Eriolobus trilobatus

Lebanese wild apple

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Common names

Lebanese wild apple.

Scientific name

Eriolobus trilobatus M. J. Roem.

Conservation status and threats

PROTECTED species in Bulgaria.

The species is listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria to the category "Critically Endangered"^[1].

Description and identification

Deciduous tree, up to 10 m high, crown rounded to spread. Leaves with a cordate base, deeply trilobed, dentate, 5–7 cm long. Inflorescences umbelliform, with 6–8 white, 3–4 cm in diameter, aromatic flowers. Sepals 5, petals 5, stamens 20–30. Fruits oblong-ovoid to rounded, pale yellow, with stone cells, edible after mellow, astringent. Fl. V–VI, fr. IX–X. Insect pollination. Reproduction by seeds^[1].

Distribution in Bulgaria

Rhodopi Mts (eastern – near Svirachi and Belopolyane villages, Ivailovgrad region); up to 300 m alt^[2].

Habitats and populations

Dry open xerothermic deciduous forests, in Bulgaria at forest margins. Two trees are known, at approx. 3 km distance from each other. Another tree grew nearby in the past. Trees are fruiting and seeds are viable but there is no natural recruitment^[3].

References

[1] Antoaneta Petrova. 2015. In: Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Volume 1 - Plants & Fungi.

[2] Antoaneta Petrova. 2015. In: Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Volume 1 - Plants & Fungi.

[3] Antoaneta Petrova. 2015. In: Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Volume 1 - Plants & Fungi.

Eriolobus trilobatus на български

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