Flora of the cobbled streets and pavements in the Mediterranean Old City of Dubrovnik during the COVID-19 lockdown

During the COVID-19 lockdown, which significantly reduced human trampling in Dubrovnik's Old City, researchers documented 57 plant species and three subspecies thriving on cobbled streets and pavements. The study, conducted in April 2020, revealed a dominance of therophytes (annual plants), cosmopolitan taxa, and species associated with ruderal habitats such as Papaveretea rhoeadis and Chenopodietea. By analyzing taxonomic composition, life forms, chorotypes, and phytosociological traits across eight sites—including the main street Stradun—the research underscored the resilience of urban flora in historical settings when subjected to minimal disturbance. This unique observation highlights the potential for urban plant communities to flourish under altered environmental conditions, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of Mediterranean World Heritage Sites.

Jasprica, N., Milović, M.,. (2020). Flora of the cobbled streets and pavements in the Mediterranean Old City of Dubrovnik during the COVID-19 lockdown. Natura Croatica, 29(1), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.20302/nc.2020.29.3