Pimpinella major
Pimpinella major Huds.
Apiaceae – Carrot family
Conservation status. Regionally extinct [RE].
Morphology and biology. Tap-rooted perennial. Stem 40–100 cm high, Deeply sulcate, hollow, glabrous, branched. Leaves pinnate, lower leaves with 3–9 leaflet; leaflets oblong-ovate, 3–10 cm long, 1–4 cm wide, with deep, irregular, triangular teeth. Compound umbels with long peduncles; main rays 10–25, without bracts. Umbels many-flowered, without or with several deciduous bracteoles. Petals white, pink to reddish, 1.5 mm long, incurved at apex. Fruit yellow brown, 2.5–3.5 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide, slightly, laterally compressed, elliptical, ribbed. Fl., fr. VII–IX. Pollinated by insects. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs in dry to moderately humid meadows and pastures, on limestone, in the foothills and low mountain regions.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Forebalkan (Eastern – near Lovech, Letnitsa, Veliko Tarnovo and Sevlievo towns), Balkan Range (Western – near Berkovitsa and Botevgrad towns; Central – near Gabrovo and Tryavna towns), Mt Sredna Gora (Western); from 300 up to 800 m alt. Last collection of the species dates from 1935.
General distribution. Europe (except the northernmost parts), Caucasus. Introduced in North America.
Threats. This is a C European species and Bulgaria is at the periphery of its distribution area, its localities in the past were small and isolated; aridisation of climate, ploughing and tramping of meadows and pastures.
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures needed. More detailed study of the known localities near Lovech, Letnitsa, Berkovitsa and Gabrovo. Reintroduction of the species with plant material from a neighbouring country. Protection of the species by the national Biolodiversity Act.
References. Neichev 1909; Urumov 1908; Assenov 1982, 1984.
Author: Rossen Tzonev
