Aristolochia iberica: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Only one population is known in the forests of North Armenia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by forestry activity. 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. Perennial rhizomatous herb. Stems 25–45 cm, simple, erect. Leaves large, entire, broadly cordate–oval. Perianth large, 3,5–4,5 cm, whitish–greenish, infundibuliform, curved; flower placed under the leaf.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Idjevan floristic region. EOO is 310 km2, AOO is 30 km2, the number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the species also grows in Georgia and North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 600–1300 meters above sea level, under forest canopy. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to July.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, to distinguish the ecosystems comprising the species as forests of special importance during construction works.