Merendera greuteri: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(i,ii,iii,v) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,v)

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The anthropogenic factor may lead to the worsening of the habitat quality and decline of the area of occupancy. 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 stemless herb 3–6 cm. Bulbotuber 1–1,5 x 0,5–1 cm, tunics coriaceous, dark brown. Leaves 3, narrowly lanceolate, acuminate. Flowers usually 1, rarely 2, crateriform, pure white, rarely pinkish. Capsule oblong–ovate, almost completely subterranean. Seeds ovale–globular, 2–3 cm in diameter, pale brown.

Distribution. In Armenia the species occurs only in Shirak floristic region (Arteni Mountain, between Talin and Katnahbyur, surroundings of Irind village). AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1500–1900 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, in tragacanth communities and mountain steppes. Flowering from March to May, fruiting from May to June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable purposes.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected nature area on Arteni Mountain.