Iris lycotis: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy as a result of the changes in habitat conditions. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Rhizomatous perennial herb. Stem 10–35 cm. Leaves amplexicaul, falcate. Flowers solitary, large; external and inner lobes of perianth limb brownish–purple; external ones 4–6 cm long, with large velutinous black spot; inner ones 5–8 cm in diameter. Very ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it is distributed in Yerevan (Yeranos and Urts mountain ranges, between Tigranashen and Elpin villages) and Darelegis (surroundings of Arpa and Martiros villages) floristic regions. EOO is 685 km2, AOO is 40 km2, the number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, South–East Anatolia, North– East Iraq and West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from lower to sub–alpine belt, at the altitudes of 1000–2600 meters above sea level, on dry clay and stony slopes, in semi–deserts and steppes. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from May to July.

Limiting factors. Loss/degradation of habitats caused by economic activity.

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