Nepeta sphaciotica

Nepeta sphaciotica (from the catnip family) is a very rare Cretan endemic known only from one location on the north side of the summit of Svourichti in the central White Mountains. The plants can be found at between 2320 and 2200 m.

The plants are small tufted perennials about 10 to 20 cm tall with hairy leaves flowering in July and August. The photos above were taken on the 10th of August 2008, a little late in the flowering season this year.

Nepeta sphaciotica is listed as critically endangered (CR) in the Greek Red Data Book.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge.