Distribution of the species
As a species of high altitudes, we will see it in the wider area of the peaks of Mt. Paggaio, growing along with many other impressive flowers.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
Intensely hairy plant with a stem up to 40 or even 60 cm tall. Its leaves are up to 4.5 cm long, lanceolate, with serrated edges. The calyx of the flower is completely covered with glandular hairs, a characteristic which distinguishes this species from the other species of the genus found in Greece. The corolla of the flower is intensely yellow. It is a species that lives only for one year and is characterized as a semi-parasite, as it has the ability to photosynthesize through its green parts, while additionally parasitizing other plants by developing special suckers with which it absorbs nutrients from the root system of neighboring plants. Its name (Rhinanthus = rinanthos) comes from the Greek word “rina” which means “nose” and indicates the shape of its flower, which resembles a human nose. It grows in wet meadows, subalpine grasslands and stony places usually at high altitudes (1,000-2,200 m asl.). It flowers from June to August, depending on the altitude.
Although it has a relatively limited geographical distribution on Mount Paggaio (high altitude areas) and due to the large number of individuals in the places where it occurs, the species is not considered endangered. Extensive projects (e.g., road constructions) in high altitude areas of the mountain could cause a decrease in its population.
Conservation status
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Conservation state
It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status.