Flora of Mount Parnassos

A field guide to Parnassos, following the vegetation from forested slopes to the exposed limestone of the high massif.

Settinga high limestone massif in Central GreeceField focusfir forest, rocky dolines, scree and alpine limestone

Limestone

Relief creates shelter

Broken rock, sink-like hollows and ledges vary greatly in soil depth and snow retention. These microhabitats explain why delicate herbs can persist close to dry, wind-scoured ground.

Treeline

Observe the transition, not just the summit

Forest margins and openings hold their own plant assemblages. Record whether a species grows under canopy, at the edge or in fully open turf.

Bellflowers

Use structure before colour

For Campanula and other bell-shaped flowers, note calyx, leaf arrangement, hairiness and growth form. A photograph of a blue flower alone rarely supports a confident name.