Moellendorf’s Alyssum – Alyssum moellendorffianum Asch. ex G. Beck

The low-lying, perennial herbaceous plant Moellendorf’s Alyssum belongs to the mustard flower family (Cruciferae, also known as Brassicaceae). The whole plant is thickly covered in silver-grey stellate hairs. The leaves are entire, reverse ovate, and a shiny silvery-gray on both sides. Flowers are intense yellow. The plant flowers in May and June.

It inhabits the dolomite complex in the area around the town of Konjic, and has an important role in inhabiting bare dolomites where it forms the plant community Alyssetum moellendorffiani H. Ritter. This species inhabits this area only, and is narrowly endemic to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Because its habitat is disappearing, Moellendorf’s Allysum is designated as very endangered on the Bosnia and Herzegovina Red List.