Gentiana nivalis
Gentiana nivalis L.
Gentianaceae − Gentian family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(ii,iii,v)].
Morphology and biology. Annual herb, (2)5−20 cm, with thin roots. Stems erect, single or several, simple or branched, sulcate. Basal leaves in a rosette, sessile, ovate; cauline leaves lanceolate to lanceolate-elliptical, connate in sheaths at base. Flowers 1−5(7), terminal or axillary. Corolla 15−25 mm, intense blue; patent lobes 3−4 times shorter than corolla-tube, ovate-lanceolate to ovate-triangular. Fruit a capsule. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Autogamous. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. A high-mountain species that grows in wet peaty and stony meadows, Sphagnum-dominated mires and along stream banks. Populations are very fragmented; individuals grow in small groups or solitary.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Vitosha region (Vitosha Mt), Rila Mts; above 1800 m alt. The species is reported for Forebalkan (eastern), Balkan Range (central), Pirin Mts, Rhodopi Mts (western).
General distribution. N Europe, mountains of S Europe southwards to the Pyrenees, S Apennines and Bulgaria, SW Asia (Asia Minor), N America.
Threats. Climate aridisation; limited distribution of the species, low density of the populations; adaptation to specific habitats; trampling by tourists and drying up of the habitats.
Conservation measures taken. Species localities are within Vitosha Nature Park and Rila National Park, as well as in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Protection of the species by the national Biodiversity Act. Research on population number and range, species biology, ecology, and threats. Population monitoring. Preserving of seed material in the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Kozhuharov & Petrova 1982; Kožuharova 1994.
Author: Daniella Ivanova
