Asphodeline lutea: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,iv)

Category. Critically endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial rhizomatous herb. Stem 40–60 cm, thick. Leaves numerous, linear–subulate, narrowly 3–edged. Inflorescence a dense long raceme. Perianth segments yellow with green midrib; 2–2,5 mm long, oblong–lanceolate. Capsule oblong–globular, 12–15 mm long; valves irregularly rugose. Seeds grayish–brown, 6 mm in diameter.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Idjevan floristic region, surroundings of Idjevan town. AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in West Ciscaucasia, West, North–West and South–West Transcaucasia, the Crimea, Mediterranean Sea basin, Israel, Jordan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–1000 meters above sea level, at forest edges, in oak–hornbeam forests. Flowering in May, fruiting in June. Edible plant. The roots contain large amount of sugar and mucus.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: Survey of population numbers and range, monitoring of the population state.