Rosularia persica: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. In Armenia only one sub– population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species grows in intensively developed areas. 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. Glabrous plants, stems 7–10 cm. Rosette leaves elongate–spathulate, obtuse,with membranous denticulate margin; cauline leaves linear–lanceolate, obtusiusculous. Flowers in corymbose–paniculate inflorescence composed of spike–shaped branches; pedicels short. Calyx dissected almost to the base, glabrous. Corolla pink, narrowly campanulate, divided to 1/3 into oblong–lanceolate lobes. Stamens 10, anthers yellow.

Distribution. It occurs only in Meghri floristic region (surroundings of Shvanidzor village). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, Asia Minor and Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 600–1000 meters above sea level, in the cracks of the rocks, on stony slopes. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by intensive agricultural activities.

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