Corallorhiza trifida: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one collection (1977) is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species grows in coniferous forests which make only the small part of the forests of Armenia. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 0: Aparently disappearing species. It is included in the Annex of CITES as representative of Orchidaceae family. It is not included in the Annexes of the Bern Convention.

Description. Achlorophillous, obligate mycotrophic perennial herb. Rhizome short, articulate, coral–shaped, without roots. Stems 10–25 cm. Flowers 3–10. Bracts shorter than ovary. Lateral external perianth segments recurved and connected forming a tubercle. Labellum dentate at margins.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Idjevan floristic region (surroundings of Vanadzor). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the general area of distribution includes the Caucasus, arctic and temperate regions of Eurasia and North America.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1300–1800 meters above sea level, in coniferous forests. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.