Erianthus ravennae: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Vulnerable species. Only one sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Since 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 included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb forming large robust tufts. Stems erect, up to 2,5–3 m. Leaf blades narrow, up to 140 cm long. Panicle dense, large, 20–70 x 6–10 cm. Glumae on the veins and in upper part purple. Lemma membranous, acute awned.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Meghri (the Araks River valley) floristic region. EOO is 140 km2, AOO is 20 km2. Locations are 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in Ciscaucasia, Transcaucasia, East Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, North Africa, South– West, Central and Middle Asia, North India.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 400–800 meters above sea level, along sandy river banks, in the riparian forests. Flowering in May, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: establishment of new specially protected nature area in the surroundings of Agarak (Meghri region) settlement, monitoring of the population state.