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| Latin name: | Minuartia dirphya Trigas & Iatroś |
| Common name: | none |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae (carnation family) |
| Status: | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR) |
Where is it found?
Minuartia dirphya grows on the northern slopes of the 1,745 m high Mt. Dirphys in the centre of the Greek island of Euboea (Evia). It is only known from a single population of less than 250 individuals. This species has a narrow geographical range, growing at an altitude of 900-1,000 m. Minuartia dirphya grows on serpentine substrates, preferring a thin, infertile soil layer with a high content of rock and gravel and open vegetation coverage (20-40%).
The island of Euboea (Greece)
How to recognise it
This perennial plant forms loose mats or cushions. It is woody at the base and hairless. The non-flowering shoots are up to 4.5 cm long. The tiny rigid leaves are 2-11 mm long, linear with pointed tips and slightly rough margins, growing closely together. The flowering stems differ in appearance from the others in that they bear only 8-14 pairs of leaves, which vary in size, shape and texture. The inflorescences are composed of up to 11 white flowers growing in loose bunches (rarely occurring singularly), supported by small modified leaves that are often tinged purple. The flower stalks measure 1.5-8 mm in length, and the stamens are inserted into a fleshy, light green disc. The flowering period lasts from mid-June to September. The fruit is a capsule of 4-6 mm long and is slightly longer than the sepals.
Interesting facts
Minuartia dirphya was first described in 2000, growing together with Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and Genista acanthoclada.
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 is because the species is known from a single population covering an area of no larger than 5 km2. Between 100 and 150 individuals have been recorded, although there may be up to 250. The small number of mature individuals, its limited habitat, and the threats from grazing all indicate that the population will decline. The species is severely threatened by grazing from goats and sheep, and from fires made by shepherds.
What is being done to protect it?
Legally: This species is not included in any international conventions or national legislation.
In situ: There are no current measures in place.
Ex situ: One or two specimens are currently cultivated at the University of Patras. These however do not represent the gene pool of the whole population.
What conservation actions are needed?
This species needs to be protected from grazing. Its habitat should be fenced and managed to keep grazing animals out. Minuartia dirphya should be monitored over a longer period of time to assess population changes and stability. It would benefit from ex situ cultivation and its seeds should be collected and stored in seedbanks.
Scientific coordination
Professor Gregoris Iatroś, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, Institute of Botany, University of Patras, Greece.
References
Trigas & Iatroś (2003).
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