Silene araxina: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(ii,iii,iv,v) + 2 ab(ii,iii,iv,v)

Category. Endangered species. Two sub–populations are known the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy of which are less than 500 km2. The main threats are road construction and recreation trampling. 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. Basal leaves petiolate, cauline ones sessile. At stem bases are congested rigid strict bases of dead leaves. Petals pink, with paracorolla. Highly decorative plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Darelegis floristic region (Selim mountain pass and neighborhoods of the town Djermuk). EOO is 120 km2, AOO is 12 km2. The number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia the species grows in North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1900–2400 meters above sea level, on rocks. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by road construction and recreation trampling.

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