Life on gypsum: the vegetation of gypsum ecosystems in Cyprus

Gypsum ecosystems occur in arid and semi-arid areas, where evaporation is intense and annual precipitation is low and insufficient to leach the gypsum. They host sparse and scattered vegetation, composed of species specialized in this soil type. In Cyprus, gypsophilous vegetation is part of the priority habitat *1520 Iberian gypsum steppes (Gypsophiletalia) characterized by Campanula fastigiata, Gypsophila linearifolia, and Teucrium salaminium. Despite the ecological importance of gypsophilous vegetation, its distribution and ecology in Cyprus is still understudied. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive account of the gypsum communities, focusing on the distribution of gypsophytes in relation to the substrate and the floristic composition of gypsum soils. Floristic inventory was carried out in 27 sites with gypsum soil. Biophysical information and data about human impact were also recorded. A total of 97 taxa were identified, including three gyspophile species, two gypsoclines, 20 gypsovags, and 72 waifs. A new endemic Rostraria hadjikyriakou was recorded in five locations. The known geographical distribution of gypsophilous vegetation has been updated. For 35% of the sites, gypsophilous vegetation was recorded for the first time while none of the characteristic gypsophilous species was found in the western part of the island.