Hypericum armenum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Two sub–populations are known located at the distance of 198 km from each other. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The area of distribution is severely fragmented. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by anthropogenic factor. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 4: Indefinite species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial plant 7–10 (15) cm. Leaves elliptic or ovate– elliptic, integerrime, opposite. Inflorescence a spike–shaped panicle, interrupted, with almost sessile apical branches. Calyx pentamerous; sepals connate at base, at margins densely adenotrichous. Petals 5, yellow, at margins with 1row of black glands. Fruit an ovoid capsule; seeds numerous.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Idjevan (Idjevan mountain range, near the village Hovk) and Zangezur (Gehi river gorge) floristic regions. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 2. The main area of distribution includes North–East Turkey.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt at the altitudes of 2000–2200 meters above sea level, in the rocky places and in the cracks of the rocks. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.

Conservation actions. One of the populations is situated in "Dilidjan" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.