Astragalus globosus: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. In Armenia one sub– populations is known. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. 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 plants, covered with bipartite hairs. Leaflets 10–18–paired, narrowly elliptic, pubescent. Raceme dense, globose; peduncle firm. Bracts almost equal to calyx. Corolla yellow; flag 16–18 mm long. Legumes oblong, pubeccent, 7 x 3 mm.

Distribution. In Armenia the only habitat is situated in Upper Akhuryan floristic region, on Yeznasar Mountain. AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, in meadows. Flowering in June–July, fruiting in July–August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, intensive grazing.

Conservation actions. The species is located in "Arpi Lich" National Park. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.