FLORA OF THE STANA PLATEAU, NORTHEASTERN BULGARIA

Abstract

As a result of the field study of the flora of the Stana Plateau conducted in 2024-2025, a significant taxonomic diversity of spontaneously distributed vascular plants was established: 663 species, which belong to 356 genera and 74 families. In the taxonomic structure of the flora, the predominant part of the families and genera on the territory of the plateau are represented by a small number of lower taxa - from 1 to 4. The large number of floristic elements (44 in number) is due to the transitional natural-geographical location of the plateau. All possible life forms have been identified, with the predominant ones being those that are characteristic of forest habitats and anthropogenically influenced territories in the region. All possible biological types have been established in the composition of the flora, with perennial herbaceous plants prevailing, which are characteristic of all plant communities on the plateau. The economically valuable plant species on the plateau have a variety of uses: obtaining herbs, obtaining fruits, honey plants, and wood production. A large number of anthropophytes (370 species) and invasive alien plant species (17 species) have been identified, of which 3 species pose the greatest threat to the natural flora and arable land on the plateau. The number of ornamental plants and species grown as forest crops is significant, due to the use of the plateau for recreation near the town of Novi Pazar.