Acanthus dioscoridis: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one not large sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are less than 10 km2. The species is under threat of extinction caused by the expansion of arable lands. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention (Convention of the European Wildlife and Natural Habitats).

Description. Perennial herb 30–40 cm. Leaves entire. Corolla unilabiate, purplis–pink. Inflorescence dense, oblong. Bracts acuminate, spinose–dentate, often violet. Very decorative plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found in Gegham floristic region, at the foots of the mountain Hatis. The area of occupancy (AOO) is 4 km2. Locations are 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in East Anatolia, North Iraq and in West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitude of 1600–1700 meters above sea level, in stony habitats, among meadow–steppe vegetation, at the edges of the fields. Flowering in June, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expansion of arable lands, grazing and global climate change.

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