FLORISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE “ZMEYOVA DUPKA” NATURAL LANDMARK, STARA ZAGORA REGION, SOUTH BULGARIA

The article casts light upon the contemporary condition of the flora of the “Zmeyova dupka” Natural landmark, Stara Zagora Region, South Bulgaria. Significant floristic diversity is registered on an area of 40 hectares - 129 species of higher plants (mosses excluded), belonging to 101 genera and 40 families. Investigation is conducted in the 2006 ÷ 2008 time span and up to date in 2012. Taxonomic structure, ecological and biological type, and the floristic belonging of the components of the flora are analyzed. 4 Balkan endemics and 2 species with Nature preservation status according to the Bulgarian and international legislation are found. According to the existing legislation the territory protects object of the inanimate nature (rocky cave), but the established endemic, tertiary relicts, rare, and medicinal plants require introduction of plant preservation measures.