The threats to the integrity of Crete’s endemic plants, particularly its aromatic herbs, were discussed at a conference held on 28th March in Chania, organised by the Samaria National Park Management Unit, which is now part of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA). The following is an edited version of the report of the conference published on the Haniotika Nea website. Sideritis is also known as “ironwort” as the name is derived from the Greek word for iron – in modern Greek sidiros. Because of its anti-microbial properties it was used in ancient times as a treatment for wounds from iron weapons.