Cheilanthes pteridoides: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU* B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Vulnerable species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Taking into consideration the fact that the main area of distribution is beyond the borders of Armenia the category of threat has been downgraded to VU. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Rhizomatous perennial plant 10–30 cm. Frond blade from above glabrous, green, coriaceous, tripinnatisect; segments of the last order flat, oblong; petioles thin, shiny, grayish–brown or black, covered with glumes.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Meghri floristic region (from Agarak to Vardanadzor and Nyuvadi villages). EOO is 170 km2, AOO is 32 km2. Number of locations is 3. Beyond the borders of Armenia it grows in the East Caucasus, East Transcaucasia, in the Atlantic and Central Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, West (Turkey, Iran) and Central Asia, Afghanistan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. It grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitude of 500–1800 meters above sea level, between the cracks of the rocks and among stones.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expansion of mining industry.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the state of the population.