Ophrys apifera: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. 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. Perennial herb 20–50 cm, with entire tubers. Labellum broadly elliptic, with 1 yellow–marginate spot, 2 conical villous tubercles at base, distinctly 3–lobed; lateral lobes liguliform or ovate; central one almost round, at apex with recurved appendix. Rostrate connective S–shaped. External perianth segments pink or lilac, with greenish veins. Very ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Zangezur floristic region (surroundings of Kapan). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Transcaucasia, Talish, Europe, Mediterranean Sea basin, West Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 600–800 meters above sea level, in the shibliak. Flowering in May, fruiting from May to June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land unsustainable use.

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