Veronica grisebachii
Veronica grisebachii Walters
Scrophulariaceae –Figwort family
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)]. BDA.
Morphology and biology. Annual herbs with branched axial root. Stem procumbent or ascending, 4–18 cm high, simple or with branches, appressed pubescent. The leaves ovate to lanceolate, basal leaves entire, middle and upper leaves pinnate, with 1–2 mm long petiole, pubescent or glabrous. Flowers in lax racemes. Bracts entire, linear-lanceolate, pubescent. Petals pale blue with dark blue veins. Fruit triangular, flattened, sparsely pubescent capsule. Fl. VI–VII, fr. VII–VIII. Reproduction by seeds.
Habitats and populations. Inhabits dry grassy and stony places on limestone. According to old observations (1974) the population was not numerous (10–15 individuals in 100–200 m2). The localities near Krumovgrad and Kardzhali are destroyed. New localities have not been established. A new locality near Podkova village, Kardzhali district has been reported recently in personal communication.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (eastern – around Kardzhali and Krumovgrad); up to 500 m alt.
General distribution. SE Europe (Bulgaria, Greece, European Turkey), Asia Minor.
Threats. Loss of the habitats as a result of infrastructure development. The localities around Kardzhali and Krumovgrad are already within the borders of the towns.
Conservation measures taken. Protected species according to the national Biodiversity Act.
Conservation measures needed. Targeted research for the confirmation of the species for the flora of Bulgaria. Investigation of the numerical strength and area of the population, biology and ecology of the species, monitoring of the state of the habitat. Collection of seeds for the National Seed Genebank of Bulgaria; proclamation of a protected area to conserve the locality of the species after it is confirmed.
References. Peev 1973; Peev 1995.
Authors: Dimitar Peev, Sonya Tsoneva
