Gagea lutea: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(i,ii,iii,v) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,v)

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. 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 15–20 cm. Bulb small, oblong–ovate, with papery greyish–brown tunics. Basal leaf large, broadly lanceolate. Inflorescence 5–10–flowered, umbel–shaped. Bracts 3–4, broad. Flowers large; perianth segments 1,4–1,6 cm long, linear, greenish on outside, bright yellow inside. Capsule broadly obovate.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Idjevan (surroundings of Vanadzor and Noyemberyan) and Darelegis (between Zaritap and Khndzorut villages) floristic regions. EOO is 4230 km2, AOO is 12 km2, the number of locations is 3. The main area of distribution includes Ciscaucasia, West, South–West, Central, East and South Transcaucasia, Europe, Siberia, Far East, North Iran and Afghanistan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitude of 1200–1500 meters above sea level, in the forests, steppe shrubs. Flowering from March to April, fruiting from April to May.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by forestry activities and land development.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.