
The new species, Thliphthisa sapphussp. nov. (Rubiaceae, Rubieae), a narrow endemic of the white cliffs of Lefkátas on the southwest coast of Lefkada (Greece) is described and illustrated and an IUCN assessment is presented. Vegetation relevés were performed at the single known locality, limestone cliffs facing the sea and revealed a new association, the Thliphthisa sapphus-Lomelosietum dallaportae. The chromosome number of Thliphthisa sapphus was determined as 2n = 4x = 44, being the single tetraploid species in the genus to date. The species also differs markedly morphologically from its morphologically closest relatives, two Greek steno-endemic oreophytes, Th. baenitzii and Th. muscosa by the following characters: densely setose mericarps and corolla, tetraploidy and by its distribution. An identification key for the Greek species of Thliphthisa is provided. Th. sapphus constitutes the westernmost outpost of a group of Greek steno-endemics, highlighting the importance of coastal habitats and their protection as refugia for poorly competitive chamaephytes.
phytosociology, SDG 14 – Leben unter Wasser, Rubiaceae, Magnoliopsida, Ionian Islands, coastal cliff refugia, 106035 Phytogeography, species nova, SDG 14 - Life Below Water, Plantae, Greece, Asperula, Thliphthisa, Botany, 106008 Botanik, Biota, 106008 Botany, Tracheophyta, QK1-989, 106035 Phytogeographie, Rubia-ceae, Gentianales, Research Article
phytosociology, SDG 14 – Leben unter Wasser, Rubiaceae, Magnoliopsida, Ionian Islands, coastal cliff refugia, 106035 Phytogeography, species nova, SDG 14 - Life Below Water, Plantae, Greece, Asperula, Thliphthisa, Botany, 106008 Botanik, Biota, 106008 Botany, Tracheophyta, QK1-989, 106035 Phytogeographie, Rubia-ceae, Gentianales, Research Article
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