Phytosociology, ecology and conservation status of <i>Salvia brachyodon</i> (Lamiaceae), a narrow endemic of Eastern Adriatic

Abstract We studied the site ecology of Salvia brachyodon (Lamiaceae), a narrow endemic eastern Adriatic, which is now restricted to only three sites, using sigmatistic method and numerical analyses. Four floristically ecologically well-defined groups stands, representing different syntaxa, were identified, corresponding sampling sites. The majority stands represent dry (sub)Mediterranean rocky grasslands at successional stages towards forest vegetation. Compared evolutionary closely related sympatric S. officinalis , morphologically easily distinguishable differs in its flowering phenology prefers relatively cooler, wetter, deeper nutrient richer soils, are developed on dolomite or dolomitic limestone higher elevated Despite ability cope with interspecific competition by means clonal reproduction better than congener, populations severely threatened abandonment traditional land use fires, making species endangered (EN) according IUCN criteria.