Astracantha thracica
Astracantha thracica (Griseb.) Podlech
Astragalus thracicus Griseb.1, 3
Fabaceae –Pea family
Conservation status. Vulnerable [VU C2a(i)]. BDA. Tertiary relic.
Morphology and biology. Xeromorphic, spiny shrub with robust roots. Stems 16–40(50) cm long, procumbent, densely branched, hairy. Leaves paripinnate, petiolate, terminating in a spine, stipules acuminate, fused at base. Inflorescences dense, axillary capitula, 3–7-flowered, tomentose. Flowers zygomorphic, pink or yellow. Legumes shortly pubescent to tomentose. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VIII–IX. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means.
Habitats and populations. Grows on stony slopes and screes, mostly on limestone, rarely on silicate. Soils shallow, dry, eroded. Participates in xerophilous herbaceous and open scrub communities. Populations are mosaic, with patches of different size, with few to several hundred individuals on an area of 100 m2 to 0.2 ha. Populations in pasture ecosystems are with lowest number of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (Eastern – Sinite Kamani Nature Park, near Sotirya village), Rhodopi Mts (Eastern), Thracian Lowland, Tundzha Hilly Country; at 300–800 m alt.
General distribution. Balkan and Apennine Peninsulas.
Threats. Destruction and division of the tufts by grazing; eradication of plants by mountain flooding and land slides; fires and afforestation; restricted seed reproduction due to the very dry substrate.
Conservation measures taken. The species and its habitats are protected by the Biodiversity Act. Part of the populations are within the borders of Sinite Kamani Nature Park. An Action plan for conservation of the species is in a process of elaboration.
Conservation measures needed. To protect the Lale Bair locality near Sotirya village, Sliven district, where one of the largest populations of the species occurs.
References. Vălev 1976; Stanev 1984; Sopotlieva & Petrova 2001; Stoeva 2004.
Author: Milka Stoeva
