Swida iberica: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one sub–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 changes habitat conditions. 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. Small tree or shrub, 2–3 m high. Leaves opposite, narrow, oblong, acuminate. Inflorescence umbel–shaped, without involucre. Flowers white. Fruits globular, juicy.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Zangezur floristic region, in the surroundings of Nerkin Hand village. AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Georgia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–800 meters above sea level, at forest edges, in plane grove. Flowering in May, fruiting in June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.

Conservation actions. The species grows in the area of "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.