Sameraria cardiocarpa: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. It occurs only in one floristic region. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species is on the verge of extinction caused by economic activities. 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. Annual, glabrous, glaucous plant 25–35 cm, stems branched. Cauline leaves broadly lanceolate, at base deeply cordate; basal ones broadly lanceolate. Flowers pale yellow. Silicle indehiscent, rounded–ovate, at base cordate, at apex slightly sinuate; wings along sutures with oblique inclined, cuneate teeth.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Darelegis floristic region (Areni, Chaykend). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia it is distributed in East Ciscaucasia and Central Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1300–1500 meters above sea level, on dry slopes, in steppes and among phryganoid vegetation. Flowering in April, fruiting in May.

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

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