Paracaryum laxiflorum: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(i,ii,iii,v) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,v)

Category. Critically endangered species. It is found in one floristic region. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The main threat is restricted area of distribution and overgrazing. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Biennial or perennial hispid herbs, 20–40 cm. Basal and lower cauline leaves long–petiolate, elongate–lanceolate. Inflorescence paniculate. Calyx almost to base divided to narrowly lanceolate lobes. Corolla small, usually dark purple. Nutlets compressed–globose, with flat, acute–denticulate and aculeolate wing.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Shirak floristic region (Djadjur mountain pass, mountain Tslasar). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia it grows in East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1700–2000 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by overgrazing.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected nature area on Shirak mountain range.