This plant is native to the Taygetos Mountain range and Mount Parnon in south Greece with an extent of occurrence of c. 1,146 km², area of occupancy of 20 km² and four locations. It occurs in five scattered and small subpopulations which are in decline. The total number of individuals is not known but the largest subpopulation hosts 1,000 specimen and there are scattered patches with less than 5 – 15 individuals. The main cause of decline in both habitat quality and number of mature individuals is grazing. It is therefore assessed as Endangered under Β1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

This plant is native to south Greece and found in the Taygetos Mountain range from Mt. Xerovouna in the north towards the summit area of Mt. Profitis Ilias and Mt. Mavrovouna in the south, at the Rindomou gorge and Mt. Parnonas, at the summit area named Megali Tourla. It grows between 1,350-2,130 m altitude (Kamari et al. 2009). It is also recorded from a location near Kremasti village (Strid 2022).

It occurs in five scattered and small populations which are declining (Commission of the European Communities 2009).

At Mt. Parnonas, there are 150 individuals in an area of 0.02 km². Mt. Xerovouna hosts 50 individuals and Mt. Mavrovouna has c. 1,000 individuals. There are also scattered patches of the plant including usually less than 5 – 15 individuals (Kamari et al.2009).

This species grows on limestone substrate, on dry rocky places, in crevices and on cliffs. It appears locally in scattered subpopulations, consisting of few individuals (often less than 5-15),which form compact masses or pillow formations, in places relatively protected by grazing (Kamari et al. 2009).

Grazing causes gradual decline of the number of mature individuals and is the main threat (Kamari et al. 2009). Moreover, grazing affects the quality of the species' habitat.

This species is listed as priority species on Annex II of the Habitats Directive and under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) under the name Crepis crocifolia. It is included in the Red Data Book of Greece as Endangered (EN) under the name Phitosia crocifolia (Kamari et al. 2009) and is protected by the Presidential Decree 67/81.

A few plants are cultivated at the botanical garden of Patras University but they do not produce fruits. Most of the subpopulations are included in Natura 2000 sites, namely: GR2550006 (OROS TAYGETOS), GR2540005 (LAGKADA TRYPIS) and GR2540001 (ORI GIDOVOUNI, CHIONOVOUNI, GAIDOUROVOUNI, KORAKIA, KALOGEROVOUNI, KOULOCHERA KAI PERIOCHI MONEMVASIAS). Grazing must be controlled, in order for the species to survive. Also, research must be done for the entire population of the species, in order to effectively protect it, as well as for the threats it faces in every locality and actions that must be taken towards its conservation. Monitoring the population for several years along with planning its recovery and management of the area it occupies, are extremely urgent. Germplasm must be kept in seed banks, as well as ex situ propagation and cultivation of the species. Citizens' awareness and communication of the significance of this plant for the country's environment will also play a huge role for its survival. The state has to protect it.