Silene chustupica: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. One small population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. 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. Lax caespitosae semishrub, 15–20 cm. Leaves linear, slightly rigid. Petals purple. Highly ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found only in Zangezur (Khustup Mountain) floristic region. AOO is 4 km2. The number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in alpine belt, at the altitudes of 3000–3200 meters above sea level, on screes. Flowering in July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, global climate change.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of new specially protected nature area in Khustup Mountain.