Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.33128/ag.81.4.1

INTRODUCTION OF CROATIAN NATIVE SPECIES INTO HORTICULTURE – EXAMPLE OF Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott

Ksenija Karlović orcid.org/0000-0003-1883-9325 ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marija Hodja ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Dario Kremer ; Farmaceutsko-biokemijski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Landscaping of urban green spaces in Croatia is characterized by the use of exotic plant species while the use of Croatian native plants is sporadic and relies on small number of well-known species. Studies show that Europeans perceive positively exotic species and find them more attractive and interesting than native plants. Some countries are characterized by species-poor flora and it is therefore understandable that they rely on non-native species. However, Croatian flora is rich in native species and in that way represents inexhaustible source for introduction of new species into cultivation and landscape use. Apart from low public and professional awareness of the significance of using native plants in landscaping urban green areas, a major problem represents the availability of native plants. Currently, Croatian nurseries offer mostly non-native ornamentals. Poor investment in scientific research aiming at introduction of new species into cultivation and use is another problem. In order to evaluate potential of Micromeria croatica for introduction into cultivation, basic data on this endemic species of the Dinarides mountain range were gathered. In the paper its distribution, morphological traits, ecology and possible landscape use are discussed.

Keywords

Micromeria croatica; Croatian native species; introduction into cultivation; ornamental horticulture

Hrčak ID:

241383

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/241383

Publication date:

18.5.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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