Pulsatilla vernalis
Pulsatilla vernalis Mill.
Ranunculaceae – Buttercup family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii)+2ab(ii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial. Rhizome vertical, with several terminal, ovate-elliptical, coriaceous leaves, from which the stem and basal rosette develop. Stem 5–30 cm high, appressed hairy. Basal leaves overwintering, pinnate, lobes obovate, divided up to ½ into 2–3 short, broadly triangular teeth. Cauline leaves appressed hairy, with linear lobes. Flowers 4–6 cm in diameter, nodding at first, then erect. Perianth segments obovate, outer pink at base, violet or blue, sericeous; inner whitish. Nutlets 2.5–3 mm long, prismatic, shortly pubescent, styles remaining at fruit, 15–22 mm long. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII.
Habitats and populations. Occurs in stony and grassy places in the subalpine and alpine belts. Participates in herbaceous communities of Sesleria spp., Carex curvula, etc. Populations are mosaic and fragmented.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rila Mts (Sedemte Ezera, Bliznatsite, Shatar and Mramorets peaks, Urdina River, Razhdavitsa); from 2200 up to 2700 m alt.
General distribution. High mountains of Europe – reaching 63° in Scandinavian Peninsula, reaching to N Spain southwards, N Italy and Bulgaria.
Threats. Adaptation to a specific habitat with restricted distribution in Bulgaria; destruction of individuals by tourists; trampling by animals.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. Part of the population of the species is within the borders of Rila National Park and Rilski Manastir Nature Park. The localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Monitoring of the population state; collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Jordanov & Kožuharov 1970; Koeva 1984.
Author: Svetlana Bancheva
