Orchid species distribution in rangelands of Epirus, Greece

The orchid family (Orchidaceae L.) is one of the richest plant families in the world, including at least 24,000 species and subspecies. In Greece the number exceeds 200 taxa, while the endemics are 50 or more. These numbers often change, as new species are described or others considered until recently as endemics in Greece, are recorded in neighbouring countries. This research carried out at various rangeland types of Epirus region. A total of 58 species and subspecies were identified. The majority of taxa belong to the genera Ophrys and Orchis. The results revealed that the highest number of taxa (37) exists in forest openings and silvopastoral systems especially of oak trees, followed by 25 taxa in grasslands and 22 taxa in open shrublands (evergreen broadleaved species). The lower orchid richness, 17 taxa, was found in the phryganic ecosystems. As a conclusion, rangeland ecosystems of Epirus are significantly rich in orchids and their conservation, especially in oak silvopastoral systems, seems to be of particular importance for the maintenance of orchid diversity.