Reseda globulosa: 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. One sub–population is known in Armenia. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species grows in the area of intensive economic activity. 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. Annual or biennial plants. Stems glabrous. Leaves 5–lobed, lobes narrowly spathulate, dividing in the upper part of the leave. Inflorescence branches apprised. Sepals linear, at fruits persistent and almost not enlarging. Capsule globose, compressed, more broad than long.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Meghri floristic region (Agarak, Nyuvadi). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Ciscaucasia, Greater Caucasus Mountain range, Central and East Transcaucasia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 800–1000 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, among phryganoid vegetation. Flowering from May to June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by mining industry, road construction, development of lands for arable purposes.

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