Seseli bulgaricum
Seseli bulgaricum P. W. Ball
Apiaceae – Carrot family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)]. BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Perennial herbs with fusiform root. Stem 30–40 cm high, glabrous. Leaves in outline elliptical, 2-pinnate to 3- pinnate, main segments elliptical, lobes lanceolate. Basal leaves petiolate, sheaths with membranous margin, cauline leaves sessile, sheaths amplexicaul, with membranous margin. Inflorescence compound, main rays unequal, not significantly elongated at fruiting, without bracts. Umbels with 15–25 flowers, bracteoles shortly puberulent, petals rounded, white or pinkish, with deep-yellow keel, puberulent. Fruit composed of two mericarps. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Dry, stony and grassy places at very limited altitude interval. The classical locality of the species, in the vicinity of Shipka pass, above Kalofer village, is strongly reduced. The population in the locality of Korudere, district Kazanlak, is dispersed, composed of small, isolated groups.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (central – in the upper part of Koru Dere locality, district Kazanlak; between Kalofer village and Shipka peak); 800–1200 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Deterioration of the habitat because of aridisation and climate warming, limited area, and small populations with low densities.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. The localities occur on the territory of Central Balkan National Park and are in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Detailed investigation of the size and area of the population, threat factors, monitoring of the population state. Collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank of Bulgaria.
References. Peev 1982, 1984, 2006.
Authors: Dimitar Peev, Sonya Tsoneva
