Themis' PlantArea GR by themistoklis konstantinopoulos https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1 Samothraki, a plant diversity hotspot en-us 2019-02-19 18:45:09 UTC 2025-11-06 23:33:04 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Xmastree.png Platanion orientalis habitat thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332938418 This habitat type is characterized by the tree species Platanus orientalis and the bush Nerium oleander. Turf species are rare and only Adiantum capillus-venus, Rubus ulmifolius and Brachypodium sylvaticum are typical. [1]]]> 2019-02-19 21:05:53 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332938418 References thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332943406 [1] Chanos, G. M., & Scoullos, M. I. (2011). Samothraki UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve nomination form. Athens: Greek National MAB Committee.
[2] https://www.samothrakigreece.com/flora/ (last accessed 19/2/2019)
[3] Löw, M. (2017). Spatial Patterns of Land Cover Dynamics on Samothraki Island: Applying Remote Sensing on complex Mediterranean Pastures (Doctoral dissertation, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt).
[4] https://www.etymonline.com/word/oregano Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, Inc. Retrieved 20 February 2019
[5] https://www.drugs.com/npp/oregano.html Drugs.com. 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2019
[6] Wilhelm, O. Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885, Gera, Germany, Source: www.biolib.de
[7] Linford, J. (2007), A concise guide to herbs, Bath: Parragon. p. 210.
[8] Breverton, T. Beverton's Complete Herbal: A Book of Remarkable Plants and Their Uses, p. 580, at Google Books
[9] http://www.samothraki-tourism.gr/cgs.cfm?areaid=1&id=118 (greek article), retrieved 20 February 2019
Vegetation cover figure:  Biel, B. & Tan, K.I.T., 2014. The Flora of Samothraki, The Goulandris Natural History Museum, Kifissia – Greece.
[10] Marba, N., & Duarte, C. M. (2010). Mediterranean warming triggers seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) shoot mortality. Global Change Biology, 16(8), 2366-2375.
[11]https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%A6%CF%81%CF%8D%CE%B3%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B1
[12] Pezzani, R., Vitalini, S., & Iriti, M. (2017). Bioactivities of Origanum vulgare L.: an update. Phytochemistry Reviews, 16(6), 1253-1268.
[13]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_(Humboldt)#Content retrieved 22 February 2019
[14]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytogeography retrieved 22 February 2019
[15] https://www2.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/glaciers/glaciers_sea_level.asp retrieved 9 March 2019
[16]Feidas, H., Noulopoulou, C., Makrogiannis, T., & Bora-Senta, E. (2007). Trend analysis of precipitation time series in Greece and their relationship with circulation using surface and satellite data: 1955–2001. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 87(1-4), 155-177.
The red books of Greek flora
[17]Φοίτος Δ., Κωνσταντινίδης Θ., Καμάρη Γ. 2009 (Επιμ. Εκδ.). Βιβλίο Ερυθρών Δεδομένων των Σπάνιων και Απειλουμένων Ειδών της Ελληνικής Χλωρίδας, Τόμος 1 (Α-D), Ελληνική Βοτανική Εταιρεία, Πάτρα.
[18]Φοίτος Δ., Κωνσταντινίδης Θ., Καμάρη Γ. 2009 (Επιμ. Εκδ.). Βιβλίο Ερυθρών Δεδομένων των Σπάνιων και Απειλουμένων Ειδών της Ελληνικής Χλωρίδας, Τόμος 2 (E-Z), Ελληνική Βοτανική Εταιρεία, Πάτρα.

