Saponaria stranjensis
Saponaria stranjensis Jordanov
Caryophyllaceae – Pink family
Conservation status. Vulnerable [VU B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii)]. BDA. Balkan endemic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herbaceous tufted plant. Stems 50–60 cm high, woody at the base, glabrous. Leaves opposite, broadly lanceolate, glabrous, waxy. Inflorescences branched, with 8 or more flowers, inflorescence branches and pedicels glandular hairy. Calyx green with pinkish tint or pale pink, with 5 short teeth, with long, dense glandular hairs. Petals pink, bifid. Fruit a capsule. Fl. VII–IX, fr. VIII–X. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Rocky places and fissures in rocks. Most of the populations are composed of low numbers of individuals. Reproductive capability of the species is generally good. Extinction is considered at least in one previously known locality.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rodopi Mts (Eastern – Dyavolskia Most locality, Dzhebel, Borislavtsi, Gorno Loukovo, Potochnitsa, Domishte, Krilatitsa villages), Strandzha Mts (Slivarovo and Brodilovo villages), from 300 up to 500 m alt.
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria, Turkey).
Threats. Limited distribution, building of dams and roads.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species by the national Biodiversity Act. Successfully cultivated ex situ in Vrana Park. Some of the localities are within Strandzha Nature Park as well as in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Sustainable management and conservation of the habitat of the species and monitoring of the populations. Preservation in ex-situ collections.
References. Delipavlov 1984, Jordanov 1934a, 1935b, Stojanov et al. 1955, Petrova 2006.
Authors: Boris Assyov, Cvetomir M. Denchev
