Astracantha arnacantha
Astracantha arnacantha (M. Bieb.) Podlech subsp. aitosensis (Ivan.) Réer & Podlech
Astracantha aitosensis (Ivan.) Podlech2, 6 ; Astragalus aitosensis Ivan.1, 3
Fabaceae – Pea family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(ii,v); C2a(ii)]. IUCN(R), BDA, BC. Bulgarian endemic. Relic.
Morphology and biology. Low, spiny, tussock-forming shrub. Stems strongly branched, 30–50 cm. Leaves paripinnate, with 4–5 pairs of leaflets, with dense hairs on both sides, the rachis ending in a sharp spine. Calyx with long white hairs. Flowers sessile, yellowish white or pink. Legume 2–5 mm long, villous. Seeds reniform. Fl. V–VI, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means.
Habitats and populations. Grows in dry stony places with neutral to alkaline soil condition. The habitat is characterised by extremely high and low temperatures and summer drought. The population occupies an area of 1222.5 ha. Spatial distribution of specimens is uneven. More successful reproduction occurs in eroded and stony places.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (eastern – region of Aitos, between Karageorgievo, Lyaskovo and Sudievo villages); 90–550 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Urbanization in the surroundings of Aitos town; fires; afforestation with coniferous species; intensive grazing; changes in land use and ploughing of terrains; exploitation of quarries.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. Part of the population is situated within Nahodishte Na Bodlivo Sgrabiche Protected Site.
Conservation measures needed. Control of the population and prevention of destruction of specimens; reduction of household waste in the southeastern area of the population; prevention of illegal buildings/construction; raising the awareness of local population about the conservation significance of the species.
References. Velčev, Bondev 1975; Vălev 1976; Walter & Gillet 1998; Apostolova & Dimitrova 2002.
Author: Iva Apostolova
