Ensopeguera d’Irta
The plant in question belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family. It was first described in 1999 by the Spanish botanists Llorenç Sáez and Josep Antoni Rosselló, and the description was subsequently published in the journal of the Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC en Madrid. The reference specimen, known as the holotype, has been deposited in the herbarium of this scientific institution. The name perplexum is derived from the confusion it initially caused its discoverers, prior to its definitive identification.
Distribution
This plant is endemic to a small coastal outcrop or cape located beneath the Sierra de Irta, in the northern part of the province of Castellón. It has previously been confused with a similar species, Limonium cavanillesii, which shares part of its distribution range. However, L. cavanillesii occupies a somewhat broader area.
Habitat
This species can be found in a very small area on the limestone ledges that form the cliffs and coastal rocky outcrops. It is found in open, sunny areas where, on occasion, there are marine splashes. The plant flowers sequentially between July and September, and its fruits are dispersed by coastal winds until December.
Conservation
It is estimated that slightly more than 200 individuals exist in the only known locality where this species is present. The plant faces challenges due to the harsh habitat conditions and the impact of recreational activities in the coastal area, such as the passage of a dirt track and trampling by tourists. Additionally, increasingly frequent marine storms are a growing threat to this population. Fortunately, regional germplasm banks have preserved a significant quantity of seeds, which have been used in germination and genetic diversity studies. Between 2014 and 2015, several new populations were established through controlled cultivation in areas similar to, and near, the original habitat. This has helped ensure the survival of the species in the face of tourist pressure.
Image description
The scanning electron microscope image shows a cylindrical seed approximately 2 millimetres long, with a rounded apical part and a truncated base. A longitudinal groove runs from the apex to the base, and the seed’s striated surface, barely perceptible to the naked eye, is shown in relief in this high-resolution image.