Prangos ferulacea
Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl.
Apiaceae – Carrot family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iv)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Root fusiform, slightly branched. Stem 60–150 cm, 1–2 cm in diameter at base. Leaves glabrous, light green, broadly ovate to ovate-triangular or oblong elliptical, 3- to 5-pinnate; basal leaves with 30–40 cm long petioles, lamina 50–80 cm long, divided in 3 lobes at base, each lobe 4–5-pinnate; lateral lobes linear, linear-lanceolate or almost filiform with 1 vein, acuminate; lower cauline leaves with shorter petioles, uppermost sessile, much smaller and less pinnate, amplexicaul. Compound umbels ca.15 cm in diameter, with 6–18 rays; bracts and bracteoles several, linear-lanceolate, acuminate. Umbels ca.1 cm in diameter. Petals ca.1 mm long, obovate or elliptical. Fruits 10–25 × 10 mm, ovate to elliptical, slightly laterally compressed; mericarps with 5 equal wings or prominent ridges. Fl. V–VI, fr. VI–VIII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. On dry and stony, open places and scrubs. Localities are restricted, populations cover small areas. Formation of relatively good amount of seeds but the reproductive potential is low.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast (southern – Medni Rid and Maslen Nos localities) and Toundzha Hilly Country (Voinishki Bakadzhik locality, Yambol district); up to 300 m alt.
General distribution. S (Italy, Sicily) and SE Europe (Romania and Bulgaria), Caucasus and SW Asia (Turkey, Armenia and Iran).
Threats. Economic activities (tourism and pollution); natural factors such as restricted distribution, small populations and low reproductive potential of the species.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. Maslen Nos locality is within the borders of Ropotamo Strict Nature Reserve. The localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numerical strength and area, biology and ecology of the species; elaboration of an action plan for the species and monitoring of its populations; collection of seeds to be stored in a seed genebank.
References. Assenov 1982, 1984.
Author: Chavdar Gussev
