Trachomitum venetum
Trachomitum venetum (L.) Woodson
Apocynaceae – Periwinkle family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv)+2ab(ii,iii)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Herbaceous rhizomatous perennial. Stems up to 60 cm. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, 20–40 cm long, 5–10 cm wide, glabrous, mucronate. Flowers pinkish blue, in terminal racemes. Follicles pendent, 10–15 mm long. Fl. VII–VIII, fr. VIII–IX. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows on maritime sands and rocks, sandy places as well as on well-drained, moist soil. Populations are fragmented, of variable sizes. Occurs in the coastal area between Varna and Primorsko and, with the exception of the locality near Pomorie, forms small subpopulations.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Black Sea coast.
General distribution. SE Europe, SW Asia.
Threats. The intensive building activities and tourism development in the coastal areas as well as the reduction of area of dunes and sandy places cause habitat reduction and deterioration; household pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. Some localities are in Ropotamo Strict Nature Reserve and sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Effective protection of the surviving subpopulations.
References. Kožuharov & Petrova 1982.
Author: Iva Apostolova
