Corispermum marschalii
Corispermum marschalii Steven
Chenopodiaceae – Goosefoot family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(i,ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Annual, 30–40 cm high, densely branched from the base, green, pubescent above. Leaves alternate, narrow, flashy, 15–25 mm long, 2–5 mm wide. Flowers without a perianth, in dense, axillary, hairy spikes, terminal on the stems and branches. Fl. VII–IX, fr. VIII–X. Reproduction by seeds; in dry years seed production is low.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on alluvial sands, soils and sand stripes along the bank of the Danube river and on the islands. Populations are strongly fragmented, with small area and low numbers: 3–12 individuals on an area of 35 m2.
Distribution in Bulgaria. NE Bulgaria (eastwards from Ruse Port), Danubian Plain (Belene islands and Golemiyat Ostrov island near Vardim village).
General distribution. C Europe, Balkan Peninsula, Russia, Siberia, Caucasus.
Threats. Instability of the habitat caused by the natural permanent change of the coastline; damage and destruction of plants by the local fishermen; restricted distribution, very low population numbers and density; fluctuations in seed production and number of plants.
Conservation measures taken. One of the localities is in Stariyat Dab Protected site. Due to administrative regions the access to Belene island is restricted. Some localities are within sites of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Protection of the species and its habitats by the national Biodiversity Act; monitoring of the numbers of the populations and habitat state.
References. Jordanov & Kuzmanov 1966; Markova 1984; Panov 1987.
Author: Milka Stoeva
