Sedum kostovii
Sedum kostovii Stef.
Crassulaceae – Orpine family
Conservation status. Vulnerable [VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii)]. IUCN(R). BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Annual to perennial plant. Root dense, forming dense tufts. Flowering stems up to 5 cm high, branched; sterile stems existing. Leaves up to 5 mm long, lanceolate or linear-elliptical, rounded at apex and patent, semiterete, flat above, bearing at the apex a few large, hyaline papillae, and truncate, spur-like appendages at base. Inflorescence simple or with 4–5 flowers at each branch. Flowers 5-lobed, up to 5 mm in diameter, on short pedicels. Petals 5–10 mm long, elliptical, dark yellow. Stamens 10. Follicles 5, patent, whitish. Fl. V–VII, fr. VI–VIII. Reproduction mainly by vegetative means.
Habitats and populations. On sandy and stony places and dry meadows, mainly in the coniferous and subalpine belts. Participates in hasmophytic communities. Populations consist of 10s to 100s of individuals, with good density but strongly fragmented.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (central), Slavyanka Mt, valley of Mesta River, Pirin Mts, Rila Mts, Rhodopi Mts (W, C), Toundzha Hilly Country; up to 2350 m alt. Reported also for the Forebalkan and Thracian Lowland.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. The adaptation of the species to a very specific habitat.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. Included in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants as “rare.” The population in Slavyanka Mt is within the borders of Alibotush Strict Nature Reserve. Some localities are within sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Monitoring of the population.
References. Vălev 1970; Cheschmedzhiev 1984; Walter & Gillet 1998.
Author: Svetlana Bancheva
