Erianthus ravennae
Erianthus ravennae (L.) P. Beauv.
Saccharum ravennae (L.) Murray1
Poaceae – Grass family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv)+2ab(iii,iv)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Caespitose perennial. Stem 150–250 cm high, about 1 cm thick. Forms tufts up to 70 cm in diameter. Leaves 1–1.5 cm wide; ligules short, covered with long white hairs. Panicle 30–60 cm long. Lower glumes with 3 veins, long-attenuate to an acute apex; awn 2 times as long as the lemma. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows on damp to moist sands. Forms populations of different sizes; smallest is that in valley of Struma River.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast, valley of Struma River (southern).
General distribution. Mediterranean area, Caucasus, Kazakhstan, C Asia.
Threats. Tourism development is a potential threat for the species through mechanical eradication and destruction of the individuals and pollution. Massive building activities in the coastal area cause habitat deterioration and loss.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species under the national Biodiversity Act.
Conservation measures needed. Monitoring of the populations in the country.
References. Georgiev 1963; Meshinev et al. 1994.
Author: Iva Apostolova
