Oxytropis kozuharovii
Oxytropis kozuharovii D. Pavlova, D. Dimitrov & M. Nikolova
Fabaceae – Pea family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iv); C2a(i); D]. Bulgarian endemic. Glacial relic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial, acaulescent plant. Stipules 10–15(20) mm long, 4–5(6) mm wide, scarious, triangular-lanceolate, accrete, with 1 vein. Leaves (5)7.5–10(13.5) cm long; petioles (2)2.5–4.5(5) cm long, c. 1/3 as long as the leaves. Leaves 7–10 pairs, (5)7–12(13.5) mm long, (2)3–4(6) mm wide, oblong elliptical. Inflorescences (4)6–8(10)-flowered. Bracts (5)6–8(10) mm long, shorter than calyx-tube, 1–1.5 mm wide, membranous. Corolla blue violet, 2 times as long as the calyx; standard 10–20 mm long; wings shorter than standard, 14–16 mm long. Legume (12)15–18(22) mm long, 4–5(6) mm wide. Seeds small, 1–2 mm in diameter, reniform. Fl. VII, fr. VIII–IX. Insect pollination.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on calcareous rocky places. Populations are with good density and high number of individuals. Participates in communities together with Onobrychis scardica, Cerastium decalvans, Campanula velebitica, Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi, Potentilla apennina subsp. stojanovii, Thymus perinicus, Leontopodium alpinum, Armeria alpina, etc.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Pirin Mts (northern – Okadenski Rid locality, yellow rocks); 2550–2700 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Collection by tourists passing through the locality of the species.
Conservation measures taken. The localities are within the borders of Bayuvi Dupki-Dzhindzhiritsa Strict Nature Reserve, in Pirin National Park and in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Deflection of the tourists from the locality of the species.
References. Pavlova, Dimitrov & Nikolova 1999.
Author: Dimitar Dimitrov
