Distribution of the species
It was first described in 1843 by the German botanist A. Grisebach, following a botanical exploration on Mount Athos. It grows on rocky places, on limestone slopes, in rocky sub-alpine meadows, between 1,200 and 1,900 m asl.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
Relatively rare species on Mt. Paggaio. An impressive, evergreen, perennial, herbaceous plant, with succulent, juicy leaves. Base leaves are placed in a circular pattern (rosette), with short and dense hairs on their edges, while the leaves along the stem are oblong lanceolate, alternate, with short hairs, much denser on the lower surface, acute at apex. The flowering stems, 20-30 cm high, have glandular hairs, shorter to the base and longer towards the top of the inflorescence. The flowers, 25-35 together, form a rounded cyme, with several branches. The flowers look like small stars consisting of 11-12 petals, light pink on the outside, reddish in the center and at their base. The stamens (i.e., the male reproductive parts) are twice the number of petals. It flowers from July to August, depending on the altitude. As a typical rock plant, it is adapted to the adverse conditions of the extreme locations that it grows. Known as chasmophytes, these plants have a very strong root system, which allows for good support and for taking advantage of the very low water and nutrient supplies of the poor soil of the rock crevices where they survive.
The species has significant aesthetic value and is sometimes collected for use, by transplanting, in rock gardens. This is a real threat to some of its populations, fortunately not in Paggaio.
Conservation status
Least Concern.
Conservation state
The species according to the IUCN belongs to the category of plants “LC-Least Concern”. It is included in the updated table of Presidential Decree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23 / A / 30-01-1981) “On the protection of native flora and fauna and the definition of a procedure for coordination and control of their research”.