Bupleurum koso–poljanskyi: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Vulnerable species. Endemic of Armenia which grows in 2 floristic regions. The area of distribution is fragmented. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The key threatening processes include disturbance of habitats caused by forestry activities, expansion of arable lands and trampling by the cattle. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 4: Indefinite species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb, 25–40 cm. Basal leaves petiolate, broadly ovate or elliptic. Umbels with 3–4 very thin, capilliform, unequal rays. Bracteoles ovate, 3–veined, equal to umbellules during flowering. Flowers yellow. Fruits elliptic, with narrowly winged ridges.

Distribution. In Armenia occurs in Gegham and Idjevan floristic regions. EOO is 2470 km2 AOO is 32 km2, the number of locations is 7.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from middle to alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1000–3000 meters above sea level, in the forests, steppe shrubs, on screes. Flowering in July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Loss/degradation of habitats caused by deforestation, forestry activities, trampling by the cattle.

Conservation actions. The part of the population grows in "Dilidjan" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.