Verbascum decorum
Verbascum decorum Velen.
Scrophulariaceae – Figwort family
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)]. IUCN(R), BDA. Bulgarian endemic.
Morphology and biology. Herbaceous biennial. Stem 50–120 cm, more or less densely white-floccose, branched from the base. Basal leaves with a winged petiole; leaf-blade obovate, crenate. Flowers in groups subtended by bracts. Corolla 2–3 cm in diameter, yellow, glabrous inside. Stamens 5, filaments orange, anthers all reniform. Fruit a pyramid-ovoid capsule. Fl. V–VII, fr. VI–IX. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Grows in rock crevices and slopes on limestone. Forms fragmented populations of variable sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of individuals.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (Western – on the rocks by Chepinska river (Eli-Dere), Central – Dobrostan ridge, Devin town); 200–600 m alt.
General distribution. Bulgaria.
Threats. Urban infrastructure development, tourism, limited distribution.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act. The localities are situated in a site of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria. Some occurrences of the species lie within Chervenata Stena Strict Nature Reserve.
Conservation measures needed. Research into the population sizes and areas of occupancy, species biology and ecology as well as threats; protection and maintenance of its habitats.
References. Stefanova 1984, 1992; Stefanova-Gateva 1995; Petrova & Assyov 2008; Petrova 2010.
Author: Desislava Sopotlieva
