Arenaria rhodopaea
Arenaria rhodopaea Delip.
Caryophyllaceae – Pink family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN A1c; B1ab(iv)+2ab(iv); C1]. BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herbaceous plant. Stems up to 15–20 cm long, slender, dichotomously branched above, densely covered with short simple and hairs and glands. Leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 2–4 mm long, 1.2–2 mm wide. Flowers 5–10 in lax, terminal dichasia. Peduncles 3–5 times as long as the calyx. Bracts ovate-lanceolate, 3–6 times shorter than the peduncles. Petals white. Fruit a capsule. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VIII–IX. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on the steep rocks of Trigradsko Zhdrelo gorge, in the beech belt. Populations are with good number of individuals. Part of communities of Malcolmia serbica, Aster alpinus, Saxifraga stribrnyi, Micromeria cristata, Kernera saxatilis, etc.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (central – Trigradsko Zhdrelo gorge); between 1200–1250 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Erosion of the calcareous rocks, tourists, car traffic in the gorge.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. Populations are within the borders of Trigradsko Zhdrelo Protected Site and in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Improved control of the visitors of Trigradsko Zhdrelo Protected Site.
References. Chater & Hallidey 1964; Delipavlov 1964; Kozhuharov & Kuzmanov 1966; Delipavlov 1984.
Author: Dimitar Dimitrov
