The mountain flora of Greece with special reference to the Anatolian element

Abstract

SynopsisGreece is estimated to have between 4,650 and 4,900 species of vascular plants, about 742 of which are endemic. The Mountain Flora of Greece covers about one-third of the total number of species and a considerably larger proportion of the endemics. Of 926 taxa (species and subspecies) treated in volume 1 (1986), no less than 304, or c. 33%, were either not recorded for Greece in Flora Europaea or were recorded under a different name or with a different rank or both. Phytogeographical analysis shows that 51% of the taxa are “narrows” (restricted to the Balkan Peninsula + Italy or the Balkan Peninsula + Anatolia), and 49% are more widely distributed. Crete is particularly rich in regional endemics, and Peloponnisos and Sterea Ellas have the highest numbers of Greek endemics. An Anatolian element is well-represented in Crete and in the north cast, reflecting the 2 principal routes of migration. Examples of Greek-Anatolian distributional patterns arc given, including some distributions that are widely disjunct.

Patterns of endemism along an elevation gradient in Sierra Nevada (Spain) and Lefka Ori (Crete, Greece)

“…Whereas the proportion of the endemics of the entire island of Crete did not much vary among the summits, a previous GLORIA study, comparing very narrowly distributed endemics (restricted to the Lefka Ori), however showed an altitudinal increase in endemics percentages, with 3% on the lower, 6% on the second highest and 9% on the highest summit (Kazakis et al, 2007). Values for the Lefka Ori given by Strid (1996), of 26.6% Cretan endemics and 10% single mountain endemics (i.e. restricted to Lefka Ori) above 1500 m a.s.l.…”

Syntaxonomy and Synecology of Quercus coccifera Mediterranean Shrublands in Greece

“…Nomenclatural and syntaxonomic notes: P. venulosa is a species with distribution in Southern Greece, the Aegean, Anatolia, and Cyprus. Lefka Ori has a high number of endemic plants (Strid 1996).…”

Arabis lycia (Cruciferae),a new chasmophyte from the Taurus Mts, Turkey, and notes on related species

“…Floristic links between the mountain floras of Greece and the Taurus Mts. have been discussed, among others, by Davis (1971), Parolly (1995a) and Strid (1986). There are convincing morphological and ecological arguments for treating A. lycia and A. bryoides as vicarious species.…”

“…Other differences between these two allies include the completely leafless stem, the smaller and narrower rosette leaves (4-7(-10) × 1.2-2 mm), the subcorymbose inflorescence with only 2-5(-7) flowers, pedicels diverging at an angle of (30-)60°and bearing longer and narrower siliquae (12-35 × 1.4 mm) with an emarginate stigma in A. bryoides. The sepals of this species can be purple towards apex and occasionally hairy (as in A. lycia), while the petals are always snow-white (for detailed descriptions and illustrations, see Strid 1980 andStrid &Titz 1986).…”