Silkosia

Silkosia is a nature reserve, located in the Strandzha mountain, southeastern Bulgaria. Its territory close to the villages Kosti and Balgari. Silkosia is the oldest reserve in the country, declared on 23 July 1931 in order to protect the evergreen bushes unique for Europe. It encompasses part of the Veleka catchment area with a territory of 396 ha. The terrain is various.

Flora

The variety of plant species is very high. There are specimen from different geographical latitudes which makes it interesting for the scientists. Plant inversion can be observed in the reserve. Usually, the beech trees are located in the higher and cooler areas, while the oak trees occupy the lower parts. In Silkosia in is the other way round: the oak forests are located higher in the mountain.

In the wet valley rare species such as the strandzha periwinkle, laurel, caucausian blueberry, common Yew can be observed. It is also the only place in Europe, where the wild medlar tree can be found.The most common flowers are the caucausian cowslip and the spring cyclamen which blossom in February and March.