Campanula versicolor
Campanula versicolor Andrews
Campanulaceae – Bellflower family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii); D]. BDA. Tertiary relict.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herb. Stems 10–50 cm tall, at the base with remains of old leaves. Lower cauline leaves 25–80 mm long, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, crenate or dentate, coriaceous; upper ones smaller. Inflorescence paniculate, many-flowered. Corolla broadly campanulate, 12–15(30) mm long, pale bluish violet, darker near the mouth. Capsule many seeded. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. IX–X. Insect pollinated. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows in limestone open rocky places and rock crevices, on southern exposures. Forms communities of its own or with Inula aschersoniana, Aurinia saxatilis, Micromeria cristata, etc., in the xerothermic oak forests belt. Populations are fragmented, small (fragments usually comprising a few individuals) and with poor reproductive potential.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Znepole egion (north-western parts of Konyavska Mt, in the region between Zemen Railway station and Ruzhdavitsa village); from 550 up to 750 m alt.
General distribution. S Europe (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, NE Italy, R Macedonia, Serbia).
Threats. The increased anthropogenic pressure (quarries exploitation, road construction works, grazing) in the distribution area have negative impact on the habitats and threaten the species with extinction.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. The localities are situated in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Elaboration of an Action plan for the species conservation; designation of a protected territory comprising the localities in the region of railway station of Zemen – railway station of Polska Skakavitsa – Ruzhdavitsa village as well as the north-western slopes of Konyavska Mt.
References. Fedorov 1976; Ančev 1984, (in press).
Authors: Valentina Goranova, Mincho Anchev
