Geographic distribution of Lathyurus sp. and Vicia sp. genera in Greece

The aim of this study was the registration of the Greek flora’s Lathyrus sp. and Vicia sp. species and their geographic distribution in Greece. Lathyrus sp. and Vicia sp. genera of Fabaceae family include widely distributed crop and native species of the Greek flora. A great number of species of the above genera participate in the Greek grassland composition and are highly preferred by grazing animals. Furthermore, their contribution to the quality and quantity increase of the forage as well as to the improvement of soil fertility is considered important. Today there are at least 55 Vicia sp. Genera species and 32 Lathyrus sp. genera in Greece. Out of these are some endemics, four Vicia sp. genera (V.pinetorum, V. sibthorpii, V. cretica and V.cuspidate) and two Lathyrus sp. genera (L.neurolobus και L.hierosolymitanus). Most of the Vicia sp. and Lathyrus sp. speciesare annual and can be found in low areas. The number of the annual species from the two genera, is significantly larger from the deciduous species compared to the rest of Europe as consequence of their better adjustment in drought conditions, a characteristic of the Mediterranean climate of our country.