Biological traits, habitat preferences and endemism in the flora of Peloponnisos, Greece

Abstract

Mermygkas, D., Zikos, A. & Constantinidis, Th.: Biological traits, habitat preferences and endemism in the flora of Peloponnisos, Greece. — Fl. Medit. 31: 37-52. 2021. — ISSN: 11204052 printed, 2240-4538 online. The Peloponnisos, the southernmost part of the Greek mainland, comprises 3,007 autochthonous spermatophytes (species and subspecies), including 4 Greek endemic genera. To compare biological traits within its flora, 4 main chorological categories were distinguished: widespread taxa, Greek endemics, range restricted taxa and local endemics. In the total flora, therophytes (34.8%) predominate, followed by hemicryptophytes (34.3%). A significant drop in the percentage of therophytes is noted among range restricted or local endemic taxa, with 11.6% and 1.3%, respectively. Diaspores are predominately seeds or single-seeded fruits, a trend even more pronounced in the range restricted and local endemic flora. Fleshy fruits are rare, with dry fruits being the norm in all categories. Annual seed production does not exhibit any significant variation among the widespread taxa and those having a restricted distribution. A preliminary investigation of dispersal syndromes showed that within genera specialized to particular dispersal modes the percentage of endemicity may vary considerably. Most Peloponnesian endemics inhabit rocky, calcareous habitats and cliffs. Dry, phryganic formations are also rich in endemics, followed by the grasslands at the lowland or subalpine areas. Ruderal and aquatic habitats have an insignificant contribution to endemism.