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| Latin name: | Horstrissea dolinicola Greuter, Gerstb. & Egli |
| Common name: | none |
| Family: | Umbelliferae (celery family)
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| Status: | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR) |
Where is it found?
This species is only found in the Mt. Ida (Psiloritis) mountain range of central Crete at about 1,500 m above sea level. It grows in a few limestone sinks in a region where many sheep graze during the summer. Its total population numbers just a few dozen individuals in an area of about 3,000 m2.
 The island of Crete
How to recognise it
Horstrissea dolinicola is a perennial species of which more of the plant grows underground than above. Its cylindrical root can be as long as 10 cm, whereas its leaves and inflorescences barely exceed 2-3 cm in height. In spring its deeply incised leaves are the first parts to appear, covering the soil as a rosette. In summer a short stem topped by pinkish flowers, grouped in a round umbrella-like inflorescence, then appears. Fruits are produced in September.
Interesting facts
This species was first described in 1990. It is the only species belonging to the genus Horstrissea, which is closely related to the genus Scaligeria. This means that if this species disappears, the entire genus will disappear as well. A great number of species endemic to the mountains of Crete grow in these limestone sinks. All the plants are very small and hug the ground, a strategy which allows them to sustain the grazing pressure of numerous herds of sheep. In the spring, these limestone sinks serve as outlets for melting snow and rain, and are periodically flooded.
Why is it threatened?
This species has been categorized CR (Critically Endangered) according to IUCN Red List Criteria B1ab(ii,v)+2ab(ii,v); C2a(i); D. This means that the only site where this species is found is very small, and both its range as well as the number of individuals is declining. It is estimated that there may be fewer than 50 mature individuals left in the wild.
Horstrissea dolinicola is mainly threatened by over-grazing and nutrient addition by sheep, as well as the possible use of fertilizers. It is also threatened by road construction. At the same time, it seems possible that the sheep may also control other plant species that might compete with Horstrissea dolinicola. 
What is being done to protect it?
Legally: Currently there is no legal protection for this species. The plant is included in Natura 2000 site GR 4330005, which gives it indirect protection. In situ & ex situ: A replanting programme, supported by the MAVA Foundation, has been undertaken by the University of Patras and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (Crete). This institute also stores seeds of Horstrissea dolinicola in seedbanks, but germination has proven to be difficult due to parasites.
What conservation actions are needed?
It is essential to understand this species' ecology better, especially the role of sheep grazing in order to identify the best steps to take for its conservation in situ. It would be reasonable to attempt (re-)introductions of Horstrissea dolinicola in other nearby limestone sinks, and to bring this species into cultivation in botanical gardens, as well as store seeds. Finally legal measures for the conservation of this species and its habitat are needed, as well as an awareness campaign for the land-owners and users of this site.
Scientific coordination
Professor Gregoris Iatroś, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology,
Institute of Botany, University of Patras, Greece.
Dr Christina Fournaraki, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Crete, Greece.
References
Egli et al. (1990); Lesouëf & Buord (2003); Phitos et al. (1995).
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