Gentiana olivieri: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Vulnerable species with fragmented area of distribution. At present three sub–populations are known. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. Taking into consideration that the main area of distribution of the species is situated beyond the borders of Armenia, the category of threat has been downgraded to VU. 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 herb, 20–70 cm. Cauline leaves few (2–3 pairs), narrowly lanceolate; radical (basal) ones up to 10 cm long, forming rosette. Flowers numerous, in terminal compact inflorescence, large, blew or violet.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan (Yerevan surroundings, Urts and Yerakh mountain ranges) and Shirak (surroundings of Lusaghbyur village) floristic regions. EOO is 1120 km2, AOO is 24 km2. The number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, Asia Minor, Middle Asia, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 900–1400 meters above sea level, in semi–deserts and steppes. Flowering in May, fruiting June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by expansion of arable lands, grazing and climate change.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.