Cercis griffithii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. At present only one sub–population is known in the republic. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. There are two habitats the distance between which makes up 20 kilometers. The species is on the verge of extinction caused by changes in habitat conditions in the result of establishment of orchards and vineyards. 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. Small tree 3–4 m. Leaves simple, entire; stipules deciduous. Flowers zygomorphous, almost papilionaceous, in fascicles, bright pink or blewish. Very decorative plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Megri floristic region (Shvanidzor, Nyuvadi). AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Azerbaidjan, Middle Asia and Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–900 meters above sea level, in dry stony slopes, in semi–desert, sometimes in field edges. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from May to June.

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

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