Orchis tridentata: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. Taking into consideration wide range of general distribution of the species, the category of threat has been downgraded to EN. 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 15–30 cm, with entire tubers. Inflorescence rotundate–oblong or ovate. Bracts membranous, lanceolate. Flowers pink or pinkish–purple, with dark veins. External perianth segments forming a cassis. Labellum dark-asperse, deeply 3–lobate with obcordate central lobe. Very ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Zangezur (vicinity of Tsav village) floristic region. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in the Caucasus, Europe, Mediterranea, Crimea, West Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 900–1000 meters above sea level, in light forests. Flowering in May–June, fruiting in June-July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, over–collection as a decorative plant.

Conservation actions. Grows in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.