DIANTHUS JUNIPERINUS subsp. ACIPHYLLUS

Family:- CARYOPHYLLACEAE/Subgenus ARMERIASTRUM

Common Names:- Wild carnation

Synonyms:- Dianthus aciphyllus

Meaning:- Dianthus (Gr) Zeus'-flower. a name used by the Greek philosopher

Theophrastus.

Juniperinus (L) Bluish-brown, juniper-like, (the colour of the berry).

Aciphyllus (L) Pointed-leaf.

General description:- Small shrub with woody stems.

Stems:- Flowering stems 11-30 cm.

Leaves:-

1) Many, fleshy, narrow, parallel sided.

Flowers:-

1) Inflorescence, with (1-)2-6 flowers not opening together.

2) Epicalyx scales, c. 1/3 as long as the calyx.

3) Calyx, 5-22 mm, teeth 4-6 mm.

4) Petal limb, 7-11 mm, pinkish-purple with darker stripes.

Fruit:-

1) Capsule, splitting open to release the seeds (dehiscing) apically with 4 teeth;

carpophore often present.

2) Seeds numerous, concave on 1 side.

Habitat:- Calcareous rocks of the montane zone 800-1700 m.

Distribution:- Endemic east Crete. Rare.

Flowering time:- June-July

Photos by:- Steve Lenton

Status:-

Conservation status (for threatened species): Vulnerable (V) according to IUCN

1997.

Protection status (for threatened species): Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981.