Lactuca takhtadzhianii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. At present three populations are known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions as a result of the intensity of agricultural 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 50–70 cm. Leaves entire, fleshy. Capitula small, in corymbose–paniculate, often diffuse inflorescense. Flowers blue.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan (Azat river valley and Urts mountain range) and Darelegis (surroundings of Khachik village) floristic regions. EOO is 400 km2, AOO is 28 km2. The number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, North–West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 1000–1600 meters above sea level, in semi–deserts, steppes, gypsaceous and clay slopes. It breeds well by vegetative reproduction, seed reproduction is depressed. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to July.

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

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