Carex pendula: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN* B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. Since the greater part of the population is situated beyond the borders of Armenia, the category of threat has been downgraded to EN. 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. Laxly cespitose perennial herb 80–120 cm. Leaves linear, 1–1,6 cm broad. Female spikelets in arcuate–drooping inflorescence 10–17 x 0,5 cm. Bracts ovate, equal to utricules or slightly shorter, with acumen 1 mm long. Utricules 3–3,2 mm long, pale green, with domed edges and 2–3 veins; rostellum slightly splitted.

Distribution. It occurs in Zangezur floristic region, in surroundings of the villages Srashen, Shikahogh (yew grove) and Nerkin Hand (plane grove). AOO is 8 km2. The number of locations is 1. The general area of distribution includes the Caucasus, Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, Anatolia, Iraq, Iran and North Africa.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 900 meters above sea level, in shade forests, along wet riversides, near springs. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Loss/degradation of habitats caused by economical activities and deforestation.

Conservation actions. The greater part of the population is situated in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.