The flora of Ikaria (Greece, E Aegean islands)

The geology, climate, nora and phytogeography of the island of Ikaria are discussed. Its wild vascular flora consists of 829 taxa, 233 of which are first-time records for the island. 13 Greek and 29 Aegean endemic taxa are present on the island of Ikaria, 15 of which are currently known to occur only on Ikaria. Among the Greek endemic taxa, Onosma kaheirei, Crepis hellenica and Sedum delicum are new records for the E. Aegean region. A concise species list with indication of life-form, chorological data and notes on species habitats is provided. In the Life-form spectrum therophytes are dominant (49%) as a result of the summer extensive dry period. 17 chorological groups are distinguished, with the Mediterranean element being the dominant one. The high proportion of the Mediterranean element, in conjunction with the high percentage of therophytes, are indicative of the strong Mediterranean character of the island's flora. The largest proportion of plants (63%) are autochthonous and are thought to be remnants of a former Aegean continental flora. A considerable proportion (27%) are anthropophytes, while those plants whose presence is a result of natural, long-distance dispersal are limited (10%). On the basis of this data, Ikaria exhibits a typically Aegean floristic character. The cliffs at the middle part of the island and the summit of Mt. Atheras, with it's largely undisturbed endemic rich nora should be declared as a nature reserve.