Conservation status of Crepis pusilla (Sommier) Merxmüller (Asteraceae : Cichorieae, Crepidinae) in Malta

Abstract

The Maltese Dwarf Hawksbeard, Crepis pusilla (Sommier) Merxmüller, is an annual plant first described from four stations in the Maltese Islands in 1907. Up to 1967, it was only known from Malta but has since been found in other Mediterranean stations. For the past 50 years, the species has only been recorded from one site in Malta, where the plant is restricted to a single country path despite detailed searches. The species is associated with well-trodden sections of the central verge of the path, where soil is compacted and competing ruderal plants are limited. Current available data suggest that the local IUCN conservation status of C. pusilla is “Critically Endangered”. The aim of this study was to enhance its conservation status through the LIFE SEEDFORCE project.