Scilla bithynica
Scilla bithynica Boiss.
Liliaceae – Lily family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv)+2ab(ii,iii,iv)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herbaceous plant. Bulb ovoid, up to 3 cm in diameter. Flowering stalks 1–2, up to 30 cm high. Leaves 4–5, linear-lanceolate, up to 30 cm long and 2 cm wide, free at the base. Inflorescence compact, ovoid, with 3–25 flowers. Perianth segments 6, pale blue, up to 9 mm long. Fruit nearly spherical capsule with longitudinal ridges. Reproduction by seeds and bulbils. Fl. IV–V, fr. V–VI.
Habitats and populations. Inhabits wet, seasonally flooded woodlands, sometimes valleys with deep and rich alluvial soils. Populations are usually extensive (Kamchia, Ropotamo), but in some localities (Primorsko) the species is represented by low numbers of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast (northern – near Batova Reka River), NE Bulgaria (Dolni Chiflik, unconfirmed since 1972), Balkan Range (eastern – Golitsa, unconfirmed since 1906), up to 100 m alt. Extinction is considered in at least one previously known station (Poda locality).
General distribution. Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria), Asia Minor.
Threats. Limited distribution, particular biology and ecological requirements; destruction and pollution of the habitats due to tourism and infrastructure development in the known localities; collection as ornamental plant.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species by the national Biodiversity Act. Some localities are within protected areas (Ropotamo Strict Nature Reserve) as well as in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Sustainable management and conservation of the habitat and of the known localities and monitoring of the populations.
References. Davidov 1904; Stojanov & Stefanov 1921; Speta 1979; Popova 1984.
Authors: Boris Assyov, Cvetomir M. Denchev
