Veronica jacquinii

On Mt. Paggaio, it has been recorded in the higher altitudinal zone, at altitudes higher than 1,700 m asl. However, it would not be a surprise to find it at lower altitudes, in beech forest openings with suitable rocky places.

The population of the species on Mt. Paggaio is quite large. Perennial herbaceous plant, up to 50 cm tall, hairy and with several branches sprouting from its base. Its leaves are also characteristic, being as diverse as those of a fern (pinnate according to botanical terminology) or with secondary branches (2-pinnate). The leaf lobes are linear or narrowly elliptical (0.5-2 mm wide), with slightly folded edges. The flowers are grouped in 10-35 (inflorescences), which appear in the extreme (upper) part of the stems. The corolla formed by the petals is blue. The name of the genus Veronica was given by Charles Linnaeus (1707-1778). However, there are various versions for the origin of the name. According to some, the name may have come from the ancient Greek name Vereniki, from a paraphrase of the Latin word Velonica which in turn comes from the population group Velones of Spain, or it may have come from the Latin word ver meaning spring, as the species of the genus bloom in spring. It is found in dry, stony grassland sites or in forest openings, at altitudes up to about 2,000 m asl. Sometimes it can be common at relatively low altitudes (about 850 m asl.). It usually prefers limestone geological substrates, while it is found less often on schist or serpentine. We will see it in flower from the end of May until July.

So far, no threat to the population of the species has been observed on Mt. Paggaio. However, due to the relatively limited area in which it is distributed, it could be threatened. Projects that can be planned in the upper altitudinal zone of Mt. Paggaio could cause a decrease in its population size.

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It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status.