Bupleurum pauciradiatum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Vulnerable species. It occurs in 2 floristic regions. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The area of distribution is fragmented. The category of threat has been downgraded to VU since the population is bordering with that of the neighboring countries. Economical activity may lead to the disturbance of habitats. 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. Annual plant, 30–60 cm. Lower leaves lanceolate, upper ones almost subulate. Umbels 2–3–rayed. Petals on the dorsal side papillose, on margins slightly dentate. Fruits ovoid, smooth.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Zangezur (surroundings of Kapan, "Shikahogh" State reserve) and Idjevan (surroundings of the village Shamlugh) floristic regions. EOO is 1770 km2, AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia it occurs in East Transcaucasia and South Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–1200 meters above sea level, among shrubs. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, not numerous locations, loss/degradation of habitats caused by economic activities, trampling by the cattle.

Conservation actions. The part of the population grows in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.