Actinolema macrolema: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. In the Caucasus the species grows only in Armenia in two sub–populations. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces disturbance of habitats as a result of economical activity (expansion of arable lands, establishment of economic constructions), as well as being trampled by the cattle. 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. Annual plant, 10–25 cm. Central flowers in umbel are hermaphrodite, almost sessile; external ones are male, on long pedicels. Bracts large, spinose–dentate on the margins. Mericarps on dorsum pectinate–dentate.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan floristic region (Urts mountain range, neighborhoods of Voghchaberd). EOO is 420 km2, AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 2. The main area of distribution comprises Anatolia, North Iraq, North–West Iran and Syrian Desert.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–1100 meters above sea level, on stony and clay slopes, in the fields, semi–deserts and dry mountain steppes. Flowering in May, fruiting in June.

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

Conservation actions. One of the populations is situated in the area of "Erebuni" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the state of the population.