Allium talyschense: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Trascaucasia. Only one population is known in Armenia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces loss of the main habitat caused by internal factors, contingency and grazing. 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.

Description. Bulbous plant. Stem 10–30 cm. Inflorescence spherical. Periant globular–campanulate; segments rigid, white; midrib sordide purple. Leaves flat.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Darelegis floristic region (between the villages Khachik and Gnishik). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Beyond the borders of Armenia the species grows in Talish.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. It grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitudes of 2200–2400 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.