Delphinium caseyi

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Where is it found?

Delphinium caseyi is only found in northern Cyprus where it has been recorded at two sites in the northern Pentadaktylos range, one near the St. Hilarion Peak, and the other at the Kyparissovouno Peak. A recent expedition in May 2004 located about 15 individuals on a peak close to St. Hilarion, most of which had been affected by grazing. No other plants were found in the area. This species prefers full sun and grows at the base of rocky cliffs or in the cracks of limestone boulders.

The island of Cyprus

How to recognise it

Delphinium caseyi is an erect, hairy perennial, which can reach 85 cm in height and has a thick rootstock. The basal leaves are radially divided, resembling a palm leaf with a leaf stalk that can be up to 20 cm long. Leaves on the stem are smaller and have shorter stalks. In May or June, a long, thin stem shoots up from the base of the plant, supporting a dozen or more deep violet, long-spurred flowers in dense inflorescences and hairy petals. The flowering period is from June to July.

Interesting facts

The plants may be propagated by seeds or by subdivisions of the rootstock. All species of Delphinium are toxic, like the majority of the buttercup family. The long spur on the flower resembles the beak of a dolphin, the feature that inspired botanists to name the genus Delphinium.

Why is it threatened?

This species has been categorized CR (Critically Endangered) according to IUCN Red List Criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v). This means that the remaining population is severely fragmented and that there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, as well as a presumed decline in the number of individuals.

This species is probably one of the rarest of Cyprus' endemics. It was estimated that there were less than 500 mature plants left in the two known subpopulations, which together cover less than 2 km2. However a field visit in May 2004 found only 15 individuals, of which 13 had been grazed leaving only two untouched. Whilst grazing is the major threat to this species, its violet flowers make this species very attractive for wild collecting. There is also a potential threat to the subpopulations from nearby military activities and the construction of an antenna in the area.

What is being done to protect it?

Legally: This species is protected by the Bern Convention where it is listed in Appendix I. Based on the results of a LIFE Third Countries Project, Delphinium caseyi has been included as a priority species in Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive. It is also included in the Red Data Book for the Threatened Plants of Cyprus.

In situ: The Pentadaktylos mountain range, which encompasses both existing Delphinium caseyi subpopulations, has been proposed by the aforementioned project as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) for the European Natura 2000 Network. In addition, both subpopulations grow within the Karmi State Forest, which is protected by the Forest Law from any private interference.

Ex situ: No measures taken yet.

What conservation actions are needed?

In situ: It is important to undertake research projects to monitor the population dynamics of this species and assess its biology and ecology. Either a re-introduction or benign introduction project in protected areas is needed.

Ex situ: Seeds should be collected and stored in seedbanks. Additionally, the species should be conserved in selected botanical gardens.

Scientific coordination

Dr Costas Kadis, Research Promotion Foundation, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Mr Charalambos S. Christodoulou, Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Dr Yiannis Christofides, Platres, Cyprus.
Mr Christodoulos Makris, Lemesos, Cyprus.

References

Meikle (1977, 1985); Pantelas et al. (1993); Tsintidis & Kurtellaridis (1995).