Acantholimon caryophyllaceum: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU* B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Vulnerable species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by the changes in habitat conditions. Taking into consideration that the general area of distribution of the species is situated beyond the borders of Armenia the category of threat has been downgraded to VU. It was not included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Cushion–shaped undershrub. Stems laxly foliated. Flower stalks longer than leaves, unbranched. Spike rachis flexuose. Petals pink.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Darelegis (Selim mountain pass, surroundings of Karavansaraj, villages Gnishik, Gndevaz, Khachik, Yengidja, Martiros, Khndzorut, Arindzh) floristic region. EOO is 760 km2, AOO is 12 km2. Locations are 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in Anatolia, North Iraq and North–West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from middle to sub–alpine mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1600–2600 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes and screes. Flowering from July to August, fruiting in August.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected nature area in vicinity of the villages Khachik and Gnishik.