DIANTHUS JUNIPERINUS subsp. KAVUSICUS

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).

Kavusicus (L) From the area of Afendis Kavousi.

General description:- Small shrub with woody stems.

Stems:-

1) Flowering, 8.5-10 cm.

Leaves:-

1) 17-26 x 1.0-1.3mm linear.

Flowers:-

1) Inflorescence, with 9-10 flowers opening together.

2) Epicalyx scales c. 1/3 as long as the calyx.

3) Calyx, (13-)14 mm, teeth 4 mm.

4) Petal limb, 6 mm, pinkish-purple with darker stripes.

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 800-1700 m .

Distribution:- Endemic to Afendis Kavousi east Crete. Very rare.

Flowering time:- June-July

Photos by:- Yannis Zacharakis

Status:-

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

1997.

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