Linaria brachyphylla
Linaria brachyphylla Delip.
Scrophulariaceae – Figwort family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(ii); E]. BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Herbaceous perennial. Stem 10–20 cm, erect, branched, glaucous. Leaves fleshy, sessile, alternate, cordate at base, acute, with a narrow hyaline margin. Raceme lax, with 3–5 flowers. Calyx lobes cordate-auriculate at base, acute, with narrow hyaline margin, glabrous. Corolla 16–22 mm long, yellow, upper part with rounded segments; lower white-ciliate at base and with rounded, truncate at apex lobes. Spur conical-subulate, 14–18 mm long, strait or curved downwards. Capsule globose, 3 mm in diameter. Seeds 3-walled, scabrid, with obscure ridges. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–X. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows in stony and grassy places on the northern slopes of Belasitsa Mt.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Belasitsa Mt (Tumba peak); 1500–1700 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Anthropogenic impact – grazing, trampling, wood cuttings, fires.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. The locality is within Belasitsa Nature Park and in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the numerical strength and area of the population; study of the biology and ecology of the species; collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Delipavlov & Popova 1995.
Author: Elena Genova
