Hyacinthella atropatana: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. It occurs in two floristic regions. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia as Scilla atropatana under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Very small perennial herb. Bulb ovate; tunics papery, dark grayish–brown or grey. Scape 3–5 cm, elongating after flowering. Perianth white, pale blue or pale blewish–violet, campanulate or slightly urceolate. Anthers red or dark violet. Capsule obovate–cordiform, with short rostellum. Seeds black.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Meghri (surroundings of Agarak, Astazur, Nyuvadi villages) and Darelegis (between Areni and Amahu villages) floristic regions. EOO is 1200 km2, AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 600–1000 meters above sea level, on stony slopes. Flowering from February to March, fruiting from March to April.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by agricultural activities.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected nature area in the surroundings of Agarak settlement.