Campanula euxina
Campanula euxina (Velen.) Ančev
Campanulaceae – Bellflower family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii)]. BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Laxly caespitose perennial. Stems 15–45 cm, erect. Leaves rounded dentate; basal cordate, long-petiolate; cauline subsessile. Flowers small, 5 to 10, rarely more, buds pendent; corolla campanulate, blue. Fruit coriaceous capsule with many dark brown seeds. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Insect pollinated. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows in calcareous rocky and stony places on shallow and eroded soils. Takes part in open xerophytic plant communities of Carpinus orientalis, Celtis caucasica, Ostrya carpinifolia, and Cotinus coggygra together with Alyssum pulvinare, Calamintha nepeta, Campanula sibirica, etc. Populations are small, with limited reproductive potential probably due the narrow ecological niche the species occupies.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea Coast (Northern – Frangensko plateau), Northeast Bulgaria (near Madara village and on Provadiisko plateau); from 100 to 500 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. The increasing anthropogenic impact by the relatively constant tourist flow and intensive agricultural activities causes negative habitat changes and decrease of the species area of occupancy.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. The population in the region of Madara and Kyulevcha villages is in Madarski Skalni Ventsi Protected Site. Part of the localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Population monitoring aiming at the optimization of the protecting regime; elaboration of an action plan for the protection of the species.
References. Kovanda & Ančev 1989; Petrova & Velchev 2006; Ančev (in press).
Authors: Mincho Anchev & Valentina Goranova
