Crithmum maritimum
Crithmum maritimum L.
Apiaceae – Carrot family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(ii)].
Morphology and biology. Herbaceous rhizomatous perennial. Stem 20–50 cm, woody at base, branched in the upper part. Leaves pinnate, glabrous, with hyaline margin. Bracts 6–8. Umbels 20–50-flowered. Petals yellowish green, glabrous. Fruit ovate, glabrous; mericarps convex, 3–4.5 cm long, 1.5–2.0 cm wide, with 3 ridges. Fl. VI–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows in rocky places such as maritime rocks and rock crevices. Forms fragmented populations in the coastal area. Requires moist and saline habitats in close proximity to the sea. Populations are with high density and numerical strength in almost all known localities.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast.
General distribution. Atlantic coast of Europe, Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, Macaronesia.
Threats. Tourism development is a potential threat that may cause mechanical destruction of plants and domestic pollution; building activities in the coastal area cause habitat destruction.
Conservation measures taken. Some populations are included in Kaliakra and Ropotamo Strict Nature Reserves and in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. No special measures required.
References. Peev 1982; Petrova, Venkova, Gerasimova 2002.
Author: Iva Apostolova
