Carex limosa
Carex limosa L.
Cyperaceae – Sedge family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(i,ii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iv,v)].
Morphology and biology. Perennial, herbaceous, grey green plant with a creeping rhizome. Stems up to 35 cm high, trigonous, leafy. Inflorescence longer than the lowest bract, consisting of one apical male and 1–2 female spikes, nodding on long slender peduncles. Utricles shorter than the glume, greyish or bluish green, elliptical, prominently veined, abruptly contracted into beak. Nut greenish-yellow. Fl. V–VII, fr. VI–VIII. Wind pollination. Reproduction mainly by vegetative means, more rarely by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs in natural, marshy lakes, peat bogs and swampy places in the high-mountain belt. Populations are mosaic, on restricted area and with less than 1000 individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Vitosha region (Vitosha Mt – Kamenno Zdanie locality), Rhodopi Mts (central – Smolyanski lakes); at 1200–1800 m alt.
General distribution. Almost whole Europe, Caucasus, Asia, incl. Asia Minor, N America.
Threats. Restricted distribution; small area and low numbers of the populations; destruction of plants by fishermen and tourists at Smolyanski lakes; change of the habitat as a result from the cleaning of the lakes and their adaptation for water sports with boats; pollution with household waste.
Conservation measures taken. For protection of the habitats of the species the Biological Diversity Act requires establishment of protected areas in accordance with the regulations of the Protected Areas Act. The locality in Vitosha Mt. is within the borders of Vitosha Nature Park. Both known localities are within sites of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Preservation of the habitat of the Smolyanski lakes population; undertaking of urgent management plans if necessary.
References. Achtarov 1957; Vălev 1964; Markova 1984; Stoeva & Popova 1989.
Author: Milka Stoeva
