Thlaspi umbellatum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. It occurs only in the very south of Armenia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species is on the verge of extinction caused by economical activities. 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 plant 5–15 (30) cm. Leaves broadly lanceolate or oblong, at base cordate and auriculate; basal ones with long petioles; cauline ones sessile. Flowers white, in terminal short corymbiform raceme. Silicle 4–6 mm long, inversely triangular, at base cuneate, at apex slightly sinuate, with angulose, radially veined wings.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Zangezur floristic region (Chakaten, Nerkin Hand). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia it is distributed in East Ciscaucasia and East Transcaucasia, North Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–900 meters above sea level, on dry rocky slopes, among shrubs. Flowering in April, fruiting in May.

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

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