Dianthus libanotis: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,iv)

Category. Endangered species. It is known in two floristic regions. The area of distribution is fragmented. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 square kilometers. The species grows in the area of intensive economic activity, the main threat is the expansion of arable lands. 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. Perennial herb, 25–60 cm. Calyx 30–40 mm long. Leaves rigid, spiny. Bracteoles 4–6, prostrate or reflexed in thorny cusp. Blades of petals white, with red spot at base, up to ½ dissected into filiform lobes. Flowers with strong fragrance.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found in Yerevan (Urts mountain range, Ilkasar mountain peak, between Zovashen and Garni villages) and Darelegis (surroundings of Areni village) floristic regions. EOO is 310 km2, AOO is 16 km2. The number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan and South–West Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–1400 meters above sea level, in the semi–deserts, among phryganoid vegetation, on dry stony and clay slopes. Flowering from July to August, fruiting in August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expand of arable lands.

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