Linaria ricardoi
| Linaria ricardoi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Linaria |
| Species: | L. ricardoi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Linaria ricardoi Cout.
| |
Linaria ricardoi is a rare species of toadflax in the family Plantaginaceae endemic to Portugal.[2][3] Its scientific authority is Coutinho (Cout.).[4] Locally known as "Linária dos Olivais" it blossoms from February to June.[5]
Description
An annual plant with linear and thick leaf with a slightly curled tip. The flowers (15-20) have a small violet corolla (9-12mm).[5]
Distribution and habitat
Linaria ricardoi is endemic to southern Portugal in the interior of Alentejo but the species' main distribution area is in the Beja District (specifically in Redondo, Ferreira do Alentejo, Beja, Alvito, Cuba and Serpa). It is associated with grain fields such as wheat and oat and less commonly barley, fallows and meadows in traditional or mounted olive groves, rarely on embankments and side roads. It thrives in these areas to the reduced application of herbidices.[5] It prefers clay and alkaline soils.[6]
Threats
It is threatened by agricultural intensification and the related increase in herbicide use starting in the 50s and intensified in the 70s. Its reduced distribution and population isolation make the species particularly vulnerable to natural and human threats. Overgrazing, botanical colectionism and droughts are other factors that can affect this plant.[7][5] The conversion of tradional agriculture to intensive cultures in the region is a concerning issue, since 95% of its distribution coincides with the "Sistema Global de Rega do Alqueva", an expanding agricultural area created after the filling of the Alqueva Dam.[8][1]
Conservation
In 2006 QUERCUS acquired a four hectare terrain with L. ricardoi habitat where repopulation accions were performed.[5][9][10] In 2011 it was considered to be a "Near Threatened" species by the IUCN but the "Lista Vermelha" update of 2020 classified it as "Endangered", due to the reduced EOO (2,100 km2 (810 sq mi)) and AOO (208 km2 (80 sq mi)) in only 3 locations.[7][1] A decreasing number of mature individuals, area of occupation and habitat quality led to an estimated population reduction over 30%. It is a protected species by portuguese law and the European Community through Annex II & IV of the Habitats Directive, along with the Annex I of the Bern Convention.[11]
In 2022 it was selected as the portuguese "Plant of the Year" in order to raise awareness to its conservation.[12]
References
- ^ a b c "Lista Vermelha da Flora Vascular de Portugal Continental" (PDF). SPBotanica. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ Roskov Y. (2019). "Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2019 Annual Checklist". Species 2000: Naturalis, Leiden, the Netherlands. ISSN 2405-884X. TaxonID: 53577402. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
- ^ Hassler, M. (2019). "World Plants: Synonymic Checklists of the Vascular Plants of the World". Species 2000: Naturalis, Leiden, the Netherlands. ISSN 2405-884X. Archived from the original on 2019-03-18. Retrieved 2014-09-23.
- ^ Coutinho (1906) , In: Bot. Soc. Brot. 22: 131
- ^ a b c d e "Plano Nacional de Conservação de Flora em Perigo". ICNF. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ "Guia da Flora de Portugal Continental Tomo I Parte 3". Imprensa Nacional. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ a b Caldas, F.B. (2011). "Linaria ricardoi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011 e.T162017A5531306. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T162017A5531306.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Sistema Global de Rega do Alqueva". EDIA. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ "Nova micro-reserva em Beja". Quercus. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ "Quercus cria micro-reserva na zona de Cuba para salvar planta endémica". RTP. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ "Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora". Eur-Lex. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ "Portugal já escolheu a sua planta do ano 2022". Wilder. Retrieved 29 January 2026.