Broadsepal Speedwell
Veronica opaca
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Jan Doležal, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jan Doležal
Overview
Broadsepal Speedwell (Veronica opaca) is a small herbaceous perennial plant characterized by its distinctive broad sepals and small blue to violet flowers arranged in terminal racemes. This low-growing speedwell typically reaches 10-30 cm in height with ovate, serrated leaves and plays an important ecological role as a nectar source for small pollinators and as ground cover in specialized plant communities.
Broadsepal Speedwell (Veronica opaca) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and small population size, restricted to a few locations in Turkey. The species faces severe threats from habitat destruction through agricultural expansion, urban development, and infrastructure projects in its narrow range.
Habitat
Broadsepal Speedwell occurs in seasonally moist calcareous grasslands, limestone outcrops, and the margins of ephemeral pools on alkaline soils. The species typically inhabits areas with thin, well-drained soils over limestone bedrock where it experiences periodic moisture stress during summer months.
Other threatened species in Plantaginaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Broadsepal Speedwell classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Broadsepal Speedwell live?
What are the main threats to Broadsepal Speedwell?
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