The diversity and distribution of flora of the island of Zlarin (Northern Dalmatia)

Abstract

The flora of the island of Zlarin was studied in 2019 and mapped using the Central European grid (MTB fields), the area studied consisting of nine MTB 1/64 fields. Altogether 576 vascular plant taxa (532 species and 44 subspecies) were identified, out of which there were 126 newly recorded, 450 previously recorded and confirmed, while 153 taxa from previous authors were not confirmed. In total, 730 taxa are currently recorded on the island of Zlarin. Among these, 580 taxa are indigenous, 147 cultivated and 23 listed as invasive in Croatia. Cultivated and adventitious plants were not included in the analysis of families and life forms. The largest number of taxa was attributed to the families Compositae (13.89%), Fabaceae (12.01%) and Poaceae (10.98%). Along with the domination of therophytes, the results of the phytogeographical analysis show a dominance of the Mediterranean floral element, indicating the character of the flora. Altogether 13 endemic, 44 endangered and 42 strictly protected indigenous species and subspecies are currently recorded on the island. The highest plant richness was observed in fields with higher habitat diversity and in fields with olive groves maintained by mowing. Moderate human impact and habitat diversity are crucial for the increase in floristic diversity on small islands and are much more important than the size of the island itself.