Nymphaea alba: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. It also grew in Aparan floristic region up to 1930s: in the small lakes arisen from spring floods of Marmarik river. The species disappeared from this region because of negative impact of natural and anthropogenic factors. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 3: Reducing species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial rhizomatous aquatic herb. Leaves floating, broadly elliptic or rounded, cordate at base. Flowers solitary, large, 14–20 cm in diameter, floating. Sepals 3–5. Petals white, numerous, spirally arranged, gradually turning into stamens. Fruit bacciform, ripening under the water. Seeds with spongy arillus, containing air bubbles.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Lori (the lakes of Lori Plateau, between Stepanavan and Tashir) floristic region. EOO is 330 km2, AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the general area of distribution includes Ciscaucasia, East Transcaucasia, the Scandinavian Peninsula, Europe, Mediterranean Sea basin, Asia Minor.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1400–1900 meters above sea level, in the lakes, in stagnant waters. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August. Decorative species, the rhizomes of which are used in folk medicine.

Limiting factors. Climate change, influence of anthropogenic factor.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of new specially protected area in Lori region.