature. To address this, they embarked on expeditions to the Eastern Mediterranean, where these plants were native, aiming to see them in their natural habitats. These journeys, particularly Leonhard Rauwolf's well-documented expedition, provided crucial insights that eventually led to precise identifications of many ancient plant species. The research highlights how botanical expeditions, such as those by Anguillara and Guilandinus—early prefects of the Padua Botanical Garden—and later Sibthorp’s Flora Graeca, contributed significantly to modern botany by bridging the gap between ancient descriptions and contemporary knowledge.
Examining Recreational Activities in UNESCO-listed Botanical Gardens: Kew, Singapore, and Padova
UNESCO-listed botanical gardens employ distinct recreational strategies to balance public engagement with conservation and education. A comparative study of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK), Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Orto Botanico di Padova (Italy) reveals that Kew prioritizes structured visitor management, dynamic seasonal events, and inclusivity programs, while Singapore emphasizes accessibility, family-friendly experiences, and eco-education in an urban setting. In contrast, Padova’s historical design fosters contemplative recreation, supplemented by modern ecological exhibits. The research underscores the significance of sustainable visitor management tailored to site-specific challenges, offering insights for optimizing recreational activities without compromising core missions.
Five alien achatinid land snails (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata) first reported in greenhouses of Italian botanical gardens
Five alien achatinid land snails, previously unrecorded in Italy or Europe, have been identified in the greenhouses of Italian botanical gardens, including the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico) in Padua. This discovery highlights the role of plant trade and horticultural exchange in dispersing molluscs, with potential ecological and economic implications. The study, conducted between 2017 and 2023, provides the first reports of Allopeas clavulinum, Opeas hannense, Paropeas achatinaceum, Subulina octonaria, and Geostilbia aperta in Italy or Europe. Detailed reproductive anatomy illustrations for four species advance systematic knowledge, while discussions on taxonomy underscore gaps requiring further research, such as the status of Allopeas mauritianum and the real identity of Helix hannense.
Hortus medicus wrocławskiego lekarza, humanisty oraz kolekcjonera Laurentiusa Scholza (1552–1598) i jego padewskie parantele
Recent research challenges the traditional view of Laurentius Scholz's garden in Wrocław, revealing that its entire 240-species collection—previously thought to be divided between ornamental and medicinal plants—was primarily a hortus medicus. Only seven species lacked documented medicinal properties. This finding underscores the garden's dual purpose as both a decorative retreat and a repository of therapeutic flora, while also highlighting strong ties to Padua's historic Botanical Garden (Hortus medicus Pataviani). The study employed historical documentation and botanical analysis to reclassify Scholz's garden, offering new insights into Renaissance-era medicinal botany and cross-European scholarly networks.
Teatros de tierra y agua: vocaciones y destino del área del “valle” en Padua
A long-term spatial and identity framework underpins the 'valle' area in Padua, integrating the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico) and Prato della Valle into a dynamic urban-ecological system. This study reveals how wetland landscapes, agricultural terraces, and fluvial geomorphology shaped historical land use and cultural identity, bridging local microenvironments with broader regional patterns from the Euganean Hills to Venice's laguna. By analyzing topographic diversity—ranging from reed-covered wetlands to drier cultivation zones—the research deciphers how these elements structured urban expansion and environmental perception over centuries. Methodologically, it combines historical spatial analysis with landscape archaeology, offering a model for understanding heritage sites as layered narratives of human-environment interaction.
Mobilizing pictures
A significant shift in the fields of history of science, technology, and medicine has been identified following the 'mobility turn.' This study highlights how the photographic collection 'Iconoteca dei botanici,' preserved at the Botanical Garden of Padua University, exemplifies the circulation and mobility of botanists' portraits through photography. The collection, assembled by Italian botanist Pier Andrea Saccardo between the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily consists of carte de visites photographs that have circulated among scholars, collectors, and donors. By focusing on this case study, the research integrates history of science, visual studies, and mobility studies, shedding light on the historical dimensions of mobile processes in scientific practice.
Sunflower: From Cortuso’s Description (1585) to Current Agronomy, Uses and Perspectives
Sunflower cultivation, once primarily ornamental and medicinal, has evolved into a globally significant crop with diverse applications in food, feed, and biodiesel production. Introduced to Europe in the 15th century and later documented by Giacomo Antonio Cortuso at Padua's Botanical Garden in 1585, its agricultural importance surged in the early 1800s due to breeding programs for oilseed and seed consumption. However, current geopolitical instability and climate change pose challenges to predicting short-to-medium-term cultivation and productivity. The study emphasizes the need for integrated strategies, including crop breeding for stress tolerance, adaptive agronomic practices like adjusted sowing dates and irrigation, and expanding cultivation into higher latitudes to enhance resilience.
