Protected area "Chairite" - Goritsa village

Overview

Protected area "Chairite" is located near the village of Goritsa, not far from the river Hadjiyska. The area has been declared to protect the marsh snowdrop (Leucojum aestivum).

Swamp snowdrop is a perennial bulbous plant, up to 65 cm tall. This beautiful but poisonous plant blooms in April and May. The flowers (3-7 in number) emit a strong aroma and are located on top of the stem with unequally long stalks. It grows in long forests, periodically swampy meadows, and riverside terraces.

It is an offence for any person without a licence to pick, uproot or remove plants. It is on the Red Data Book of threatened species in Bulgaria and is protected by the Biodiversity Act.

The wild plant contains the alkaloid galantamine, from which various drugs are made, including the drug Nivalin, used to treat polio.