Saxifraga mollis
Saxifraga mollis Sm.
Saxifragaceae – Saxifrage family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial. Stem 4–20 cm, erect or ascending. Leaves alternate, basal reniform to rotund, cuneate at base, glandular, petiolate, with axillary bulbils, deeply palmate, lobes 7–9, broadly ovate to triangular; cauline leaves on shorter petioles, similar to the basal but 3–5-lobed, upper cauline leaves ovate-lanceolate, entire. Flowers 2–3(5), in terminal panicles. Sepals 5, accrete at base, oblong elliptical, obtuse. Petals 5, white, with 5–7 greenish veins, oblong obovate to spatulate, equal, up to 3–4 times longer than the calyx, glabrous, entire. Stamens 10, anthers yellow. Capsule ovate. Seeds dark brown, finely reticulate. Fl. IV–VI, fr. VI–VIII. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means (bulbils).
Habitats and populations. Grows on single rocks or rock complexes in lowlands, in xerothermic oak forests, as well as on stony and grassy places. Populations are with restricted area and low in number of individuals. The population at Studen Kladenets village numbers up to 100 individuals, and the one in Kaleto locality, near Byala Reka river, 12 individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (eastern – Momchilgrad, Zhelezni Vrata locality near Studen Kladenets village, Kaleto locality along Byala Reka river); Toundzha Hilly Country (Sakar Mt. and Dervishka hill); from 250 up to 600 m alt.
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula, Caucasus.
Threats. Grazing, trampling and afforestation; restricted area and low numerical strength of populations; low reproductive potential; adaptation to a specific habitat.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. The localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the numerical strength and the size of the populations and monitoring of their state.
References. Kuzmanov 1970; Andreev 1984; Uzunov et al. 2002.
Author: Chavdar Gussev