The History of the School of Animal Science at the University of Padova (Padua) and the Evolution of Animal Science in Italy
The University of Padua's School of Animal Science has significantly advanced Italy's standing in animal science research, achieving top positions in Europe and globally. Over 800 years, the university established foundational institutions like the oldest botanical garden (1545) and anatomical theatre (1595), later pioneering agricultural education with the Public School of Agriculture (1765) and Collegium Zooiatricum (1773). Under Professor Mario Bonsembiante's leadership, Agripolis became a hub for innovation in agricultural, veterinary, food, and environmental sciences. While the number of Italian animal scientists remained stable, their research evolved to address societal demands, boosting international citations and establishing Italy as a leader in the field.
Foreword
Botanical gardens worldwide, numbering over two thousand, serve as vital repositories of plant diversity. The Padova Botanical Garden stands out as the oldest, with a history spanning more than four centuries, while the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, boasts the largest living collection, encompassing over forty thousand species. These institutions play a crucial role in conservation and scientific research by preserving and studying a vast array of plant life, contributing significantly to global biodiversity efforts.
Palm-House
The Padua Botanical Garden, established in 1545 by the University of Padua, represents a pivotal example of Renaissance botanical gardens that combined scientific organization with biomedical knowledge production. Its circular layout, divided into four quadrants and fortified by a stone wall, reflects the 16th-century development of pharmaceutical technology and the high value placed on botanical specimens for medical training. The garden's design embodied the rationalization of natural world classification while serving as an exclusive space for biomedical research, illustrating how early herbariums functioned as both educational tools and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Stomatal Structure in Symphyotrichum Nees Species as an Additional Index of Invasiveness
A high relative transpiration area (RTA) in Symphyotrichum Nees species correlates with their invasiveness, suggesting that this trait could serve as a predictive index for alien plant expansion. The study analyzed 21 morphometric characteristics of the stomatal apparatus in eleven Symphyotrichum species from Padua's Botanical Garden, categorizing them into three groups based on RTA values: high (S. novae-angliae, S. novi-belgii, and S. × salignum), medium (S. lateriflorum, S. ciliolatum, S. laeve, S. × versicolor, and S. puniceum), and low (S. chilense, S. cordifolium, and S. tradescantii). The findings build on previous research linking RTA to invasiveness in the genus Solidago, proposing that high RTA species may exhibit greater adaptability and potential for range expansion.
Taxonomic Re-Examination of Nine Rosellinia Types (Ascomycota, Xylariales) Stored in the Saccardo Mycological Collection
A taxonomic re-examination of nine Rosellinia type specimens from the Saccardo Mycological Collection at Padua's Botanical Garden revealed critical insights into their classification. Using a combined morphological and molecular approach, including Illumina MiSeq sequencing for ITS1/ITS2 regions, researchers proposed new combinations for three species (R. chordicola, R. geophila, R. horridula) while validating current classifications for others. Notably, the name Rosellinia subsimilis Sacc. was deemed invalid due to homonymy, leading to the introduction of Coniochaeta dakotensis as a nomen novum. This study marks the first molecular analysis of these historic specimens, underscoring their value in taxonomic research and demonstrating that old type collections can yield vital DNA sequence data for modern classifications.
Exotica and Europe
Europe's fascination with exotic flora and fauna, particularly during the 17th century, was driven by rigorous scientific inquiry and global trade. The study highlights how France aimed to establish Paris as a leading center for natural history research through institutions like the Jardin du Roi, inspired by successful models in Padua and Pisa. Concurrently, European banking houses and trading companies facilitated the movement of exotic specimens, spices, and textiles from distant lands, catering to both private collectors and royal patrons. The Dutch, notably, positioned exotica as a symbol of luxury accessible to non-royal individuals, fostering a market for these wonders through ports like Antwerp and Amsterdam. This chapter underscores the intersection of science, commerce, and cultural exchange in shaping Europe's engagement with global biodiversity.
Stomatal Structure in Solidago L. Species as the Index of their Adaptation Opportunities
Research identifies stomatal structure as a key indicator of adaptive capacity in Solidago L. species, with higher relative transpiration area (I_ot) correlating to greater invasiveness and expansion potential in secondary habitats. The study analyzed 21 quantitative stomatal characteristics across nine alien Solidago species from Padua's Botanical Garden, revealing three distinct adaptability groups based on I_ot values: high (≥25%), medium (15-25%), and low (<15%). Strategies increasing transpiration—such as larger stomata, higher stomatal density, or expanded leaf/shoot structures—were linked to enhanced adaptive traits. These findings provide a predictive tool for monitoring invasive spread, offering critical insights for managing alien species in natural ecosystems.
