Aeluropus repens: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one small sub– population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. It is situated in the zone of intensive economical activity. The species faces extinction caused by the changes in habitat conditions. 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. Perennial herb with branched, procumbent and rooting in the nodes shoots. Stems ascending, up to 30 cm. Leaf sheaths and blades densely villose. Inflorescence very dense, oblong, 5–16 x 4–9 mm. Spikelets 4–5–flowered, villose–white.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Yerevan floristic region (surroundings of Armash and Yeraskh). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Azerbaidjan, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, Asia, North Africa.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–800 meters above sea level, on saline soils and in salt marshes. Flowering from June to August, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused generally by amelioration, expansion of arable lands and artificial fishing ponds.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.