Tulipa sosnovskyi: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of South Transcaucasia. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. In the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia it was included under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb 25–50 cm. Bulb ovate; tunics light brown, coriaceous, from inside gold–shining pilose. Flower very large, cup–shaped, dark red; perianth segments narrowing towards the apex and base. Capsule 3–7 x 2–3 cm.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Zangezur (Kadjaran, Lernadzor, Pkhrut, Tatev, Shikahogh, Kapan) and Meghri (mountain Berdakar, Artsvaberd, Gyumarants, Vardanidzor, Lichk, Vahravar etc.) floristic regions. EOO is 1350 km2, AOO is 88 km2, the number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan (Ordubad, mountain Soyukh).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from lower to sub–alpine belt, at the altitude of 700–2300 meters above sea level, on rocky and stony slopes, screes, in oak and juniper open forests, at forest edges and glades. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from May to June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development, collection for bouquets.

Conservation actions. One population is conserved in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.