Wild strawberry

(Fragaria vesca)
With a very large number of individuals on Mt. Paggaio. Perennial herbaceous plant, with a height of up to 15 cm
Sophia Siggiridou_Kostas Vidakis, MSc

Distribution of the species

It is found in many places on Mount Paggaio, mainly located in semi-mountainous and mountainous areas. In addition, it has been recorded in subalpine grasslands above the tree-line.

Description of the species (biological and ecological features)

With a very large number of individuals on Mt. Paggaio. Perennial herbaceous plant, with a height of up to 15 cm. Its leaves form a rosette and are distinguished by their large petiole and the three leaflets. The flowers are in groups of 2-6 and have white petals. The fruit (commonly known as wild strawberry) is almost spherical, sweet, red in color. Due to the chemical compounds it contains (tannins, flavonoids, essential oil, gallic acid, proteins, phosphorus, magnesium) it is used as an anti-rheumatic, diuretic, antidiarrheal, tonic and laxative in cases of intestinal atony. It has also been used to treat gallstones and nephrolithiasis, but also liver and cystitis patients. The leaves of the plant also have medicinal properties and have been used as gargles against sore throats and as poultice for bruises, burns and wounds. It prefers well-lit forests, slopes and road edges in mountainous areas and sometimes along streams. We usually find it at altitudes of 400-1,800 m asl., whereas in some cases it reaches up to 2,100 m. asl.

Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures were observed which would lead to a significant reduction in its population

Conservation status

Conservation state

It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status. It is a common plant, which does not face any kind of threat.