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).
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.
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.