Saxifraga spruneri
Saxifraga spruneri Boiss.
Saxifragaceae – Saxifrage family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,v) + B2ab(ii,v)]. Balkan endemic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial, forming thick tufts. Stems 4–8 cm high, procumbent or ascending, with numerous remnants of old leaves, forming large cushions. Basal leaves in rosette, entire, sessile, coriaceous, with calcareous incrustation, and white glandular hairs. Cauline leaves alternate, sessile, with calcareous incrustation, sparsely glandular hairy. Inflorescence terminal, corymbose cyme, pedicels patent, densely glandular. Bracts elliptical-spathulate, glandular. Petals white, 2–3 times longer than calyx, hairless. Fruit capsule. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds and vegetatively.
Habitats and populations. Calcareous rocks above timberline. Population is small and fragmented due to the specific ecological requirements of the species; fragments are rather isolated from each other and consist of 10–15 individuals each.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Pirin Mts (northern – Vihren peak, Kazana, Banski Suhodol, Bayovi Dupki, Razlozhki Suhodol cirques); 1900–2900 m alt.
General distribution. Albania, Bulgaria, Greece.
Threats. Extreme temperatures, aridisation of the climate, tourist trampling, muddy avalanches, stone-falls.
Conservation measures taken. The localities of the species are within the territory of Pirin National Park, some of them are on the territory of Bayovi Dupki – Dzhindzhiritsa Strict Nature Reserve, as well as in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Detailed investigation of the sizes and areas of the populations, biology and ecology of the species, monitoring of the population state. Protection of the species by the national Biodiversity Act.
References. Kuzmanov 1970; Ganchev 1984; Petrova & Vladimirov 2010.
Authors: Dimitar Peev & Sonya Tsoneva