Johannes Kentmann, Conrad Gessner und die Einführung des Feigenkaktus in Europa im 16. Jahrhundert
Historical research reveals that the name Opuntia for prickly pear cactus was first used in print by Pietro Andrea Mattioli in 1554, though its earliest documented appearance traces back to 1549 in Johannes Kentmann's illustrated manuscript (Codex Kentmanus). Attribution of this naming is credited to Luigi Anguillara, then curator of Padua's Botanical Garden. Two surviving manuscripts by Kentmann—Codex Kentmanus and Kreutterbuch from 1563—offer insights into the introduction of succulent plants in Europe during the 16th century. The study also highlights Conrad Gessner's copies of these illustrations, providing a visual record of botanical knowledge exchange between scholars.
On Art, Wealth, and Power: The Venetian Republic
Venice's enduring legacy as a center of art, wealth, and power is highlighted through its unique blend of architectural beauty, political sophistication, and intellectual prowess. The city's artistic heritage, rooted in the Byzantine period and flourishing during the Renaissance with masters like Titian and Canaletto, was intricately linked to its political structure, which sustained a stable republic for over 1000 years. Venice's strategic trade dominance in the Mediterranean, advanced shipbuilding at the Arsenale, and diplomatic acumen shaped its history until decline set in post-15th century. The University of Padua, founded in 1222, played a pivotal role as a hub for liberal learning, fostering groundbreaking work in anatomy and botany, including the establishment of the world's first botanical garden in 1545. This study underscores Venice's multifaceted contributions to art, governance, and science, while addressing contemporary challenges such as population decline and tourism pressures.
Visualizing the Treves botanical garden in Padua
A collaborative research project has revealed new insights into the Treves botanical garden in Padua, Italy, through advanced visualization techniques. The study, led by historian Marco Massaro and supported by experts in land surveying and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), aimed to analyze a significant historical site linked to Giacomo Treves dei Bonfili, a prominent Jewish banker during the Venetian nineteenth century. This research sheds light on the Treves family's role in the Jewish emancipation process, particularly after the lifting of ghetto restrictions in 1797. By integrating historical documentation with cutting-edge geospatial analysis, the project offers a detailed reconstruction of the garden, palace, and surrounding property owned by Isaac and Jacob Treves dei Bonfili, currently held in private collections.
Botanic Gardens: Changing Perceptions of Plants (Chapter 12)
Botanic gardens, with roots tracing back to ancient China and formalized in Europe by the 16th century, serve as vital repositories of plant collections for scientific study, education, and conservation. The Padua Botanical Garden (1545), one of the earliest European models, exemplifies this legacy, maintaining its original geometric layout for over 300 years—a design that influenced garden aesthetics across Europe. Key figures like Luca Ghini and Andrea Cesalpino pioneered plant classification and herbarium techniques, establishing foundational practices still central to botanic gardens today. These institutions reflect historical botanical advancements, from university-driven collections (e.g., Bologna, Leiden) to imperial expansions (e.g., Kew, Calcutta), while also promoting biodiversity conservation and public engagement with nature. Their enduring significance lies in their dual role as heritage sites and dynamic research hubs, bridging cultural history and scientific progress.
Ein Preuße in Venedig: Der Botaniker Melchior Wieland (ca. 1520–1589) Pionier der botanischen Feldforschung in der Levante
Melchior Wieland (ca. 1520–1589), a Prussian botanist and director of Padua's Botanical Garden, significantly influenced the work of Prospero Alpini, one of the most renowned Italian botanists of the 16th century. Wieland's pioneering field research in the Levant laid the groundwork for Alpini's seminal works on Egyptian flora and medicine, including De medicina Egyptiorum (1591) and De plantis Aegypti liber (1592). This study revisits Wieland's life, academic contributions, and reception, shedding light on his foundational role in botanical exploration. By analyzing historical records and his lesser-known works, the research restores Wieland's significance as a precursor to modern field botany.
First record and establishment of Tuberocephalus (Trichosiphoniella) tianmushanensis Zang, (Hemiptera Aphididae) on ornamental cherry trees in Italy
Researchers report the first confirmed presence and establishment of the Asiatic aphid, Tuberocephalus (Trichosiphoniella) tianmushanensis, in Italy. This species, previously thought to be eradicated in Europe after its initial detection in France in 1993, was found infesting leaf galls on ornamental cherry trees (Prunus subhirtella cv. pendula) at the University Botanical Garden of Padua. Further investigations revealed its presence in plant nurseries across the Veneto region, indicating a successful establishment beyond its initial detection site. The study highlights the species' resilience and potential for spread, posing new challenges for pest management in Italy.
The Survival of Pliny in Padua. Transforming Classical Scholarship during the Botanical Renaissance
During the Botanical Renaissance, ancient botanical texts, particularly those by Pliny, underwent a transformation in their role within the discipline. They served as both organizational principles for botanical knowledge and authoritative sources for medical botany, despite being increasingly challenged for accuracy and completeness. This shift not only shaped scholarly competencies but also brought commercial benefits, enhancing the reputation of Padua and the Venetian government. The study focuses on Andrea Mattioli's commentary, which includes a section on the divinity of nature based on Pliny, highlighting the evolving relationship between classical scholarship and botanical practice during this period.
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