Distribution of the species
On Mount Paggaio, it has been observed in only a few places, at an altitude ranging between 1,000 and 1,950 m asl., mainly in the north-eastern part of the mountain.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
It is recorded in the form of isolated individuals, and thus, its population is expected to be quite limited. Perennial plant, with single stem, square at cross-section, up to 50 cm tall (marginally 60 cm), which has sparse glandular and non-glandular hairs. The leaves are ovate to oblong-elliptical, 2.5-8 cm long, toothed, with sparse hairs. Its inflorescence consists of flowers on verticillasters, with 6-10 flowers at each one. The corolla formed by the petals is white to cream or pale pink, purple- or magenta-spotted, 12-16 mm long, with sparse hair on its upper lip. It is usually found in dry, stony places at altitudes from 400 m to about 2,000 m asl. We will see it flowering from May, but mainly between June and August. On Mt. Paggaio, it is found in rocky places, in forest openings and edges in the beech zone, as well as in road sides and paths. Prefers sunny to semi-shady, open places, with scattered trees or shrubs. It is found either on limestone or on schist.
No threat to the population of the species has been observed on Mt. Paggaio. However, accidental destruction of some of its sites would lead to a reduction in its distribution and its population size.
Conservation status
“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 under the name Stachys plumosa subsp. plumosa, whereas it is listed as “Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive. However, the species Stachys pangaea was described from Mt. Paggaio, which as endemic and exclusively occurring on this mountain was included in the two editions of the Red Book of Rare and Endangered Plants of Greece (1995 and 2009 edition) under the threat category “Vulnerable”. Moreover, it is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981) “On the protection of native flora and fauna and defining a procedure for coordinating and controlling their research”. However, due to the close morphological affinity of the species Stachys pangaea with Stachys plumosa subsp. plumosa, these two were considered to belong to the same plant species and the name of the latter was retained.