Alyssum hajastanum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of Transcaucasia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces extinction caused by the intensity of recreation and grazing. 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 8–12 cm, covered with appressed squamose hairs. Leaves oblanceolate to linear. Stems simple, unbranched. Inflorescence elongating after flowering; fructifer pedicels patent. Petals pale yellow. Short stamens with free appendage at base; long ones with one–sided wings. Silicle oval, 3,5–4 mm long, sinuate under the style, covered with appressed squamose hairs.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Sevan floristic region (between the villages Artanish, Babadjan, Daranak). AOO is 12 km2, the number of locations is 2, the distance between which is 10 km. Besides Armenia the main area of distribution comprises South–West Trascaucasia (Meskhetia).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 2000–2300 meters above sea level, on dry slopes, in juniper open forests. Flowering in April–May, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, not numerous locations, impact of recreation, grazing.

Conservation actions. It is situated in the protective zone of "Sevan" National Park. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.