Dianthus grossheimii: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(i,ii,iii) +2 ab(i,ii,iii)

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. Two sub– populations are known in Sevan and Darelegis floristic regions. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces changes in habitat conditions caused by intensive recreation and expansion of the arable lands. 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. Calyx 12–17 mm long. Flowers solitary or in corymbiform inflorescence. Bracteoles 4–6 (8). Petals pink or purple, unequal dentate, pilose from above (barbate).

Distribution. In Armenia it is found in Sevan (Sevan, Argichi) and Darelegis (surroundings of Karavansaraj, Selim mountain pass) floristic regions. EOO is 410 km2, AOO is 20 km2. The number of locations is 2.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1800–2200 meters above sea level, in mountain steppes, meadow–steppes, and meadows. Flowering in July, fruiting in August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, fragmentation of the area of distribution, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expand of arable lands, grazing, hay–making, recreation trampling.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Sevan" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.