This species is classed as Critically Endangered because it is restricted to a scattered population on a small islet of 12 km² with an even smaller area of occupancy. The main threats to the habitat are human disturbance, grazing and fire. Especially the latter can wipe out the whole population.

This small shrub is endemic to the island of Marettimo (part of the Egadi archipelago, just west of Sicily). It grows in 11 localities on the northern side of the island in an area of 7 km². The extent of occurrence is less than 100 km².

The population size is estimated to be 300-500 individuals. The population trend is probably stable.

This small, cushion-shaped perennial shrub grows on calcareous cliffs at an altitude of 20-600 m, preferring north-facing slopes and growing in the cracks of limestone rock faces.

This species is considered to be a paleoendemic, which means that it was once much more widely distributed than today, and probably grew throughout the mountains of the Mediterranean when the region had a tropical climate. The plant reproduces from seeds only, a common characteristic of plants growing in such habitats. Mist is probably its main source of water.

Despite growing on largely inaccessible cliffs, it is threatened by human disturbance, grazing wild animals, and fire. Given the tiny population and extent of habitat, just one catastrophic event could decimate the remaining population.

Actions in Place
Legally: This species is listed in Appendix I of the Bern Convention (ratified by Italy in 1997). It is also listed in the Top 50 Mediterranean Island Plants (Montmollin De and Strahm 2005).

In situ: The whole area of Marettimo Island is included within the SCI (Site of Community Importance) of "Isola di Marettimo" (ITA010002) and within the proposed Marettimo Nature Reserve.

Ex situ: Seeds are conserved in the germplasm bank of the Department of Botanical Science of Palermo University. Plants are cultivated in the botanic gardens of Florence and Palermo.

Actions Needed
The species would benefit from the entire island being designated as a nature reserve, which would help to control grazing and fires. Its collection should be prohibited.