Horticultural Potential of the Flora from Karstic Dolines in the Northern Dinarides

Karstic dolines are unique geomorphological and ecological features of limestone landscapes, characterised by strong microclimatic and edaphic gradients. These concave landforms form natural microrefugia that harbour a variety of plant species. In this study, dolines in the northern Dinarides on the Kras Plateau were investigated to assess the horticultural potential of their flora. Vegetation surveys along edge-to-bottom transects revealed a pronounced species turnover and differentiation of functional traits. Shade-tolerant geophytes and early-flowering perennials dominate the bottoms of the dolines, while the edges harbour drought-tolerant aromatic herbs. Not only do dolines serve biodiversity conservation by acting as microrefugia, but they also preserve cultural heritage through ethnobotanical species and provide a species pool for the selection of plants with horticultural potential. We selected horticultural important plants (HPs) and analysed them within the dolines. Depending on their morphology and seasonal occurrence, they can be divided into woody species, early and late spring flowering species, orchids, and structural species. By linking biodiversity conservation with applied horticulture, this study emphasises the multifunctional role of dolines as small natural features of disproportionate ecological and horticultural importance. We suggest that integrating doline species into horticultural utilisation could improve sustainability, diversify plantings, and strengthen climate adaptation strategies.