Rhinanthus javorkae
Rhinanthus javorkae Soó
Scrophulariaceae – Figwort family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,v)]. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Annual, semi-parasitic herb. Stem 5–30 cm high, simple or branched above, green, glabrous or sparsely hairy. Leaves opposite, sessile, lanceolate to linear, dentate. Bracts slightly exceeding calyx, glabrous, narrowly triangular, the basal 3-4 teeth subulate, aristate, the others much shorter, shortly aristate. Calyx puberulent. Corolla yellow, with sharply curved tube, upper lip with teeth, lower twice shorter than the upper lip, 3-lobed. Fruit flat capsule. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Calcareous rocks, stony and grassy places and stony screes. Participates in hasmophytic vegetation in the coniferous belt. The population is small, mosaic, groups consisting of 4–5 to 10–12 individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Pirin Mts (northern – valley of Banderishka River, Malak Kazan circque, between Golyam Kazan peak and Premkata locality, bellow Vihren and Kutelo peaks); 1700–2500 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Aridisation of climate, trampling by tourists, destruction of individuals because of stony habitat, small population.
Conservation measures taken. The localities are within the borders of Pirin National Park and in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Detailed investigation of the populations, and the biology and ecology of the species. Protection of species by the national Biodiversity Act.
References. Vassilev 1984; Assenov 1995; Peev 2006.
Authors: Dimitar Peev & Sonya Tsoneva