]]> 2019-02-19 21:19:16 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332943406 Did you know? thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332948186 In Samothraki you can encounter some rare trees not only in Greece but throughout the Mediterranean Sea, such as Itamos and Celtis [2]]]> 2019-02-19 21:33:53 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332948186 Bracken fields thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332953639 Bracken fields can be seen as pointers for over-exploited areas.[3]  Pteridium aquilium dominates this plant community. Accompaning plant species are a mixture of Juniperus oxycedrus shrubs and some species of the ecotope Satureja-Garrigues. Very high presence of Juniperus oxycedrus, Thymus sibthorpii, Hypericum cerastoides, Erica arborea, Origanum vulgare and Satureja montana.[1]
fig:  Pteridium aquilinum species as main understorey vegetation and accompanying plant species in open landscapes of mountainous areas near Fonias river (upper two), patch-work-like stands of bracken next to low or even non-covered grounds (lower left) and weed invasion by thistles (lower right) [3]]]> 2019-02-19 21:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332953639 Plant Diversity thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332955607 2019-02-19 22:02:39 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332955607 Origanum vulgare thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332960280 The word oregano is derived from Greek ὀρίγανον (orī́ganon). This is a compound of όρος (óros), "mountain", and γάνος (gános), "brightness", whence "brightness of the mountain".[4] Oregano, member of the Lamiaceae family, is a perennial herb, growing up to 50 cm tall[12], with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. The flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. Oregano essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant and it's used in traditional medicine since ancient times.[5] Many studies have shown the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of its bioactive phytochemicals[12]
Fig. Oregano plant [6].]]> 2019-02-19 22:17:43 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332960280 Satureja montana thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332964541 Winter savory belongs to the family of Lamiaceae and it's native to warm/temperate regions. This plant species can growup to 40 cm tall. The leathery, dark green, leaves are opposite, oval-lanceolate , 1–2 cm long and 5 mm broad. The flowers appear between July and October, and their color range from pale lavender, or pink to white. [7]
Winter savory has been claimed to have antiseptic, aromatic and digestive benefits.Taken internally, it is said to be a remedy for colic and a cure for flatulence, whilst it is also used to treat gastro-enteritis, cystitis, nausea, diarrhoea , bronchial congestion, sore throat and menstrual disorders[8].]]> 2019-02-19 22:37:02 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/332964541 Habitat Succession thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333137619 Due to its climate, the northern side of the island is covered with vegetation. The dense forest of Platanus orientalis and Castanea sativa, succeeds the 'Makki', a 'Mediterranean jungle' of evergreen, broad-leaved shrubs at an altitude up to 600-700 m.  Some of the shrub spieces are: Arbutus andrachne, Arbutus unedo, Ostrya carpinifoli, Fraxinus excelsior, Phillyrea latifolia, Juniperous oxycedrus, Quercus coccifera and Erica arborea [9]

]]> 2019-02-20 12:09:48 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333137619 Vegetation cover map thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333152721 2019-02-20 13:07:47 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333152721 Complexity of plant biogeography thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333324650 2019-02-20 18:38:02 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333324650 Mediterranean basin thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333326985 ‘Mediterranean’s flora is considered to originate from vegetation already occurring to its region and from vegetation that moved from adjacent or more distant areas, due to whether conditions pressure. The Mediterranean basin was submitted to recent landscape changes, tectonic processes and periodic glaciations. This ecosystem includes different vegetation types: Forests - woodlands, shrublands, scrublands and herbaceous species’

]]> 2019-02-20 18:42:27 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333326985 Environmental Stress Factors thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333761388 Samothraki’s climate is typical Mediterranean with warm and dry summers following wet and mild winters. Plants in such climate have developed many adaptation traits in order to survive. For instance,. phrygana change the shape of their leaves from big in winter to small and ‘hairy’ during summer.[11] Near seasonal rivers only plants belonging to Platanus orientalis’ turfs are surviving the dry periods.[1] Terrestrial habitats are not the only ones affected by the climate change. Due to global warming, the temperature of the sea is rising, resulting in significant decrease of marine plant populations, such as Posidonia sp.[10]

]]> 2019-02-21 17:44:27 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333761388 thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333797634

Visit Samothraki's BioArea for more inforrmation about Samothraki's biodiversity
 
]]> 2019-02-21 18:34:35 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333797634 thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333799274 Phrygana[3]]]> 2019-02-21 18:35:21 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/333799274 Kosmos – Entwurf einer physischen Weltbeschreibung thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/334060097 A journey through late 19th century’s knowledge. Through this work Alexander von Humbolt presents different scientific research fields like astronomy, geology, ecology, evolution and human behavior. He was the first that advocated a quantitative approach to phytogeography (that has characterized modern plant geography), hence the title of ‘father of phytogeography’ was given to him. Cosmos inspired many scientists and literature authors in the 19th century and it’s inspiring till today.[13][14]

]]> 2019-02-22 09:39:31 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/334060097 Plants and Climate change thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/334077595 2019-02-22 11:04:09 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/334077595 Run forest, run! thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/334077937 Tropical Andean trees migrate to higher altitudes where the air is cool enough to support their existence. Due to the fast climatic change they have to move faster in order to remain in equilibrium with their preferred temperatures.]]> 2019-02-22 11:06:12 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/334077937 Climate change thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339593102 During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) the sea level was 145 meters below[15]. Therefore Samothraki was united with the rest of the Eurasia area. Samothraki is considered a species refugium during the LGM and that is why its flora is that rich.
Although there are not sufficient climatological data about recent climatological changes, studies concerning the Greek climate have shown that the precipitation has been significantly decreased [16]. Moreover, heavy storms have occurred in the island. The temperature is constantly rising,a fact that is critically dangerous for the vulnerable species.

