Peridictyon sanctum
Peridictyon sanctum (Janka) Seberg, S. Frederiksen & Baden
Agropyron sanctum (Janka) Formánek3, Brachypodium sanctum (Janka) Janka1, Festucopsis sancta (Janka) Melderis4, 5
Poaceae – Grass family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,iv)+2ab(ii,iv)]. IUCN(R). Balkan endemic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial caespitose plant. Stems 40–80 cm high, erect, glabrous, basal leaf-sheaths disintegrating into a mass of reticulate fibres. Leaves filiform, enrolled, rigid, glabrous, 0.8–1.5 mm in diameter. Spike with 5–10 spikelets. Spikelets laterally compressed, 10–15 mm long, with 4–7 florets. Glumes subequal, lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous. Lemma glabrous, 8–10 mm long, with a terminal, 5–8 mm long awn; palea equalling lemma, with scabrid margins. Caryopsis oblong-lanceolate. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by vegetative means and seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on shallow soil in open, herbaceous communities on calcareous, stony ground. Populations are with low number of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Slavyanka Mt, Pirin Mts; 1000–2000 m alt.
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria and Greece).
Threats. Fragmentation of habitats as a consequence from afforestation with Pinus nigra on the slopes of the mountains; grazing; restricted distribution.
Conservation measures taken. For protection of the habitats of the species the Biological Diversity Act requires establishment of protected areas in accordance with the regulations of the Protected Areas Act. The localities of the species are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria. Some localities are within Alibotush Strict Nature Reserve.
Conservation measures needed. Expansion of the borders of Orelyak Strict Nature Reserve in Pirin Mts so as to encompass the localities on the eastern slopes of Baba peak; restriction of the afforestation activities and grazing; study of the area and number of individuals of the populations, biology and ecology of the species and threats.
References. Kozhuharov1984; Seberg et al. 1991; Strid & Schippmann 1991.
Author: Stoyan Stoyanov
