Danthoniastrum compactum
Danthoniastrum compactum (Boiss. & Heldr.) Holub
Avenastrum compactum (Boiss. & Heldr.) Halácsy3
Poaceae – Grass family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(ii,iv)].
Morphology and biology. Perennial, densely caespitose plant. Stems up to 50 cm high, erect, glabrous. Leaves filiform, rigid, 0.3–0.6 mm wide, glabrous. Panicle spicate, with 3–7 closely situated spikelets. Each spikelet with 4–7 fertile florets, 15–20 mm long, with 2–5 mm long peduncles. Glumes 10–15 mm long, lanceolate, acute, glabrous, lucid, with scarious margin. Lemma 8–12 mm long, with long, soft, white hairs at base, bifurcate at apex, with a dorsal, geniculate, 10–20 mm long awn. Caryopsis oblong, compressed dorsiventrally. Fl. VI–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by vegetative means and seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on steep slopes on shallow soil or in the crevices of calcareous rocks in open herbaceous communities. Populations are with low number of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Slavyanka Mt (Parilski Dol); 1000–1500 m alt.
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula (southern, western and central part) and the Caucasus.
Threats. Erosion caused by avalanches on the steep slopes of Paril ravine; restricted distribution; low number of individuals per population.
Conservation measures taken. For protection of the habitats of the species the Biological Diversity Act requires establishment of protected areas in accordance with the regulations of the Protected Areas Act. The localities of the species are within the borders of Alibotush Strict Nature Reserve and in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Detailed study of the area and number of individuals per population, biology and ecology of the species, existing threats; collection of seed material for the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Velchev, Petrov & Ganchev 1960; Stoeva 1984; Strid 1991.
Author: Stoyan Stoyanov
