Arabis laxa: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces extinction caused by anthropogenic factor – intensity of recreation and 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. Annual or perennial plants with branched stems 30–60 cm. Basal leaves lyrate; middle cauline ones elongate, acuminate, at base cordate, amplexicaul. Corolla 7–9 mm long, whitish. Silicle 6–12 cm long, curved, 4–edged, drooping.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Zangezur floristic region (surroundings of Srashen and Nerqin Hand villages). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the main area of distribution comprises East Ciscaucasia, East Trascaucasia, Talish, South Europe (Bulgaria), South–West Asia (Anatolia, East Syria).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–900 meters above sea level, in the forest edges, among shrubs. Flowering from April to May, fruiting in June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the intensity of economic activity.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.