Distribution of the species
Plant of the mountains of Southern Europe and mainly of the Balkan Peninsula. It is found on limestone stony, rocky slopes of the mountain mainly at subalpine altitudes exceeding 1,400 m asl.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
It is not a very common species in Paggaio, but in the areas where it is found a relatively significant number of individuals has been recorded. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with an upright, hard stem that reaches up to 50 cm in height. The leaves at the base of the stem are lanceolate to obovate. Their characteristic is that they form a basal rosette, as they are placed above the ground in a circular pattern. On the contrary, the erect flowering stems have only one pair of leaves (rarely two). The flowers are small, yellow, forming an inflorescence at the top of the stems, which has the shape of a head. It flowers from June to July. The name of the species is indicative of its beautiful foliage and this is exactly what it means, while the name of the genus comes from the Latin word sapo (= soap). If you are wondering the relationship of these plants with soap, we must reveal to you that all parts of the plant and especially the roots (up to 20% in the flowering period) contain saponins, those glycosidic plant substances, which got their name because of their property, to foam like soap when mixed with water. Due to the presence of saponins, the plant causes irritation and tearing if it comes in contact with the eyes. Therapeutically, saponins are considered as mucolytic, expectorant substances.
It does not have a very extensive distribution, and no particular threats have been observed in the places where it has been recorded. Projects that could potentially implemented in the rocky areas of the mountain might lead to a decrease in its population.
Conservation status
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Conservation state
It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status.