Quercus mestensis
Quercus mestensis Bondev & Gancev
Fagaceae – Beech family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR A4cd;B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,v)]. BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Deciduous tree, reaching 15–20 m. Young twigs brown yellowish, with dense, light yellow hairs. The indumentum is preserved on the second-year twigs. Petioles semi-cylindrical, 5–8 mm long, tomentose. Leaves coriaceous, obovate, 5–11 cm long, 3–6 cm wide, densely pubescent, truncate at base, rarely cordate or cuneate. Male flowers in catkins, female flowers in clusters of 2–3 on short pedicels. Fruit stalk 6–25 mm, densely tomentose. Acorn oblong-ovate, cupule spherical to slightly conical. Fl. V, fr. IX–X. Wind pollination. Reproduction by seeds and shoots.
Habitats and populations. Grows on moderately wet, diluvial-alluvial soils along streams. Participates in forests of Quercus dalechampii, Ulmus minor, Acer campestre, etc. The subpopulations consist mainly of young trees of vegetative origin with shrub-like habit. Old trees are few.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rila Mts – westwards from Belitsa, in the water catchment of Mesta river. Trees of this species have been registered in Treshtenik (locus classicus), below Godlevo village in General Kovachev locality, along Draglishtka river and near Dolno Draglishte village.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Afforestation, timber production, fires, restricted distribution, small population.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the numerical strength and area of the population, raising awareness of local people and monitoring; elaboration of an action plan; proclamation of a protected area.
References. Bondev 1984, 1992.
Author: Chavdar Gussev
