First record of <i>Spiraea hypericifolia</i> subsp. <i>hypericifolia</i> (Rosaceae) in Kosovo

This study reports the first record of Spiraea hypericifolia subsp. hypericifolia in Kosovo, found on Mt. Golesh at 740 m a.s.l. The taxon forms a dense population on serpentine substrates, occupying a specific ecological niche. Due to its limited distribution and specific habitat requirements, it faces a high risk of extinction. A preliminary conservation status assessment suggests it is Vulnerable (VU) D2 according to IUCN criteria. Additional field surveys and habitat monitoring are needed to protect this population against environmental and anthropogenic pressures.