Astragalus campylosema: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic species in the Armenian Plateau. In Armenia one sub–population is known in the area of intensive agricultural activity. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial stemless plant 30–35 cm, covered with bipartite hairs. Leaves 15–25 cm long, pinnate; leaflets in 8–12 pairs, elliptic, obtusate, from the both sides densely appressed pilose. Inflorescence exceeding the leaves, many–flowered; pedicels erect, elongating after flowering. Corolla yellow, 16–22 mm. Legumes pendent, appressed to inflorescence axis, 10–17 x 3 mm.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Upper Akhuryan (surroundings of Amasia, Salut and Bashgyugh villages) floristic region. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Georgia (region Akhaltsikhe) and Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1850–2100 meters above sea level, in the meadows. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development and intensive grazing.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.