Linum pallasianum
Linum pallasianum Schult.
Linaceae – Flax family
Conservation status. Regionally extinct [RE].
Morphology and biology. Perennial herb with numerous non-flowering rosettes. Flowering stems 5–20 cm high, erect, densely or sparsely pubescent. Leaves of non-flowering rosettes 10–15 mm long, 2–3 mm wide, spathulate, lanceolate-spathulate to linear, short petiolate, with a pair of dark brown stipular glands at base, densely or sparsely pubescent. Cauline leaves 10–25 mm long, 2–2.5 mm wide, linear-lanceolate to linear, broadly sessile at base, pubescent, with a pair of dark brown stipular glands at base. Bracts lanceolate. Inflorescence terminal, few-flowered. Flowers actinomorphic, heterostylous. Sepals 6–7 mm long, 2–2.5 mm wide, longer than capsule, with glandular serrulate margin. Petals obovate, yellow. Fruit ovoid to globose capsule with short beak. Seeds dark brown with dull surface. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. On dry grassy and stony calcareous places, in the lowerlands. Forms small in number populations with limited area. The occurrence of the taxon in Bulgaria was in the southwesternmost part of its distribution area. Currently the species is extinct from the Bulgarian flora.
Distribution in Bulgaria. NE Bulgaria (Silistra town); 150 m alt.
General distribution. E and SE Europe.
Threats. Regional extinction was caused by habitat loss due to building activities.
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures needed. Targeted search for other occurrences of the species in suitable habitats and sites, especially along the border with Romanian Dobrudzha.
References. Ockendon & Walters 1968; Petrova 1979, 1984.
Author: Ana Petrova
