Primula deorum
Primula deorum Velen.
Primulaceae – Primrose family
Conservation status. Vulnerable [VU B1ab(ii,v)+2ab(ii,v)]. IUCN(R), BDA, BC. Bulgarian endemic. Glacial relic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herbs with long horizontal or oblique root. Stem 2–39 cm high, erect, glabrous, sticky beneath the inflorescence, green or violet. Leaves lanceolate to wide lanceolate, erect, coriaceous, in a basal rosette, with very short, glandular hairs above, greyish green glabrous beneath. Scape 5-20 cm, fragrant and viscid, more or less dark violet towards the apex, 3- to 18-flowered. Corolla deep reddish to violet purple. Fruit a dehiscent, unilocular capsule. Fl. VI–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds and vegetatively.
Habitats and populations. Wet places beside mountain streams, peat bogs and lakes, on the place of melting snow drifts. Although the population is fragmented, it is dense and in very good condition. In the region of Mussalenski lakes about 400 individuals have been established on an area of 1000 m2.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Vitosha Region (Vitosha Mts – between Golyam Resen and Cherni Vrah peaks), Rila Mts, 1900–2800 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Global warming, aridisation of climate, avalanches, destruction of individuals and pollution because of active tourism, limited distribution of the species.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. Some localities occur on the territory of Rila National Park, Rilski Manastir and Vitosha Nature Parks as well as in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Provide information for the tourists visiting Rila and Vitosha Mts (leaflets, information boards, badges etc.) about the conservation value of the species.
Note.The natural origin of Primula deorum in Vitosha mountain has not been confirmed.
References. Peev 1982; Peev 1984; Albach & Vladimirov 2002; Peev 2006.
Authors: Dimitar Peev, Sonya Tsoneva
