The phytogeographical distribution patterns of the flora of Ikaria (E Aegean, Greece) within the E Mediterranean

Abstract

Summary The island of Ikaria is the westernmost Greek island of the Central Eastern Aegean Sea at the phytogeographical boundary between the E and C Aegean (Cyclades). The distribution patterns and endemism of its vascular flora are analysed. Only 11.8% of the taxa surveyed are restricted to the Balkan Peninsula, the Aegean Islands and Anatolia. From the study of these species, and especially of biregional endemism, it appears that Ikaria exhibits strong phytogeographical links with the E Aegean Islands and Anatolia, which can be attributed to the relatively recent land connection between these areas during the Pleistocene. Connections with the Balkans are mainly via the Cyclades. However, the influence of Balkan species on the composition of the present flora of the island, and the phytogeographical links between Ikaria and the Cyclades are of lesser significance, as Ikaria was apparently separated from the Cyclades much earlier during the Pliocene. The higher number of local endemics on Ikaria, compared with other E Aegean islands, is probably due to its extensive period of isolation during the Pliocene.