Pancratium maritimum (Linnaeus, 1753)

Synonyms: None.

Common names: Bulg: Pyasechna liliya; Russ: Pankratsiy morskoy.

Order (Scientific): LILIALES.

Family (Scientific): AMARYLLIDACEAE.

Taxonomic descriptions: A plant with a large almost spherical bulb coated with a brown skinny cover. The stem is 30-40 cm high, partially flattened. Long linear leaves (5-6), blue-green like the stem. The inflorescence contains from 5 to 10 florets embraced before blooming by two large skinny sepals. Large, white, fragrant blooms up to 16 cm long with infundibular perianth. Stamens prop out of the corrola; the anthers are arch-shaped. The fruit is quite large almost spherical in form, over 2 cm in diameter.

Pancratium maritimum arealIUCN Status:
    World level:
    Black Sea Regional level:
    Subregion level: EN

Distribution:

Habitats type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors: Coastal sands and dunes. Humidity.

Biology: Perennial bulbaceous plant. Blooms in July-August (September). Propagates in October. Reproduces vegetatively and through seeds. High seed productivity but limited reproduction through seeds.

Population trends: Declining.

Threats: Active use of the sand strip, resort construction and flower picking.

Conservation measures taken: Protected plant. There is a reserve named Sandy Lily in the countryside Kavatsite.

Conservation measures proposed: More effective protection and maintenance of the reserve in Kavatsite. Inclusion of other sites within the borders of protected areas.

References:

  1. Iordanov, D. 1964. Flora na NRB, II, Rod Pancratium L.323-324.
  2. Velchev, V., P. Vasilev. 1976. Ecobiologichno I fitocenologichno prouchvane na Piasachnata lilia (Pancratium maritimum L.) v raiona na Sozopol. Fitologia, N 5, pp. 3-20.
  3. Velchev, V., P. Vasilev, T. Meshinev. 1979. Vlianie na ecologichnitr uslovia varhu generativnoto razmnojavane na Piasachnata lilia (Pancratium maritimum L.). Ecologia, N 5, pp. 64-72.

Compiled by: M.Filipova.