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Trees- ShrubsIkarian Wall Flower (Erysimum senoneri icaricum)
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Erysimum senoneri icaricum belongs to the Family Brassicaceae, however it is often linked to the Capparaceae family (1). It is a low shrub, ranging between 20 and 50 cm in height that has a lifespan of approximately four to six years. Its leaves are alternate and they are slightly hairy. The flowers form clusters in groups of 10 to 30 individuals, each flower has four bright yellow petals with a slight honey odour (2). The seeds are found in capsules (siliqua) and contain oils (1).
It is a perennial species (3) that blooms from March until May (1).
It flourishes in rocky regions (1) and can be found in limestone soils and cliffs. The appropriate altitude for this species is between 250 and 750 m.
It is a native plant of Ikaria. It has only been located in five areas in the cliffs in the central part of the island: 1.5 km from Mesaria, in the southwest area of mount Atheras in three areas surrounding the village of Plagia and in the village of Perixus (2).
A decline of its population has been noticed and therefore it is now considered to be vulnerable (3). The diffusion of this plant is very confined as it requires a specific environment which is rather inaccessible. As a result it is vulnerable to disturbances, human impact, however does not currently threaten this species (2).
It is not mentioned on the IUCN Red List (4).
Description translated by Anna Theodoridou (2009)
(1) Γ.Π. Σαρλής, (1999), Συστηματική Βοτανική-Εφαρμογές Κορμοφύτων, εκδ. Σταμούλη.
(2) http://users.uoa.gr/~kgeorghi/files/archimedflora.pdf
(3) http://www.itia.ntua.gr/filotis/SpeciesData/21510.pdf
(4) IUCN (2009) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online] Available:
http://www.iucnredlist.org [date accessed: 09/08/2009]