]]> 2019-03-09 19:19:42 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339593102 Plants as source for the future thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339594900 2019-03-09 19:40:16 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339594900 Alcoholic Beverages thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339594981 In Samothraki there is a beer production unit called “FONIAS” (named after the river). The source material is barley.
There are also wineries on the island. For instance, melmar winery is using the grapes growing on the island to produce red and white variants of wine.
Other traditional drinks are ouzo and tsipouro and they are also produced by grapes.
fig. left: Hordeum vulgare (barley), right: Grape plantation]]> 2019-03-09 19:41:06 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339594981 Christmas tree thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339598508 During Christmas, there is a tradition of the Aegean islands where people are decorating their ships (or smaller decorative ones) instead of a Christmas tree. Therefore we could say that the main tree species decorated during this period is the one most used for the creation of these ships. Fir and other species are also used.]]> 2019-03-09 20:21:45 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339598508 Plants as food thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339600453 As it is shown in the vegetation cover map, Samothraki has a significant amount of olive tree plantations. The olive's fruit, also called olive, is of major agricultural importance in the Mediterranean region as it is the source of olive oil; it is one of the core ingredients in the Mediterranean cuisine.
Residents are also cultivating vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces for non-commercial reasons. ]]> 2019-03-09 20:45:46 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339600453 Spices thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339602484 Black pepper: Pepper is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has been known to Indian cooking since at least 2000 BCE. Vietnam is the world's largest producer and exporter of pepper, producing 34% of the world's P. nigrum crop as of 2013.
Turmeric: The plant is rhizomatous, herbaceous, and perennial. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, while it requires temperatures between 20 and 30 °C and a considerable amount of annual rainfall in order to thrive.
fig. left: Black pepper, right: Tumeric]]> 2019-03-09 21:14:22 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/339602484 Theophrastus thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340063065 Theophrastus' books contain information concerning the anatomy and morphology, as well as  uses of plants known to the author. The "Enquiry into Plants" contains 10 books of which 9 survive. The "On the Causes of Plants" contains 8 books of which 6 survive. It is a very detailed work that provide us useful information about historic use of the plants and their distribution . ]]> 2019-03-11 16:59:21 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340063065 Volunteering thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340646021 First of all, our volunteers will have the opportunity to explore Samothraki’s flora and learn how to identify the most common and important species by trekking and hiking in several habitats. Moreover, volunteers interested in diving will be able to explore some marine plant populations. Flyers including all the protected species on the island will be given to them. Afternoon classes will offer them the opportunity to learn more about biodiversity, climate change, ecology, conservation and management of nature. An introduction to important databases for plants and conservation status(e.g. IUCN) will be held as well. Depending on the season, several actions will take place in order to gather seeds from plant species. Each volunteer will be able to contribute to the way she/he prefers. Other actions can include monitoring of the species, calculation of abundance and collecting relative data concerning the biology of the plants. Finally, there will be campaigns to inform local residents, students and tourists about the significance of nature's protection.]]> 2019-03-12 21:53:37 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340646021 Threatening factors of plant diversity thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340646156 2019-03-12 21:54:30 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340646156 Olea europaea L. (olive tree) thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340954849 2019-03-13 16:12:04 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/340954849 Threats thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346113112 The main threats are from forest grazing and climate change. Aquaculture/fisheries and other human activities are considered as medium plant diversity threats. Firewood collection and infrastructure are considered  as low plant diversity threats.]]> 2019-03-28 13:06:37 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346113112 Endangered species thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346120987 The flora of Samothraki comprises a great variety of species and habitats. Eight plant species are endemic. On the north side of the island, one of the last remaining oldgrowth oak forests (Quercus frainneto) can be found in high altitudes, a remnant of lush oak forests that used to cover large parts of the territory but were degraded by illegal logging and forest fires.
list of endangered species[17] [18]:
Species                                                                    Status
Anchusa samothracica                                            (EN)
Allium samothracicum                                             (EN)
Campanula samothracica ssp samothracica       (VU)
Dianthus arpadia                                                      (EN)
Drymocallis halacsyan                                             (EN)
Erysimum krendlii                                                     (VU)
Leontice leontopetalum                                          (VU)
Leucojum aestivum                                                 (VU)
Myosurus heldreichii                                               (VU)]]> 2019-03-28 13:21:25 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346120987 Allium Samothracicum thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346131172 2019-03-28 13:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346131172 Anchusa samothracica thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346133119 2019-03-28 13:41:29 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346133119 Campanula samothracica ssp. samothracica thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346136160 2019-03-28 13:46:20 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346136160 Dianthus arpadia thkonstantin https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346140404 2019-03-28 13:52:49 UTC https://padlet.com/thkonstantin/gx30uqmhq3t1/wish/346140404