The vascular flora of Mt Svilaja (Outer Dinarides, South Croatia)

Abstract

Based on our own research carried out from 2013 to 2019 and literature data, this study presents for the first time a comprehensive floristic list of Mt Svilaja (max. 1508 m a.s.l.). It contains 1285 taxa classified within 502 genera and 109 families. Of these, 552 taxa are listed for the first time for Svilaja. Out of 733 taxa recorded previously, the presence of 128 taxa has not been confirmed. Poaceae (8.79%), Asteraceae and Fabaceae (8.72% each) had the highest number of taxa, with the largest number of taxa within the genera Trifolium (23 taxa), Carex (20) and Centaurea (17). Hemicryptophytes (43.35%) and therophytes (25.45%) prevailed, and Mediterranean (23.27%), southern European (20.83%) and Eurasian (17.43%) plant taxa dominated. Altogether, there were 76 endemics (5.91%), mostly of Illyrian-Adriatic origin, 34 endangered (CR, EN, VU) taxa (2.65%), and 155 strictly protected taxa according to Croatian law (12.06%). Among the endemics, the presence of Scabiosa delminiana Abadžić must be stressed. Mt Svilaja is characterized by rich orchid flora (51 taxa, 3.97%), and features Epipactis placentina Bongiorni & Grünanger, the only site found in Croatia that does. Although as many as 34 invasive taxa have been recorded, their presence is mostly limited to anthropogenic habitats.