Ricotia isatoides (Cruciferae), a rare endemic restricted to the surroundings

of Aperi [Karpathos, May 1983]

Karpathos Sea lavender (Limonium carpathum), endemic to Karpathos and Kasos

Karpathos Sea lavender (Limonium carpathum), flowering in September

Silene ammophila subsp. carpathae, endemic to Karpathos and Kasos,

[Sandy beach south of Arkassa, Karpathos, Mai 1984]

– – Flora and vegetation of Flora and vegetation of Karpathos – Karpathos –

Local plant endemism and Local plant endemism and phytogeographical peculiaritiesphytogeographical peculiarities

As long as the the South Aegean land bridge existed, plants and animals could spread in easterly and westerly directions, respectively.

As a consequence, Karpathos has a lot of plant species in common with Crete, less so with Rhodos.

The South Aegean island arc, once connecting the Balkan and Anatolian mainlands

Phytogeographical classification of the Aegean Islands (afterRechinger 1948)

– – Flora and vegetation of Flora and vegetation of Karpathos – Karpathos –

Local plant endemism and Local plant endemism and phytogeographical peculiaritiesphytogeographical peculiarities

Fifteen plant taxa are known to be endemic to the Karpathos island group (including Saria and Kasos). Another 25 species are classified as eastern (Anatolian) phytogeographic elements having their westernmost occurrence on Karpathos.

However, most phytogeographical similarities are observed between the Karpathos area and the Sitia district of Kriti, with c. 30 bi-regional plant species in common.

Much less phytogeographical relationship is encountered between the Karpathos area and Rhodos (only 2 endemics in common).

Cephalaria squamiflora subsp. squamiflora is a rare relict plant, endemic to a few steep cliffs in the Aegean area.

Growing in similar habitats, subsp. balearica ist restricted to Mallorca, and subsp. mediterranea is confined to Sardinia.

[Karpathos, summit of Mt Kalilimni, yet in bud, June 1983]

Perpendicular rock faces form the habitat of Cephalaria squamiflora subsp. squamiflora [Karpathos, summit of Mt Kalilimni, Sept. 2007]

Heldreich‘s violet (Viola heldreichii), a small SE Aegean annual species, ecologically specialised on mobile mountain screes, endemic to the islands of Karpathos, Rhodos, and Kos. [Karpathos, summit of Mt Kalilimni, May 1983]

Lomelosia variifolia is a perennial, woody chasmophyte of steep cliffs, endemic to Karpathos, Rhodos, and Simi.

[Karpathos, Finiki, north of Arkassa, June 1983]

Laciniate bellfower (Campanula laciniata), an Aegean paleo-endemic, restricted to the islands of Folegandros, Astipalea, Kriti, and Karpathos

[Karpathos, near Arkassa, June 1984]