DIANTHUS JUNIPERINUS subsp. IDEAUS

Family:- CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Common Names:- Wild carnation

Synonyms:- None

Meaning:- Dianthus (Gr) Zeus'-flower. a name used by the Greek philosopher

Theophrastus.

Juniperinus (L) Bluish-brown, juniper-like, (the colour of the berry).

Ideaus (L) From the area of Mount Ida (Psiloritis).

General description:- Small shrub with woody stems.

Stems:-

1) Flowering, 9.5-13.5 cm.

Leaves:-

1) 20-30 x 1.0-1.3mm linear.

Flowers:-

1) Inflorescence, with 2-5 flowers opening together.

2) Epicalyx scales, c. 1/2 as long as the calyx.

3) Calyx, 10-11 mm, teeth 3.5 mm.

4) Petal limb, 6-7 mm, pale pink.

Fruit:-

1) Capsule, splitting open to release the seeds (dehiscing) apically with 4 teeth;

carpophore often present.

2) Seeds numerous, concave on 1 side.

Habitat:- Calcareous rocks of the montane zone. 500-600 m.

Distribution:- Endemic to the Psiloritis massif central Crete. Very rare.

Flowering time:- June-July

Photos by:- Fotis Samaritakis

Status:-

Conservation status (for threatened species): Critical (CR) according to IUCN

1997.

Protection status (for threatened species): Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981.