Trifolium physodes
Trifolium physodes M. Bieb.
Fabacaeae – Pea family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(i,ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Annual to perennial herb. Stems 15–30 cm high, glabrescent. Leaves 3-foliolate, with stipules; leaflets 7–30 mm long, 5–15 mm wide, ovate or elliptical. Flowers bracteate, heads 15–25 mm long, ovate or ovate-cylindrical, peduncle glabrous. Calyx 6–9 mm long, inflated in mature fruit, pubescent, teeth glabrescent, longer than the calyx-tube. Corolla zygomorphic, pink, strongly exceeding the calyx. Fruit 2–4-seeded ellipsoid legume, included in the calyx. Fl. V–VI, fr. VI–VII. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. On grassy humid places in oak forests. Forms a small population with limited area of occupancy.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Znepole Region (Konyavska Mt, near Razhdavitsa village); 600–700 m alt.
General distribution. E Mediterranean, Caucasus, SW Asia (Asia Minor).
Threats. Small populations occupying a restricted area; habitat disturbance under anthropogenic pressure, agricultural management, afforestation, establishment of new agricultural lands, grazing, trampling.
Conservation measures taken. For protection of the habitats of the species the Biological Diversity Act requires establishment of protected areas in accordance with the regulations of the Protected Areas Act.
Conservation measures needed. Collection and deposition of seeds to the National Seed Genebank in Bulgaria; studies of the species populations and habitat changes.
References. Kozhuharov 1976, 1984; Coombe 1968; Zohary 1970.
Author: Ana Petrova
