Campanula minsteriana: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The species grows in the northern part of the main area of distribution. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by anthropogenic factor. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under the name C. karakuschensis Grossh. under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Dwarf cushion–shaped semishrub. Stems ascending, 4–16 cm. Flowers light lilac–blue, 1–4, in corymbose inflorescence. Rosette leaves spathulate, narrowed in petiole. Ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Darelegis floristic region (between Tigranashen and Zangakatun villages, vicinity of Khachik, Gnishik, Gandzak, Khndzorut villages). EOO is 380 km2, AOO is 28 km2. The number of locations is 3. Beyond the borders of Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, East Anatolia, North–West Iran, where it is also rare.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from middle mountain to alpine belt, at the altitudes of 1200–3000 meters above sea level, on limestone rocks. Flowering from June to August, fruiting from July to September.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.

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