Contribution to the Knowledge of Pontechium maculatum(Boraginaceae), a Species of High Conservation Concern in the Bulgarian Flora

Pontechium maculatum (Boraginaceae) is a species of high conservation concern in the Bulgarian flora. It assigned national IUCN category ‘Vulnerable’, legally protected according to Biological Diversity Act, and listed Annex II Habitats Directive (Council 92/43/EEC). Recent studies one largest populations country revealed some new data about which are reported here. The population studied situated Mt Lozenska, Sredna Gora (Western) floristic region. Relevant taxonomic literature states that P. biennial plant, however, our observations plants Lozenska perennial (possibly short-lived). A great variation corolla-colour was observed, most having bluish violet corolla only few – reddish dark red. This can be explained by either natural population, not so far, or hybridisation with Echium vulgare cooccurs same locality. Large fluctuation number flowering two consecutive years recorded, 180 blooming specimens 2019 25 2020. Studies genome size this have significantly higher DNA-content (1C-value) than from typical Northeast Bulgaria region, e.g. Kabiyushka Mogila Further biosystematics studies(chromosome number, size, genetic studies, etc.) currently progress explain observed phenomena within maculatum.