Iris sibirica: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU* B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Vulnerable species. Area of distribution is fragmented. 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 overgrazing. Since the main area of distribution is situated beyond the borders of Armenia the category of threat has been downgraded to VU. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia as a rare species (without any category). It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Rhizomatous perennial herb. Stem 40–70 (100) cm. Leaves narrowly linear, not exceeding the stem. Flowers 2–3, blue. Ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it is distributed in Upper Akhuryan, Lori and Idjevan floristic regions. EOO is 1330 km2, AOO is 32 km2, the number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in the Caucasus, Europe, Siberia, North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle and upper mountain belts, at the altitudes of 1600–2000 meters above sea level, in moist meadows, in swamped places, near rivers and lakes, in the forests. Flowering from May to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Loss/degradation of habitats caused by overgrazing.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Arpi Lake" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.