Primula amoena: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU B 1 ab(ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab(ii,iii,iv)

Category. Vulnerable species. The extent of occurrence is less than 20000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 2000 km2. The species grows in the area of intensive agricultural activity. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb, 10–30 cm. Leaves glabrous from above, pubescent from beneath, obovate or oblong, cuneate at base. Inflorescence umbel–shaped, scape long. Corolla large, pinkish–purple. Highly decorative species.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Lori (neighborhoods of Privolnoe and Gargar villages), Idjevan (Lalvar Mountain, Mrkhuz and Pambak mountain ranges) and Zangezur ("Shikahogh" State Reserve) floristic regions. EOO is 8730 km2, AOO is 32 km2. Locations are 6. Besides Armenia the species grows in the Greater Caucasus, Transcaucasia, NE Turkey.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine and alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1900–3200 meters above sea level, in the meadows. Flowering in May, fruiting in June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the intensive grazing, global climate change; excessive collection as decorative species.

Conservation actions. One of the populations grows in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.