Rhaponticoides hajastana: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. It is known only from Shirak floristic region. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb with vertical root. Stems erect. Capitula broadly ovate, large, 25–32 x 20—40 mm, very impressed at base. Involucral phyllaries with broad membranous appendage, 2–4 mm long. Marginal flowers very large, 46–50 mm long, yellow. Achenes light, oblong, in upper part transverse rugose. Pappus whitish or brownish– grey, large, 9–11 mm long.

Distribution. It is known only from Shirak floristic region (Djadjur, Ani, Bagravan, Sarakap). EOO is 260 km2, AOO is 30 km2. The number of locations is 3.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle and upper mountain belts, at the altitudes of 1400–2000 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, in the steppes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Land development and loss of habitats.

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