Fuzzy Bellflower (Campanula tomentosa)

Fuzzy Bellflower, with the scientific name Campanula tomentosa Lam., is a perennial, herbaceous plant species belonging to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). It is one of the rare and endemic species specific to the flora of Türkiye. It is distinguished by its fuzzy and dense stem, purple-blue-toned bell-shaped flowers, and characteristic vegetation. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered with dense hairs; this feature contributes to both its naming and its adaptation to arid environments.

Morphological Characteristics

Fuzzy Bellflower is a plant that typically reaches a height of 15–40 cm, with an upright and branching stem. Its leaves are sessile or short-stalked, with serrated edges and a hairy surface. Its flowers are generally bell-shaped, purplish-blue or lilac in color. The flowers are located individually or in small clusters on the upper parts of the stem. The flowering period lasts from late April to mid-May. Its fruit is a capsule, and its seeds are dispersed by wind.

Distribution and Habitat

This species naturally grows only in Türkiye, within the borders of Aydın province in the Western Anatolian Region, specifically in Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park. It typically lives in calcareous soils, stony and rocky areas, at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 400 meters. Rock crevices, gaps in stone walls, alluvial slopes, and semi-shaded maquis areas are the primary habitats of the species. Its habitat preferences indicate that the species has a structure resistant to drought and direct sunlight.

Ecological Role and Place in Biodiversity

Fuzzy Bellflower exhibits soil-holding properties at the microhabitat level and establishes a symbiotic balance with the surrounding plant diversity. It is an important nectar source, especially for pollinator insects. Due to its endemism and limited distribution, this species is also considered an indicator of biological diversity. The conservation of this species is important not only for its individual survival but also for the preservation of the integrity of the ecosystem it inhabits.

Threats and Conservation Status

Due to its limited distribution, Fuzzy Bellflower is highly susceptible to habitat destruction. Factors such as increasing urbanization in coastal areas, tourism pressure, fires, and unconscious plant collection are among the main threats to this species. Furthermore, prolonged drought periods resulting from climate change also negatively affect the species' life cycle.

The species is listed in the "Vulnerable" category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. In Türkiye, it is protected under Law No. 2872 on Environment. According to this law, detaching, damaging, or transporting the species from its natural habitat is subject to severe fines. As of 2025, the fine for picking this species ranges from 73,747 TL to 557,212 TL.

Conservation and Monitoring Efforts

In 2019, the "Fuzzy Bellflower Species Action Plan" was prepared by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye. Within the framework of this plan, efforts are being carried out to monitor the natural habitats of the species, map its populations, propagate the species, and raise public awareness. Additionally, ecotourism activities within the conservation zones of Dilek Peninsula have been regulated to prevent harm to this species.

Traditional Use and Cultural Value

It is known that Fuzzy Bellflower has some traditional medicinal uses among the public. It is claimed to be consumed as a herbal tea for digestive system disorders or used externally for skin problems. However, these types of uses are not recommended in the field of modern phytotherapy as they are not supported by scientific research.