Two new plant species discovered in Prespa!

Prespa National Park is a treasure trove of biological diversity. Recent research conducted by the Iliria Association has revealed very valuable botanical treasures.

Implemented over a period of 18 months and financed by PONT and CEPF the project “Site Restricted Endemics of Prespa National Park -Assessment, protection and in-situ/ex-situ conservation, through involvement of young professionals” assessed the conservation status of 10 restricted endemics of Prespa area.

Two taxa were newly identified as part of the research on Albanian flora:

• Viola eximia tringiana Erben and
• Acanthus greuterianus Snogerup, B. Snogerup & Strid.

These plants have been recorded in the Ivani Mountain and along the path between the villages of Cerje and Rakicka in Prespa National Park.

Viola eximia subsp. tringiana Erben:

The plant has been known only from the Tringia Mountain in Kavalla Greece but has now been discovered in the Ivani Mountain.  Viola eximia subsp. eximia, had previously been reported in the Dry Mountain as well. In the alpine pastures of this mountain hybrids have also been recorded between the V. aetolica and V. eximia subsp. tringiana.

Acanthus greuterianus Snogerup, B. Snogerup & Strid:

It was (first) recorded on a limestone hill near the village of Pirgi, (Kozanis, Greece) in 2006. This species has also (since) been recorded in Grevena and Pellis and more recently in the Greek side of Prespa, near the village of Vrondero.

What should be emphasised about this species is its importance from a conservation point of view – it is considered a relict plant of nature.

Further, the species Centaurea shumkana was assessed as Critically Endangered. Allium albanicum, Centaurea soskae, Chamaecytisus pseudojankae, Dianthus galicicae, Siler ochridanum, Oxytropis dinarica subsp. weberi were assessed as Endangered. Crocus cvijicii as Vulnerable. Two other species (Centaurea galicicae and Sempervivum ciliosum) were assessed as Data Deficient (DD). This was accomplished by applying the IUCN Red List Assessment methodology and process.