Ptilidium ciliare
Ptilidium ciliare (L.) Hampe
Ptilidiaceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(iii)].
Morphology and biology. Perennial, leafy liverwort forming large, rusty-brown cushions. Shoots erect, 2–8 cm high, 2–3 mm wide, pinnately branched. Leaves transversely inserted, to 1/2 divided into 3–5 lobes of different size, each of which is very fimbriate. Amphigastria of the same shape as the leaves but smaller. Unisexual, rarely with sporophytes.
Habitats and populations. Grows on humus or peaty soils in the coniferous belt and above it. The populations have restricted distribution and good density.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rila Mts (Ravni Chal peak above Belmeken chalet, and below Musala chalet), Rhodopi Mts (Western – locality of Rakovo Dere).
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula, N and C Europe, Siberia, North and South America, New Zealand. Boreal species.
Threats. The species is sensitive to tramping due to grazing. It has low reproduction and dispersal potential.
Conservation measures taken. The population in Rila Mts is within Rila National Park, and that in Rhodopi Mts within the siteprotected for Potentilla fruticosa. All localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria
Conservation measures needed. To study the dynamics of the numbers and area of the populations, as well as the biology and ecology of the species in Bulgaria; to elucidate the threat factors and monitor the populations.
References. Petrov 1963.
Author: Rayna Natcheva
