Centaurea napulifera

Centaurea napulifera (Common names for this genus are starthistles, knapweeds, centaureas and the more ambiguous "bluets") with its large beautiful flowers, gathered in basket-like clusters, belongs to the composite family. Low down only on 3-5 cm above the ground, the flowers of this species are easily noticeable in dry rocky places. This apparently adverse environment allows Centaurea napulifera to fully benefit from the sun without being eclipsed by higher herbaceous plants.
The name of this beautiful flower comes from its up to 5 cm long taproot. The leaves its upper surface have glandular hairs which limit the evaporation of water from the plant and allow it to survive easier in pastures, meadows, rocky places and other sun-lit open spaces. It blooms from May to July with eye catching white, rarely pink or purple flowers. Often used as a decorative plant.
The species is not protected. It inhabits all floristic regions of Bulgaria from 200 to 1800 m altitude. Centaurea napulifera is wide spread throughout the country including the Strandzha Mountains.

Bojana Ribarova