Dactylorhiza romana (Orchidaceae), a New Species in the Flora of Kosovo and Metohija

Abstract

Dactylorhiza romana (Sebast.) Soó (Orchidaceae) was found in April 2023 in the northern part of the Šar-Planina Mountains at Štrpce (Vrbeštica). This is the first record of this Mediterranean-Submediterranean species in Kosovo and Metohija. Data on its morphology, flowering period, distribution, habitat preferences, population size, and conservation status are provided. The species was recorded at 1031 m a.s.l. as a member of the grassland community Festucetum valesiacae s.l. Long-term monitoring and carefully planned in situ conservation of the population and its habitat in this part of the Balkan Peninsula are necessary.