Crataegus microphylla: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, area of occupancy is not less than 500 km2. The species grows in the area of intensive economic activity. 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. Shrub 2–2,5 m, with grey bark. Spines usually few, thin. Leaves 1–3 x 1–1,8 cm, at early stages pubescent from the both sides, later becoming almost glabrous, (3) 5–7–partite, usually oblong–ovate, rarely leaf lobes oval with dentate or crenate margins. Inflorescence 4–10– flowered. Fruits 9–12 mm long, oblong–elliptic or ovate to pyriform.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Idjevan (Kiranc, Voskepar, Shamluh, Akhtala) and Zangezur (Nerkin Hand, Verin Khotanan) floristic regions. EOO is 3500 km2, AOO is 20 km2, the number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in West Ciscaucasia, West and East Transcaucasia, Nakhichevan, Talish, Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–1200 meters above sea level, at forest edges. Flowering in May, fruiting from September to October.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by forestry activities.

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