Primula cordifolia: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of the Caucasus. Only one sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. 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, 10–20 (40) cm. Leaf blades almost glabrous, cordate at base, petioles broadly alate. Corolla lemon–yellow.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found only in Lori floristic region (Pushkin mountain pass). AOO is 8 square kilometers, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in the Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitudes of 2000–2400 meters above sea level, in the meadows. Flowering in May, fruiting from May to June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by intensive grazing, global climate change; over–collection as an ornamental species.

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