Reintroduction of Euphorbia paralias to Gialia area, Cyprus

09 June 2017

Euphorbia paralias grows in west Europe and the Mediterranean towards the Black sea. It is a perennial species, flowering from February to December. The fruiting starts early, but ripening and dispersal of seeds starts at October and last for several months. In Cyprus, it has been recorded at 11 locations. The total population size is approximately 3100 individuals. It is classified as “Endangered” in the Red List of the flora of Cyprus. All subpopulations are threatened by tourism development, tourist use, and especially, clearance of sandy beaches and trampling. It is very likely that the plant will become extinct in the southeastern coasts, as a result of heavy tourism use. 

Within the framework of the CARE-MEDIFLORA project, the species was reintroduced to Gialia coastal area. Seedlings were transplanted from Agia Napa to Gialia, because the majority of the seedlings at Agia Napa will be destroyed during the coming touristic season as a result of the heavy use of the coastal zone. Additionally, seeds collected from Agia Napa were sown at Gialia area.

In situ conservations actions for Euphorbia paralias at Gialia area: Sowing of seeds (left), transplanting of seedlings (center) and newly established seedlings (right).

Euphorbia paralias at Agia Napa touristic area (left) and transplanting of seedling in pots (right).