Convolvulus persicus
Convolvulus persicus L.
Convolvulaceae – Bindweed family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iv); C2a(i,ii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial plant with short woody rhizome. Stems 15–40 cm high, erect, with dense leaves. Leaves elliptic-ovoid, entire, 3–4.5 cm long, densely white lanate. Flowers individual, axillary, peduncles shorter than the leaves. Corolla infundibuliform, 3–4.5 cm, white, with 5 pubescent stripes on the outer side. Fruit ovoid pod, 10 mm long, with 1–2 black seeds. Fl. V–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Coastal sands, usually in places with ground waters. During the past decade only 2 subpopulations have been observed (along the Durankulashko Lake beach), both numbering less than 10 individuals each. Later, one of the subpopulations disappeared. Search to confirm the species in the other reported localities has been unsuccessful since 1990.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast (near the Rezovska River mouth, Silistar bay, Kamchia River estuary and Durankulashko Lake); at sea level. After 1995 recorded only near Durankulashko lake.
General distribution. C Asia and Asia Minor, Caucasus and Black Sea coast.
Threats. Limited distribution and small size of the populations; tourist pressure in the coastal areas. Unknown negative factors are also possible.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. The localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Urgent study of the biology and ecology of the species, threatening factors; elaboration of action plan for conservation of the species; reintroduction from a Romanian population is recommendable.
References. Yordanov 1932; Kuzmanov 1982, Strat 2005a, b; Vichodtsevsky 1963.
Author: Antoaneta Petrova
