Centaurea

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil.Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy.Ref.:(1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936.(2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600.(4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005).(5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000).(6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil. Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy. Ref.: (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936. (2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600. (4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005). (5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000). (6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil. Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy. Ref.: (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936. (2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600. (4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005). (5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000). (6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil. Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy. Ref.: (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936. (2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600. (4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005). (5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000). (6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil. Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy. Ref.: (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936. (2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600. (4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005). (5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000). (6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil. Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy. Ref.: (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936. (2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600. (4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005). (5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000). (6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Slo.: Fritschev glavinec - syn: Centaurea fritschii Hayek, Centaurea grinensis Reuter ssp. fritschii (Hayek) Dostal, Centaurea scabiosa ssp. grinensis (?) (Ref.1) - Habitat: partly overgrown, sandy and stony mountain slope, roadside; southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground; locally open space, otherwise in mixed wood, Ostrya Carpinifolia; Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Corylus avellana dominant; partly sunny, relatively warm place; exposed to direct rain; elevation 420 m (1.400 feet); average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 8-10 deg C, alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: sandy soil. Comment: Genus Knapweed (Centaurea) is taxonomically a difficult one. Fisher et all (2005) adds to all species names described in the Ref.1. signs (small black squares) which mean: ' ... taxonomically critical, the key states more problems than solutions...'. Plants are very variable, particularly their leaves. Centaurea scabiosa ssp. fritschii was at the beginning described on species level (Basio: Centaurea fritschii Hayek) and later shifted to subspecies level. It has only been botanically described at the beginning of the last century. Ref. 2 states that its distribution in Slovenia is not yet sufficiently studied. It should be endemic since it is known only from northeast most Italy, south Austria and Slovenia (Ref.3). But it is not included into the trilogy W. Langer / H. Sauerbier et all (1997-2005), Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (Ref.: 4, 5, 6). Anyway, an interesting plant, which is not at all rare in the Upper Soa valley. Eventually it builds yellowish-pink blooming hybrids with another very interesting, yellow blooming, knapweed Centaurea dichroantha Kern., which is a famous narrow endemic of Soa valley and a few valleys to the west in Italy. Ref.: (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora fr sterreich, Liechtenstein und Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 936. (2) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key) (in Slovenian), Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 685. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 600. (4) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von den Ligurischen Alpen bis zum Wiener Schneeberg (III), IHW-Verlag (2005). (5) H. Sauerbier, W. Langer, Alpenpflanzen: Endemiten von Nizza bis Wien (II), IHW-Verlag (2000). (6) W. Langer, H. Sauerbier, Endemishe Pflanzen der Alpen (I), IHW-Verlag (1997).

Habitat: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands.Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination.However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants.Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy.Ref.:(1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238.(2) www.cretanflora.com.(3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species(4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

Habitat: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands. Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination. However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants. Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy. Ref.: (1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238. (2) www.cretanflora.com. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species (4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

Habitat: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands. Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination. However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants. Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy. Ref.: (1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238. (2) www.cretanflora.com. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species (4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

Habitat: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands. Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination. However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants. Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy. Ref.: (1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238. (2) www.cretanflora.com. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species (4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

Habitat: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands. Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination. However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants. Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy. Ref.: (1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238. (2) www.cretanflora.com. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species (4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

Habitat: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands. Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination. However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants. Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy. Ref.: (1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238. (2) www.cretanflora.com. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species (4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

PICTURE OF HABITAT: maritime sand dunes, occasionally in the rich of salt water spray, almost flat terrain, full sun, elevation 5 m (15 feet); average precipitations ~ 960 mm/year, average temperature about 18 deg C, Mediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: maritime sands. Comment: Centaurea pumilio is a very rare plant. For long time it was known only from two small islands in Ionian Sea, from far west Crete (Elafonisos island and Falassarna beach (see pict.7) for example) and from some beaches of northeast Africa and Syria. But 20 years ago about 500 plants were found also in southeast Italy. I found these rare and protected plants considered endemic to east Mediterranean region by pure chance. The plants are fascinating by its relatively large flowers of tender violet hues growing directly from plain sands. Interestingly, some of these plants can be more than 50 years old (Ref.:3). Because of their unusual habitus and habitat I had (apparently) no difficulties with its determination. However, there were some differences to descriptions in literature observed. According to Ref.2 leaves should be undivided and heart-shaped to oval (cordate-ovate) or lyre-shaped (lyrate) and according to Ref.1 they should be undivided to pinnatifid (cleft or lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not reaching it). The observed leaves seem to be more lanceolate to oblanceolate in overall shape and deeply pinnatifid with distinctly unequal lobes. Some lobes are further moderately lobed. Only some leaves show larger terminal lobe (a characteristics of lyrate leave shape). Also, Ref.1 states indistinctly toothed (dentate) edge of bracts. This doesn't seem to be the case on my pictures (see picture 2). I don't know how important these discrepancies are. But, because of the unusual overall habitus, which fits well to published pictures and the place where I found these plants I still believe the pictures show Centaurea pumilio in spite of the fact that there exists about 400 species of genus Centaurea and that they are mostly Mediterranean plants. Conservation status: on the IUCN Red Data List in the category of threatened plants. Protection status: threatened species; Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981; also on The Red list of Italy. Ref.: (1) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 238. (2) www.cretanflora.com. (3) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392724_Persistence_of_Centaurea_pumilio_L_a_rare_sand_dune_species (4) https://www.google.si/search?q=centaurea+pumilium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gws_rd=cr&ei=w7M9V8r5KYTyaNb8kvAF#q=centaurea+pumilio&start=20

After fruiting

Fruit

Fruit