Stachys babunensis Micevski (Lamiaceae), rare endemic in the flora of the Republic of North Macedonia

Vol 28 No 1 (2025): Acta Musei Macedonici Scientiarum Naturalium

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide further insight into the distribution and ecology of Stachys babunensis in the flora of North Macedonia. It is a Macedonian endemic species, described by Micev ski, in 1992, in the Babuna River Gorge (Pešti locality), near the city of Veles. In addition to this gorge, S. babunensis has also been found in another one – the Raec River Gorge (near Kavadarci). A review of the findings (based on the available herbarium specimens), since Micevski’s discovery indicates that S. babunensis is indeed a rare species in the flora of North Macedonia. This conclusion is supported by the results of several visits to the Babuna River Gorge this year (2025), during which only two specimens were found. A list of characteristic species associated with S. babunensis in the Babuna River Gorge is presented.