Distribution of the species
It occurs in the subalpine areas of Mt. Paggaio, where it can be found at altitudes from 1,400 m asl. up to its highest peaks. It has been recorded in several places in the subalpine grasslands of Mt. Paggaio.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
A species with relatively restricted distribution, sometimes locally abundant. Biennial herbaceous plant with short stems. It is characterized by the green and appressed hairs on the leaves, towards the base of the stem, as well as by the, visibly longer than the leaf, blade petiole. The leaves are oblong, with wavy edges and relatively blunt apex. The violet corolla of the flower looks like a bell, 2.5 cm long, while, at the bottom part of the flower, the calyx formed by the sepals is characterized by lanceolate protrusions (teeth), and hairs around its nerves. It blooms during the summer (mainly in July). The species was first described by Pierre Edmond Boissier (1810-1885), a Swiss mathematician and botanist who described a large number of plant species during his excursions around the world. He dedicated this species to the Greek poet and botanist Theodoros Orphanides (1817-1886), giving his name (orphanidea: of Orphanides) to it. It is a Balkan endemic, distributed in the mountains of Eastern Macedonia and Southern Bulgaria. It is found in areas with limestone, cracks and crevices of rocks, and stony meadows in subalpine areas.
Although its distribution area on Mount Paggaio is relatively restricted, the species is not threatened by anthropogenic or other factors.
Conservation status
As a Balkan endemic it is listed as “Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive.
Conservation state
It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status. However, as a Balkan endemic it is listed as “Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive.