Distribution of the species
It is found on stony and sunny limestone slopes at the highest altitudes of the mountain (from 1,600 to 1,950 m sl.). It must have been more widespread in the past, but its intensive collection led to range contraction.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
Relatively common species of the subalpine grasslands of Mt. Paggaio, often forming large-sized colonies. Perennial, herbaceous plant, with simple or branched, deciduous stems at the base, up to 10-30 (-50) cm tall, covered with dense hair. The base leaves are sessile, ovate or elliptical, the leaves along the stem are sessile and narrowly oblong-elliptical. The flowers are small, yellow, with two lips. The upper part is slightly divided in 2 parts, while the lower part is divided in 3 parts. Flowers are forming dense verticillasters, very close one to each other. Each verticillaster has large-sized, ovate to widely ovate bracts, larger in size than the flowers, that might be covered by glandular hairs. It flowers from June to August. Rare Balkan plant, known as mountain tea. It belongs to a family of plants (Lamiaceae) whose most members are rich in essential oils and antioxidants and are known for their healing and beneficial properties. The name Sideritis comes either from the word “iron“, due to the healing effect of the plant on wounds caused by iron weapons in ancient battles, or because of its iron content. It is being used since ancient times in folk medicine, due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and antimicrobial effects. In Greece, as well as in neighboring Turkey, species of the genus are often used as a decoction of gastric, warming, tonic, diuretic properties, against colds and vasoprotective.
The only danger the species faces is due to its collection for use as a decoction. It is the most famous plant of Paggaio, for which mass excursions are made during the flowering season to collect it. Due to the danger of uncontrolled and excessive collection, the Kavala Forest Service prohibits its collection for which announcements are made, relevant warnings are placed on the main road and systematic controls are carried out to comply with the ban.
Conservation status
Near Threatened.
Conservation state
It is assigned to the “Near Threatened” category by IUCN which, although it has been estimated that it does not belong to the categories of CR-Critically Endangered, EN-Endangered and Vulnerable), however, are close to meeting the relevant criteria and are therefore likely to join them in the near future. It is not subjected to any other national or international conservation status.