Astragalus lunatus: 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. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species grows in the zone of intensive agricultural activities. It has been discovered lately in the territory of Armenia (2001). 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 plant, covered with bipartite hairs. Stems branched, up to 60 cm. Leaflets 9–15–paired, 5–13 x 1,5–2,5 mm. Inflorescence dense, turning loose after flowering. Corolla red. Legumes pendent, oblong–linear, densely pubescent, straight or slightly curved, gradually narrowing into long pubescent rostellum.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Idjevan floristic region (surroundings of Vanadzor). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Dagestan and Iran (Elburs Mountain).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitude of 1400 meters above sea level, on stony slopes, between rocks. 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. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.