SPECIES DESCRIPTION
LIMONIUM MINOICUM
A dubious species known from a small area in S Kriti and differing from L. creticum
only in the sometimes 3-veined leaves and marginally shoner spikes. (1)
(1) Atlas of the Aegean Flora. Book 1. Arne Strid 2016 page 433
Family and Genus:- See- PLUMBAGINACEAE
Common Names:- None
Homotypic Synonyms:- None
Meaning:- Limonium (Gr) Meadow-plant. A name used by the Greek physician
and botanist Dioscorides.
Minoicum (L) Refers to the ancient Minoan civilization from Crete
Plant:- Perennial shrub with numerous stems growing in tight groups.
Stems:-
1) Ascending 20-80 cm.
Leaves:-
1) Blade, abruptly narrowed into petiole, greyish-green, scabridulous, 3-veined;
Flowers:-
1) Small closely aggregated into, dense, crowded, terminal inflorescences.
2) Petals, pale blue to violet forming a tube, exceeding only the upper limb by the
surrounded bracts.
3) Spikes, arcuate, lax, bracts and calyces, somewhat longer.
Key features:-
1) Leaves, sometimes 3-veined.
Habitat:- Rocky coast on calcareous, marly and conglomerate substrates,
sometimes in pebbly localities
Distribution:- Restricted to southeast Crete, between Tsoutsouros and Tertsa
Flowering time:- Apr-June, and perhaps also later.
Photos by:- Christopher Cheiladakis
