Symphytum tauricum
Symphytum tauricum Willd.
Boraginaceae – Borage family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B2ab(ii); C2a(i); E].
Morphology and biology. Perennial, herbaceous plant with short, tapering rhizome. Stem up to 50–60 cm high, erect, much branched, with short and long setae. Leaves obovate, rounded or cordate at base, acute. Inflorescence with few flowers, lax. Calyx densely setose. Corolla light yellow, tube longer than the calyx. Nutlets ovoid, subcurved, tuberculate, dark brown. Fl. IV–VI, fr. IV–VIII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Occurs in shadowy, shrubby and sandy places. Participates in the composition of herbaceous communities in deciduous forests. Populations are fragmented, with low number of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea Coast, Northeast Bulgaria (south Dobrudzha), Toundzha Hilly Country, Strandzha Mts; up to 200 m alt.
General distribution. SE Europe, Caucasus, SW Asia (N Anatolia).
Threats. Changes in the habitats due to human impact – infrastructure development, tourism, wood cutting.
Conservation measures taken. Part of the localities are within the borders of Strandzha Nature Park and Kaliakra Strict Nature Reserve and in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the numerical strength and areas of the populations, and the reproductive biology of the species; protection of the species by the Biodiversity Act; collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria.
References. Genova 1984; Petrova 1989; Petrova et al. 2002.
Author: Elena Genova
