Dracocephalum botryoides: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of the Caucasus. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Dwarf semi–shrub 5–15 cm. Leaves pinnate dissected. Inflorescence dense, almost capitate. Calyx bilabiate; central lobe of upper lip ovate, 2–3 times broader than lanceolate lateral lobes. Corolla with very broad lower lip, light violet. Anthers glabrous. Fruit of 4 glabrous nutlets.

Distribution. In Armenia it is distributed in Aragats (Gegharot gorge) and Zangezur (mountains Kaputdjugh, Gazanler, Aramazd, vicinity of Aravus village) floristic regions. EOO is 1660 km2, AOO is 24 km2, the number of locations is 4. The general area of distribution includes Dagestan, East Caucasus and South Transcaucasia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in alpine belt, at the altitude of 2800 (and more) meters above sea level, on rocky, stony slopes, and screes. Flowering in July, fruiting in August (September). The species successfully grew in the plot "Flora of Armenia" in the Botanical garden of NAS of Armenia.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by global climate change and economic activity, especially grazing.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the state of the population, ex–situ conservation.