ERYTHRAEUM

Described in Flora Bulgarica Suppl. Page 111 (1898). A very nice species that is only found in Bulgaria. Generally growing on limestone rock formations although the very distinct form from El Tepe in the Pirin mountains was found on granite. This beautiful species derives its name by reference to the red-tinted rosette leaves, but this is not a constant feature in all the different forms. However, a distinctive and constant feature of this plant is the presence of a dense indumentum on the rosette leaves, the hairs generally visible only under a magnifying glass. The rosettes vary in size from 2 to 5 cm in diameter, rather flat and wide open. Leaves obovate-spathulate, apiculate and ciliate on edges with hairs of unequal lenght. Offsets are always on short stolons so that the plant forms a compact tuft. Petals are narrow, deep pink with a purplish-red median strip. Filaments are purplish-red.

S. erythraeum from Rila. The rosettes of this form produce a rather deeper tint of red. Bulgaria.

S. erythraeum from Pirin (El Tepe). A distinct form with wholly green rosettes which are rather smaller than the type.

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