Endemism in Crete reaches a percentage that varies from 10 to 50% of species, with the low percentage constantly increasing from year to year.
What does endemism mean, however? It means that there are exclusively specific organisms in a certain area, which implies a greater responsibility for their maintenance.
In absolute numbers, one can find 623 species of plants in Crete, with the native ones reaching 1742 and the imported 140, according to a relevant study.
2 of the 623 species are endemic to Crete, while 159 of the 1742 are also considered endemic.
The reasons that Crete is basically a micro-world of flora is its geographic isolation, the existence of many different biomes, the fact that glaciers never reached Crete, and because it serves as a crossroads between three continents; Europe, Asia and Africa.
Areas such as the White Mountains and some islets are home to many endemic species, essentially serving as an "invitation" for botanists from around the world to study them.
The Cretan Diet is not simply a way of eating.It is a way of living in relationship with the land. Long before it became the subject of study, admiration and international recognition, the Cretan Diet existed as everyday wisdom. It was shaped through simplicity, seasonality, care and the deep connection between people and the natural […]
Spices offer special, unique aromas and enrich the taste of our food. Let us learn some of them. Afrina: The flower of salt from the rocks of Crete that has stored sea water, until the Greek sun evaporates it and the raw natural sea salt appears. Cretan Basil: It looks like anise and has an […]
Gastronomy does not always begin in the kitchen.Sometimes, it begins with a walk. Among trees, herbs, aromas, fruits and the sounds of nature. In a landscape where visitors do not simply see plants, but begin to understand where flavour truly comes from. At the Botanical Garden of Crete, the experience of Cretan gastronomy is not […]
Tropical and subtropical crops in Crete are a risk for every producer; however, they open new roads, especially if one connects these plants with tourism. The avocado holds the scepter of these crops, since it seems that it has found its home in Chania. However, interest in other crops is growing. Guava, mango, passion fruit […]
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