Convolvulus althaeoides
Convolvulus althaeoides L.
Convolvulus elegantissimus Mill.1
Convolvulaceae – Bindweed family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herb. Stems trailing or twining, branched. Leaves petiolate, with dense appressed hairs; basal ovate, lobes dentate to deeply palmate. Flowers individual or in groups of (2)3(5) in the axils of upper cauline leaves. Corolla 2.5–4 cm long, infundibuliform, pink, rarely whitish. Capsule sub-globose, 4-seeded. Seeds brown, with finely granulate surface. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows in grassy and stony places. Only one population recorded so far in abandoned fields by the Danube near Florentin village, Vidin district. The population consists of several hundred mature individuals growing in smaller or larger groups.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Danubian Plain (Florentin village); at about 100 m alt.
General distribution. Mediterranean area, Macaronesia.
Threats. The increasing density of the grassy vegetation cover and some shrubs (Rubus spp.) have negative effect on the species. Potential threat is ploughing of the currently abandoned agricultural field for growing annual crops. Extensive grazing has been registered in the locality in the past few years which, if intensified, may have negative effect on the species.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species under the national Biodiversity Act. A proposal for designation of the locality as a protected area has been submitted. An Action plan for conservation of the species is in a process of elaboration.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population dynamics and trends, species biology and ecology; population monitoring and deposition of seeds to the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Kuzmanov 1982; Vasilev 1984.
Author: Vladimir Vladimirov
