Anthemis caucasica: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. The easternmost part of the main area of distribution is situated in the North–West Armenia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces extinction in Armenia caused by agricultural activity. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb 20–25 cm, silvery–tomentose of appressed, whitish, sometimes reddish hairs. Leaves pinnate–dissected; segments in 8–12 pairs. Stem with 1 terminal capitulum. Involucre phyllaries broad, membranous, with light undulate margin. Ligulate flowers yellow, in 1 row. Achenes with elongated ribs. Pappus very short, corolla–shaped, squamiform.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Upper Akhuryan (mountains Ghukasyan Mets and Oksyuz, settlements Daraksa and Chivinli) floristic region. EOO is 80 km2, AOO is 16 km2. The number of locations is 4. Besides of Armenia the area of distribution includes West Caucasus, West and South–West Transcaucasia, North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper and sub–alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1700–2600 meters above sea level, on screes and stony slopes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, economic activity, climate change.

Conservation actions. The habitats of the species are situated in "Arpi Lake" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, introduction into floriculture.