Gladiolus szovitsii: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. One small sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy as a result of inner factors and changes in habitat conditions. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under the wrong name G. halophilus, under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb with bulbotuber. Stem 15–30 cm. Leaves 2 (3), with parallel nervation. Inflorescence unilateral or bilateral, 2–3 (7)–flowered. Perianth strongly bilobate, broadly opened, pinkish–purple. Ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it is distributed in Meghri (Meghri, Aldara, Shvanidzor) floristic region. AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia the species grows in Azerbaidjan (Zangelan district), North–West and North Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 400–1100 meters above sea level, on open rocky and clay slopes, in semi–desert, in the shibliak, oak–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 economical activity.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: establishment of specially protected nature area in Meghri region, monitoring of the population state.