New data on the distribution of Adenophora liliifolia (L.) A. DC. (Campanulaceae) in Serbia

Abstract

Due to habitat loss or changes in management, populations of Adenophora liliifolia (L.) A. DC. in Europe are increasingly endangered. Therefore, this plant has the status of an endangered or extremely endangered species in most European countries. It is defined as a "target species" or a "species of European concern" whose conservation requires designation of special areas of conservation. A. liliifolia is a rare plant species on the Balkan Peninsula, found only in the Western Balkans: in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia. In Serbia, it is believed to have disappeared from its western region, specifically in the Derventa canyon and Grlac on Mount Tara. However, it is in good condition at its only known site in the Ibar river gorge in southwestern Serbia. During the revision of the herbarium material in the BEOU herbarium, a specimen of Adenophora liliifolia was discovered. It was collected in the Lim gorge near Gostun. Field research conducted in that area revealed a population of this species in an atypical habitat, next to the main road to Montenegro, in the vicinity of Brodarevo. The search for new sites of this internationally important species in the Lim Gorge, from Gostun and Brodarevo, and further to Ustibar, will continue in the coming period.