GREAT BURNET SAXIFRAGE

By walking along the torrential stream gully that stretches from the hamlet of Japići to the bottom of Kamčanik Stream, we come to a spot where the torrential stream flows into Kamačnik leaving alluvial deposits (and bringing nutrients to the soil). Here we see a grassy plain, overgrown by associations of several plant species. The most common among these are umbellifers, in particular the great burnet saxifrage (Pimpinella major). During the summer months the plant’s numerous lace-like flat-topped flower clusters, made up of tiny white flowers, almost completely cover the surface of the meadow.

The other species found here include an unusual combination of the representatives of mountain grasslands (oregano, large-flowered selfheal, thyme) as well as species of wetter habitats (moor grass, ground elder, horse mint, cabbage thistle and others). The meadow had been mowed in the past. In recent years, however, mowing has been abandoned, gradually causing the botanical composition of the meadow to change over time.

At present, umbellifers are the most numerous plants, although, little by little, woody plants have also begun to encroach on the meadow. Certain types of shrubs such as the purple willow (Salix purpurea), found in abundance along the banks of Kamačnik Stream, and other woody plants are colonising the meadow.

KAMAČNIK STREAM

ENCROACHMENT OF MEADOW BY PLANTS AND SHRUBS