Cephalorrhynchus kirpicznikovii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of South Transcaucasia. Only one severely fragmented population is known, the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The number of mature individuals does not exceed 250. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions in the result of intensive agricultural activities. 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 herb with nodose cone–shaped root. Stems 30–50 cm, usually glandulose. Capitula 15–18–flowered, in corymbose– paniculate inflorescence. Flowers yellow.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found in Yerevan (vicinity of Tigranashen village) and Darelegis (Yeghegis river gorge) floristic regions. AOO is 12 km2. The number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia grows in Nakhichevan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1500–1800 meters above sea level, in open forests, among steppe shrubs. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable purposes and grazing.

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