Inula acaulis: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. It occurs only in 2 floristic regions. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species grows in alpine and sub–alpine meadows which are subjected to intensive grazing. 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, rhizomatous, almost glabrous, stemless or rarely with steme 5 (15) cm. Leaves mainly in basal rosette. Capitulum solitary, 3,5–4 cm in diameter. Involucre phyllaries and ligulas on margins and veins often violet–reddish. Achenes pubescent.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Sevan (Areguni shore, surroundings of the village Lchashen) and Darelegis (surroundings of the villages Khachik and Gnishik) floristic regions. EOO is 3970 km2, AOO 40 km2. The number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhhichevan and Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine and alpine belts, at the altitudes of 2300–2800 meters above sea level, in meadows, wetlands, between rocks. Flowering from July to August, fruiting in August–September.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by intensive grazing and land development, climate change.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows on the area of "Sevan" National park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.