Teucrium hyrcanicum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Vulnerable species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Because of the worldwide distribution of the species the category has been downgraded to VU. 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. Perennial herb 60–80 cm. Leaves petiolate, ovate– oblong, crenate, from below grayish of dense crisped pubescence. Inflorescence narrow, almost cylindrical, spiciform, dense, many– flowered. Calyx bilabiate; upper lip with broad ovate central tooth and 2 lateral obtuse ones; lateral teeth of upper lip broader than acute teeth of lower lip. Corolla dark purple, 5–dentate, seeming unilabiate. Fruits of 4 obovate nutlets.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Zangezur (surroundings of Kapan, Tsav river valley, Khustup Mountain) floristic region. EOO is 200 km2, AOO is 24 km2, the number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the general area of ditribution includes West and East Transcaucasia, Talish, Anatolia and Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 700–1800 meters above sea level, in the forests, forest edges, in the glades and shibliak. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August. This is ornamental species.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by anthropogenic activities – land development for agricultural purposes, forestry activities, grazing and haymaking.

Conservation actions. The main part of population is situated in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the state of the population.