Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia

Carlina diae is at risk of extinction, according to observations.

Its name originates from the island of Dia.

A native plant of Crete, Carlina diae grows in a limited area with a unique but hard-to-reach habitat. This special environment has kept it safe from grazing on the island of Dia, from which it gets its name.

Carlina diae is at risk of extinction, according to observations.

In the Sitia Geopark, you can find Carlina diae at the north-eastern end in two locations with a total population of 8-10 individuals. Additionally, Carlina diae thrives on the Dionysades islands, particularly on steep limestone cliffs. This plant is a small, whitish, bushy shrub, and its flowers cluster into yellow ‘heads’, with 1-4 on each shoot.

Photos: Vangelis Perakis, Sitia, Geopark Coordinator