Bupleurum kakiskalae

Bupleurum kakiskalae (and Odontites linkii subsp. creticus just behind and slightly out of focus)

Bupleurum kakiskalae (with Lomelosia albocincta)

Bupleurum kakiskalae (together with Lomelosia albocincta, Staehelina petiolata and Silene gigantea)

Bupleurum kakiskalae site on the way to Linoseli and Gingilos

Bupleurum kakiskalae (with Odontites linkii subsp. creticus right above)

Bupleurum kakiskalae

Bupleurum kakiskalae is a very rare endemic flower (listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List) which is found only in some cliffs in the upper reaches of the gorge of Samaria. It derives its name from 'Kakiskala' which are cliffs located on the way to Gingilos and were the first location where this plant was found, at an altitude of roughly 1500 to 1550m.
In 2007 another population of Bupleurum was also found to grow in the cliffs at the head of the large side valley of the Samaria gorge at an altitude of 1750m.

This perennial chasmophyte lives up to 12 years but it flowers and fruits only once at the end of its lifetime. The flowering occurs in July and August.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge.

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