Flora of Methana
Flora of Methana
Identify plants species
The flora of Methana peninsula is very rich and comprises 621 species and subspecies, 38 of which are endemics of Greece.
As one would expect in an area with mountainous features that is connected to the Peloponnese mainland, but at the same time, due to the morphology of the narrow peninsula, is strongly influenced by the marine environment, the flora of Methana has both continental and island influences. The botanists recognize strong affinities between the flora of Methana and the floras of the islands of the Central Cyclades, despite the morphological, climatic and geological differences.
As expected, the largest percentage of taxa are of Mediterranean distribution, while the cosmopolitan species, which are presumably spread with the help or tolerance of man, are relatively few. This low human influence on the flora of the peninsula is consistent with the general impression that the long-time but mild human presence only superficially influenced the landscape and the nature.
Plants in the phrygana
As in many other areas, so in Methana, the flora of the phrygana zone is the richest in terms of species. The variety of microclimatic and soil conditions of this area is even enriched by the presence of small and usually ephemeral but extremely important opportunities, such as the proximity to cultivated areas, the mix with dry-stone walls and ruins, the use of rain water collection practices, huts and pens etc.
Plants of the rocky biotopes
Rocky habitats are a key element of the peninsula's physiognomy. Scattered yet extensive cliffs and eocky slopes adorn both the limestone area and the volcanic zone, adding variety to the landscape and vegetation mosaic. On the sea front, the peninsula is delimited by a rocky ring, with the exception of gravel beaches.
The inland rock formations host plants adapted to this habitat, such as various bellflowers (e.g. Campanula andrewsii, Campanula topaliana), Inula verbascifolia and Ptilostemon chamaepeuce etc.
Plants of the coasts and the maritime rocks
Typical plants of the rocky shore that we will find in the area are the Rock samphire Crithmum maritimum, the Sea rocket Cakile maritima, the uncommon Silene sedoides as well as creeping forms of lentisks and Phoenicean juniper etc.
The sandy beaches and the adjacent rocky shores host a greater variety of species with the most characteristic being Matthiola tricuspidata, Salsola kali, Atriplex prostata, Xanthium strumarium and Spergularia salina. A typical gem of the coastal zone - although can be found also inland - is the Sea poppy Glaucium flavum.
Orchids
A large variety of orchids has been recorded in Methana, the most common species are the typical orchids of the wider area, such as Himantoglossum robertianum, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Dactylorhiza saccifera, Limodorum abortivum, Orchis italica, Orchis morio, Serapias vomeracea and Serapias lingua.
Ophrys genus is represented by Ophrys schlechteriana, Ophrys attica, Ophrys aesculapii, Ophrys ferrum-equinum, Ophrys tenthrendifera, Ophrys sphegodes subsp. mammosa, Ophrys scolopax, Ophrys fusca and Ophrys speculum.
Text and photos: T. Adamakopoulos
topoguide Greece
A GUIDE FOR METHANA PENINSULA
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