Ferula orientalis
Ferula orientalis L.
Apiaceae – Carrot family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(i,ii,iii,v) + 2ab(i,ii,iii,v)]. BDA, BC.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herbs with robust root. Stem 80–150 cm high. Leaves amplexicaule, quadri-pinnate, terminal lobes narrowly linear. Inflorescence compound umbel without bracts, main rays 10, umbels with 10–15 flowers. Corolla lobes elliptical, yellow. Fruit with two elliptical, thin-ribbed mericarps, about 10 mm long. Fl. V–VI, fr. VI–VII. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means.
Habitats and populations. Dry rocky and stony places and shrubs. In the locality Voynishki Bakadzhik (above Chelnik village); the species has not been confirmed nevertheless the locality has been repeatedly visited. In 1984 the species was found in the southern Black Sea coast, near Talyana, 500 m south from camping place Kavatsite near Sozopol. The population is not numerous and covers very limited area (not more than 500 m2). In 2005 the species was not found in this locality.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Recorded in the past in Toundzha Hilly Country (Voynishki Bakadzhik). Later reported for Black Sea Coast (Southern – southwards from Kavatsite camping place); up to 500 m alt.
General distribution. SE and E Europe (around Black Sea and Crimea), the Caucasus.
Threats. Small population with limited distribution, endangered by the very strong anthropogenic pressure in the region – construction activities, road infrastructure, active tourism.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. The extinct locality in Tundzha Hilly Country is in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Targeted chorological investigation for the confirmation of the species; collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank of Bulgaria, reintroduction if necessary, sustainable management of the species population.
References. Peev 1982; Peev 1984.
Authors: Dimitar Peev, Sonya Tsoneva
