Petrolamium crnojevicii Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina is a new, monotypic genus and species discovered within the flora of Montenegro. It is a semi-herbaceous perennial that grows in crevices of limestone rocks and in thermophilous oak and hornbeam groves. This species is distinguished by its characteristic leaves, small whitish flowers and triangular seeds, which are dispersed by ants.
Molecular analysis has shown that this is a distinct evolutionary lineage related to the tribe Lamieae, which possesses a unique number of chromosomes (32) and whose closest relative is found in the Himalayas. It was discovered in 2019 in the area of the village of Štitari in the vicinity of the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje. The genus was named in honour of ruler Ivan Crnojević, as the plant grows on the karstic slopes around Soko grad, the fortress where Crnojević once held court.
The discovery of a new genus in contemporary European flora is considered exceptionally rare and is regarded a scientific sensation. Due to its extremely restricted distribution and small number of populations, the species has been assessed as critically endangered according to the IUCN criteria.
Montenegro Post is issuing a commemorative stamp and a first day cover as part of the Flora Petrolamium crnojevicii Dragićević, Vuksanović & Surina edition.
