Herniaria lusitanica subsp. berlengiana explained

Herniaria lusitanica subsp. berlengiana is an endangered subspecies of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is endemic to the Berlengas Archipelago, Portugal.

Description

Herniaria lusitanica subsp. berlengiana is a biennal or perennial plant much smaller than its mainland counterpart (subsp. lusitanica). Stems are thin and grow up to about 5cm (02inches), leaves are 4x and have short hairs, curly when young. Glomeruli have 4-7(10) flowers, 1-.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Herniaria lusitanica subsp. berlengiana inhabits the Berlengas on Berlenga Grande, the Farilhões Islets and Inês Islet 10to off mainland Portugal. The plant has thin herbaceous communities growing mainly in arid sites, skeletal soils and in fissures of granite rocks as well as along hiking trails.[2]

Threats

It is mainly threatened by invasive plant species, namely the sour fig (Carpobrotus edulis), and clearing of hiking paths. Trampling is actually beneficial for this plant as it reduces its competition by keeping surrounding vegetation low.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Herniaria . . 12 December 2020.
  2. Web site: Herniaria lusitanica subsp. berlengiana Chaudhri . Flora-on . 12 December 2020.