Lathyrus palustris – a newly discovered species in Slovenia

A conspicuous wetland species, Lathyrus palustris L. with Holarctic distribution has been discovered as new for the flora of Slovenia, although the wetland flora and vegetation of the country is relatively well studied. We recorded the species in the area of the intermittent Lake Cerknica, growing in different herbaceous wetland plant communities. The ecology fits the data from the surrounding regions. Our finding fills an important gap in the distribution area between Southeastern and Central Europe, where the species’ rarity has resulted in it being declared endangered and accordingly protected.