Phalaris aquatica
Phalaris aquatica L.
Phalaris bulbosa L.3, Phalaris tuberosa L.1
Poaceae – Grass family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv)+2ab(ii,iii,iv)].
Morphology and biology. Perennial caespitose plant. Stems 50–120 cm high, glabrous, with several bulb-like thickenings at base. Leaves 3–8 mm wide, glabrous. Panicle dense, cylindrical, up to 10 cm long, 1–2.5 cm wide. Spikelets strongly laterally compressed. Glumes equal, elliptical, scarious, glabrous, 4–7 mm long, exceeding the lemmas, with prominent keel. Caryopsis oblong. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by vegetative means and seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs on dry or moderately moist, relatively heavy soils in lowlands. Participates in xerophytic herbaceous or herbaceous-shrubby communities, often used as pastures. Populations are with low number of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea Coast (Southern – S of Burgas), Thracian Lowland (Tatarevo village, Haskovo region; Markovo village, Plovdiv region), Tundzha Hilly Country (Meden Kladenets village, Yambol region); 0–200 m alt.
General distribution. Mediterranean area (Europe, Africa), SW and SE Europe, SW and S Asia.
Threats. Fragmentation and loss of habitats as a consequence of tourism development along the Black Sea coast and ploughing of land; grazing and trampling near urban areas.
Conservation measures taken. Part of the localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Expansion of the borders of Maslen Nos Nature Monument so as to encompass the part of the populations along the southern Black Sea coast; study of the area and number of individuals present, biology and ecology of the species, threats.
References. Stoeva 1984; Baytop 1985.
Author: Stoyan Stoyanov
