Arenaria brachypetala: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by the intensity of economic 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. Perennial herb, 20–40 cm. Stems in basal part with remnants of dead leaves. Petals shorter than sepals, yellowish–greenish. Sepals obtuse.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Yerevan floristic region (Yerakh mountain range, Small Ilkasar Mountain). AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in North– West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–900 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, in the semi–deserts and among phryganoid vegetation. Flowering in June, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and number of locations, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the intensity of agricultural activities and trampling by cattle.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected natural area in Yerakh mountain range.