Astragalus grammocalyx: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. One sub–population is known consisiting of two locations, the distance between which is 40 kilometers. The area of distribution is severely fragmented. 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 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial stemless grayish–blue plant with subterranean stolons. Pubescence dense, squarrose, of simple hairs. Leaflets 10–16 paired, ovate–elliptic. Inflorescence dense, not elongating after flowering. Calyx tubular, later ovoid, inflated, pubescent. Corolla violet.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Gegham floristic region (between the villages Zar and Qyankyan, “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan and North Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitude of 2500 meters above sea level, on dry slopes, screes, in the meadow–steppe, in juniper open forest. 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.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Khosrov Forest" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.