Chara vulgaris L. (Charales) in springs on Amorgos island (Greece)

A total of 19 springs were visited in 2012, 2013 and 2015. The springs are of different kinds, open or
closed. Chara vulgaris was found in nine open springs, all situated on bedrock of flysch. Six of the
springs contained C. vulgaris f. longibracteata, a form which is also found on several surrounding
islands. Some of these springs also have a similar fauna of aquatic animals. This suggests that the
islands are remains of a larger Aegean mainland, which de facto existed. It is difficult to explain
how the charophytes have been dispersed to different springs on Amorgos. Charophytes are most
commonly dispersed by water birds, which may have been the case on Amorgos. Another possibility
is dispersal by human activities in and around the springs. The springs are small beauty spots in the
landscape, and it is hoped that they will be cared for in the future.