Centaurea phaeopappoides: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B1 ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,iv)

Category. Endangered species. It occurs in two floristic regions. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Grows in the area of intensive economic 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 herbs. Stems branched in the lower part, densely foliated almost to the tip. Leaves entire, narrowly linear. Capitula ovate or cubic, 15—20 x 10—20 mm. Appendages of involucre phyllaries membranous, shiny, light or foxy–rouge, ovate to almost rounded, at apex acuminated into small prickle, fine ciliate at margins. Pappus small.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Darelegis (Vayots Dzor mountain pass, Yeghegis, Djermuk, etc.) and Meghri (surroundings of Lichk) floristic regions. EOO is 360 km2, AOO is 40 km2. The number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia grows in North–West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle and upper mountain belts, at the altitudes of 1300–2300 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, between rocks, on screes, in oak and juniper open forests. Flowering in July, fruiting in August.

Limiting factors. Restricted distribution and land development.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.