CHASMOPHYTES
One
of the most important vegetation types occurs on limestone rocks,
host of a very special flora. Species growing on rock crevices
have to deal with an extremely inhospitable environment. Therefore,
they have developed several adjustments, such as strong roots,
in order to survive. This supports them on the cliffs and also
allows the maximum exploitation of the little water and nutrients
contained in minimum soil. Moreover, this habitat is susceptible
to strong winds and full sunlight, as there is no tall vegetation
to protect it from these climatic factors. It is noteworthy
that most chasmophytic species are endemics.
Parnitha
is a very steep mountain with several crevices and gorges, especially
at the south side. This favours the creation of many chasmophytic
communities, with endemic species, such as the bellflower of
Parnitha (endemic to Parnitha) - Campanula celsii ssp.
parnesia, the wild carnation of Parnitha (endemic to Parnitha)
- Silene oligantha ssp. parnesia, samphires
(Inula verbascifolia ssp. methanea), Corinth's
catchfly (Silene corinthiaca), skullcap of Parnassus
(Scutellaria rupestris ssp. parnassica) etc.
