Iris iberica: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(iii,iv,v) + 2 ab(iii,iv,v)

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Transcaucasia. One sub–population is known in Armenia in the southern border of the main area of distribution. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species is on the verge of extinction caused by land development. 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. Rhizomatous perennial herb. Stem 8–20 cm. Leaves amplexicaul, usually straight or sword–like. Flowers solitary, large; external and inner lobes of perianth limb 4–5 (6) x 2,5–4 cm, densely covered with dark brown veins and small spots, with large obovate black spot in the centre; inner ones 3–5 (6) cm in diameter, whitish or light blewish, with pale mauve veins. Very decorative plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Idjevan floristic region (surroundings of the station Ayrum). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Georgia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 400–600 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, in shibliak. Flowering in May, fruiting in June.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats, as well as introduction into floriculture.