Linaria ricardoi is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae endemic to Portugal. Its scientific authority is Coutinho (Cout.). Locally known as "Linária dos Olivais" it blossoms from February to June.
Description
An annual plant with linear and thick leaf with a slightly curled tip. The flowers (15-20) have a small violet corolla (9-12mm). Linaria ricardoi PT2026.jpg|L. ricardoi at Vila Nova de São Bento-Serpa ==Distribution and habitat==
Distribution and habitat
Linaria ricardoi is endemic to southern Portugal in the interior of Alentejo but the species' main distribution area is in the Beja District (specifically in Redondo, Ferreira do Alentejo, Beja, Alvito, Cuba and Serpa). It is associated with grain fields such as wheat and oat and less commonly barley, fallows and meadows in traditional or mounted olive groves, rarely on embankments and side roads. It thrives in these areas to the reduced application of herbidices. ==Threats==
Threats
It is threatened by agricultural intensification and the related increase in herbicide use starting in the 50s and intensified in the 70s. Its reduced distribution and population isolation make the species particularly vulnerable to natural and human threats. Overgrazing, botanical colectionism and droughts are other factors that can affect this plant. == Conservation ==
Conservation
In 2006 QUERCUS acquired a four hectare terrain with L. ricardoi habitat where repopulation accions were performed. In 2011 it was considered to be a "Near Threatened" species by the IUCN but the "Lista Vermelha" update of 2020 classified it as "Endangered", due to the reduced EOO () and AOO () in only 3 locations. In 2022 it was selected as the portuguese "Plant of the Year" in order to raise awareness to its conservation. ==References==