Acanthus spinosus
Acanthus spinosus L.
Acanthaceae – Acanthus family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(ii,iii); C2a(i)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial. Stems 20–80 cm, densely pubescent, round in cross-section. Basal leaves 10–40 × 5–20 cm, oblong, pinnatifid or pinnatisect, spinose-dentate. Cauline leaves smaller, almost sessile. Fl. V–VI, fr. VI–VIII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Among shrubs of Paliurus spina-christi on shallow soil. The subpopulations are small and fragmented.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea Coast (Southern), Sredna Gora Mts, Thracian Lowland; from sea level up to 600 m alt.
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula, Italy.
Threats. Changes in land use; building activities in the areas of distribution of the populations; building of roads and railways.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biological Diversity Act. Some localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Elaboration of an action plan and detailed study of the chorology, biology and ecology of the species, numerical strength and areas of its subpopulations; long-term monitoring; collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria. If proven necessary, designation of a protected area for the conservation of the species.
References. Jordanov 1934a; Popova 1984; Petrova 1995; Heywood & Richardson 1972.
Author: Dessislava Dimitrova
