Chamaecytisus frivaldszkyanus
Chamaecytisus frivaldszkyanus (Degen) Kuzmanov
Fabaceae – Pea family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(iv); C2a(i)]. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Shrub, 20–30(50) cm high, shoots and branches erect, densely covered by straight and hooked hairs. Leaves ternate, leaflets 10–12 mm long, 3–12 mm wide, sparsely pubescent to subglabrous. Flowers 5–10 in terminal capitula. Corolla white, 18–22 mm long, standard nearly entirely covered by dense, patent hairs on the outer surface. Calyx zygomorphic, 10–13 mm long, 4(5) mm wide. Legume 2–2.5 cm long, 5–6 mm wide, densely covered by patent hairs. Seeds 3–4, reniform, brown, smooth. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Among bushes and in open forests in the mountains and their foothills; populations are with small number of individuals, in groups or solitary.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Danubian Plain, Forebalkan, Balkan Range (central, eastern), Rhodopi Mts (central), Thracian Lowland, Toundzha Hilly Country; up to 1200 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Strongly fragmented populations with low number of individuals; strong anthropogenic impact; low reproductive potential.
Conservation measures taken. A small population falls within the borders of Kamenshtitsa Strict Nature Reserve in Central Balkan Range. Part of the localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Monitoring of the population state.
References. Kuzmanov 1976, 1978.
Author: Tenyo Meshinev
