Acorus calamus: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Natural habitats are on the verge of direct extinction as a result of intensive economic activity. 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 with thick creeping rhizome, covered with long root fibres. Leaves linear–ensiform, slightly yellowish–green. Spathe stem–shaped at base, leaf–shaped in upper part. Spadix lateral, without appendage. Flowers very small, hermaphrodite. Fruit a bacca.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Yerevan floristic region (surroundings of the villages Arevshat, Mkhchyan, Tsakhkunq, Parakar). EOO is 180 km2, AOO is 12 km2, the number of locations is 3. The general area of distribution of the species includes Ciscaucasia, West, East and South Transcaucasia, Europe, Asia, Siberia, North America.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. The species grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 900–1300 meters above sea level, along the riversides, in wetlands, along irrigation canals. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to August. It is considered to be widely known herb that is endowed with antiseptic effects.

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

Conservation actions. It is being grown in the experimental plot "Flora of Armenia" in the Institute of Botany of NAS of RA. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.