Trifolium rubens
Trifolium rubens L.
Fabaceae – Pea family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR A3c; B1ab(iii)+2ab(i); C2a(ii)].
Morphology and biology. Herbaceous rhizomatous perennial. Stems 30–60 cm. Stipules large, acuminate, glabrous, adnate by up to 2/3 their length to the petioles. Leaves glabrous; leaflets 50–70 cm long, 8–10 cm wide. Flower heads 4–10 mm long; flowers purple, dark red or very rarely whitish, becoming brownish after anthesis. Legume elliptical, 1-seeded. Fl. VI–VIII, fr. VII–IX. Reproduction by seeds and vegetative means. Species reproduction potential is low.
Habitats and populations. Grows in grassy places by forests and scrub, forest glades. Only one small population known. The species was recorded for the last time in 1986.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Vitosha region (Sofia, Simeonovo residential area); 700–750 m alt.
General distribution. C and S Europe.
Threats. Intensive building activities in the locality and enlargement of Simeonovo residential area of Sofia may cause species extinction.
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. In situ increasing of the population size and area of occupancy based on local seed material.
References. Kožuharov 1976.
Author: Iva Apostolova
