to form the backbone of the Natura 2000 network, but only if these areas include one of the number of habitats listed in Annex I of the directive (such as seashores). The total number of plants was estimated by the Commission of the European Communities in 2009 to be at less than a thousand individuals according to the IUCN. The species was listed as 'near threatened' by the IUCN in 2011. The species was assessed for the second time by the Government of Italy in 2013 in light of Article 17 of the Habitats Directive (a report every six years), and it was given the conservation status of 'U1': "unfavourable-inadequate", as in 2007. It was assessed again in 2019, and after "improved knowledge", the status of species was graded at the more grave 'U2': "unfavourable-bad". The population is not fragmented, but exists in one extensive area. The future prospects for this species were considered 'bad'. The population was unknown and had never been estimated by the Italian state according to the 2013 European assessment report, nor was it counted in the 2020 report. According to the 2011 IUCN assessment, based on the 2009 European assessment report, the species appeared to be threatened by natural succession of the native vegetation, which may be precipitated by stated regional changes in agriculture, such as less livestock production, and lower amounts of grazing. The two other threats are said to be mining, and recreational activities (which is elsewhere also called "vandalism" in the assessment). However, according to the 2013 European assessment report, the main threats were said to be "discontinuous urbanisation" and issues with wildfires, although the report is unclear if there are too many fires or too much fire suppression. There are no specific conservation measures reported for the species. It is protected in two Natura 2000 sites: Sciare di Marsala and the system of dunes at Capo Granitola, Porto Palo and Foce del Belice. References litorale Endemic flora of Sicily Plants described in 1827