Bupleurum odontites
Bupleurum odontites L.
Bupleurum fontanesii Guss.1, 3, 4, 5
Apiaceae – Carrot family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN A1c; B1b(ii,iii,iv)c(ii,iii)+2b(ii,iii,iv)c(ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Annual. Stem 10–50 cm high, usually branched from the base, with numerous umbels, glabrous. Leaves alternate, linear, acute, basal withering at anthesis. Inflorescence compound umbel, with 4–6 uneven rays, with 5 lanceolate, acute, reticulate bracts. Bracteoles 5, scarious, lanceolate, acute, with clearly reticulate venation. Flowers small, yellow, with unequal peduncles, 8–15 per umbel. Fruit dry, 1.5–2.5 mm long, dehiscent in two parts (mericarps). Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on relatively thick soil, in dry, grassy places, along roads, in field boundaries and abandoned arable land. Populations are dense, with 500 to 1000 individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Thracian Lowland (between Raykova Mogila and Shtit villages, Svilengrad district), Tundzha Hilly Country (Elhovo and Topolovgrad districts – near Dobrich, Malomirovo, Chernozem, Srem, Ustrem, Golyam Manastir and Malak Manastir villages); 0–300 m alt.
General distribution. Mediterranean area (S Europe, NW Africa) and SW Asia (Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine).
Threats. Grazing and tramping by domestic animals; habitat fragmentation and loss as a result of ploughing; natural and anthropogenic fires; restricted distribution.
Conservation measures taken. Some localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Protection of the species by the Biodiversity Act; detailed study of the biology and ecology of the species and existing threats.
References. Assenov 1982, 1984; Snogerup & Snogerup 2001.
Author: Stoyan Stoyanov
