Minuartia dirphya has an area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) equal to 4 km², while its local extent of occurrence is about 0.2 ha. All individuals belong to a single location regarding all threats the species faces. A continuing decline in the area, extent and quality of its habitat has been observed. The species is listed as Critically Endangered under the criterion B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Minuartia dirphya grows on the northern slopes of the 1,745 m high Mt. Dirphys in the centre of the Greek island of Euboea (Evvia). This species has a narrow geographic range, growing between 910 and 950 m altitude. The local extent of occurrence of the species is about 0.2 ha.

A complete census of the population was made in 2007 and 519 individuals were counted (Trigas and Smyrni 2009). Population size estimation was repeated in 2023; 262 mature and 47 vegetative individuals were counted. The generation length is not known, though three generations is probably longer than ten years, and it is not known how much of this apparent reduction took place in the last three generations.

This perennial species grows on serpentine substrate, preferring a thin, infertile soil layer with a high content of rock and gravel and open vegetation coverage (20-40%). Minuartia dirphya was first described in 2003, growing together with Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and Genista milii.

Minuartia dirphya grows in a small serpentine outcrop surrounded by the extensive limestone areas of Mt. Dirphys. Thus, the species is naturally restricted to an extremely small area that has suffered intense human impacts. It is estimated that during the last 30 years the species has lost about 50% of its natural habitat due to road, parking and path constructions, while about 10% of the remaining habitat area was recently formed into terraces for the placement of beehives. The area is also used for nomadic grazing by cattle and goats and most remaining individuals grow under the protection of spiny Juniperus oxycedrus. Fire could also be a threat, although the impacts are uncertain.

This species is not utilised.

Actions in Place
There are no conservation actions in place, whether in situ or ex situ.

Actions Needed
A combination of conservation actions, both in situ and ex situ are necessary for this highly threatened species. Because of the small area of the suitable habitat ex situ conservation and benign introduction are necessary to safeguard the long term survival of the species. Protected measures in situ are also urgently necessary. The species should be protected by the national and international law, and the borders of the Natura 2000 site GR2420002 should be expanded for protecting its habitat.