Sedum zollicoferi
Sedum zollicoferi F. Herm. & Stef.
Crassulaceae – Orpine family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii)]. BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial, densely mat-forming plant. Stems of two types – leafless flowering and leafy non-flowering stems; flowering stems 7–8 cm high, woody at base, grey green. Leaves dense, 5–10 mm long, cylindrical to elliptical, broaden and rounded at apex, slightly narrowed at base, grey green, tuberculate, flat above, convex below, with spur-shaped appendage at base. Inflorescences terminal, with 7–8 flowers. Flowers 5-lobed. Petals 7–8 mm long, twice as long as the sepals, light yellow. Stamens 10. Follicles subpatent, light brown. Fl. V–VI, fr. VI–VII.
Habitats and populations. On shadowy, calcareous rocks. The only population consists of hundreds individuals and is with low density and strongly fragmented.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Slavyanka Mt (above Paril village); up to 1700 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Adaptation to a specific habitat; restricted distribution; low density and reproductive potential.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected by the Biodiversity Act. The population of the species is within the borders of Alibotush Strict Nature Reserve and in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Elaboration of an action plan for the species; monitoring of the population state; study of the possibilities for in situ support of species reproduction; collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Vălev 1970; Cheschmedzhiev 1984.
Author: Svetlana Bancheva
