Flora of Kimolos

The vegetation of Kimolos is typical of the less mountainous Cycladic islands: a thinner or thicker phrygana covers all slopes, with more intense presence locally of lentiscs or wild olive trees. In many places sparse stands of Phoenicean junipers (Juniperus phoenicea) are preserved, as in the so-called Black Forest, in the main ravine of Route 1.

The oleander stands along the ravines, the small dunes across some beaches and the alophytic vegetation of Alyki small wetland are some other types of habitats found on the islabnd.

During a recent (2012) study, researhers recorded 443 plant species on Kimolos. This figure is about half the flora diversity of the neighboring Milos (about 850 species). The most interesting occurrences are species of aride rocky places (Helichrysum etc.), coastal species (Limonium sp. and the widespread but impressive and endangered sea lily, Pangratium maritimum) and shrub species (colchicums, like Colchicum cupanii), autumn crocuses (Crocus laevigatus and Crocus cartwrightianus) and orchids of the genus Ophrys, etc.

A hiking and nature guide of topoguide app series, dedicated to Kimolos, is under development. However, all the island's beaches are already included in the application topoguide Greece, available for both Android and iOS (iPhone και iPad) devices.