Linum barsegjanii: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(i,ii,iii) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii)

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. One population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species grows in the area of intensive anthropogenic influence. In the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia it was included as Linum seljukorum under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Pubescent, glandulose annual plant, 7–30 cm. Stems unbranched, usually solitary, erect, pubescent in the upper part. Leaves oblong, fleshy, stipulate–glandulose on margins. Inflorescence 5–14– flowered. Sepals 7–8 mm long, light blue, with light yellow claws. Capsule 4–5 mm long.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Yerevan floristic region (surroundings of Ararat town). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 850 meters above sea level, in salt marshes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from August to October.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, small density of the population, loss/degradation of habitats caused by drainage of marshes, grazing, vegetation burning.

Conservation actions. According to 2008 decree of the Government of RA the salt marshes of the Ararat Plain were included in the list of natural monuments. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.