Rhododendron myrtifolium
Rhododendron myrtifolium Schott & Kotschy
Ericaceae – Heather family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii)+2ab(ii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Evergreen shrub, up to 50 cm high. Leaves sessile, alternate, entire, coriaceous, dark, shining green above, ferruginous-lepidote beneath. Flowers 3–7, pinkish red, in terminal corymbs. Capsule 4–6 cm long, many-seeded. Fl. V–VI, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means. Reproductive potential is rather limited.
Habitats and populations. Grows in stony, rocky and grassy places above the alpine timberline. Individuals grow singly or in groups in scrub of Pinus mugo and Juniperus sibirica, often with Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Bruckenthalia spiculifolia. In communities belonging to the alliances Rhododendro-Vaccinion Br.-Bl. ex G. et J. Br-Bl. 1931 and Pinion mugi Gams 1936.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (central – Yurushka Gramada, Maragidik, Kourou-dere, Malkoto Pruskalo), Rila Mts (Belmeken – Kotlite); 1900–2500 m alt.
General distribution. W Russia, SE Europe (Romania – E and C Carpathians, Bulgaria, R Macedonia).
Threats. Development of tourism activities and recreation in Rila Mts and Balkan Range, associated with this construction of roads and infrastructure development; collecting for ornamental purposes; fires; poor reproductive potential.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. Some localities are situated in Central Balkan National Park and Rila National Park – Ibar Strict Nature Reserve as well as in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. No special measures required.
References. Ančev 1982.
Author: Iva Apostolova
