Anetum graveolens
Anetum graveolens L.
Apiaceae – Parsley family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(v)].
Morphology and biology. Annual. Root tapering, with filiform lateral roots. Stem 40–150 cm, branched, glaucous. Leaves 1.5–3.5 cm, long petiolate, with scarious sheath margin, ovate, with 8–15 mm long, 1.1–1.5 mm wide, linear to filiform, furcate segments. Inflorescence compound umbel, with 30–50 main rays. Umbels with 15–35 flowers. Flowers 2.0–2.5 mm in diameter, petals 1.2–1.5 × 0.8–0.9 mm, ovate, deeply incised at apex, yellow. Fruits ovate, dorsally compressed, with 3, thin, parallel ribs. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. On rocks at sea shores and river banks. Populations consist of few individuals or small groups. The area of distribution decreases due to habitat destruction or natural vegetation succession.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast (south of Nesebar, Pomorie, Sozopol, Ahtopol), Danubian Plain (Ruse).
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula, Mediterranean region, SE Asia.
Threats. Economic activities (tourism, construction activities, pollution); small population sizes and low reproductive potential; low competitiveness and specific habitat requirements.
Conservation measures taken. Part of the population is within the borders of Strandzha Nature Park. Some localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Monitoring and study of the population size and density, state of habitats and the threatening factors.
Note. There are some populations which have naturalized in Sofia Region, and Thracian Lowland, but they do not need special conservation measures.
References. Peev 1982; Andreev 1984.
Author: Chavdar Gussev
