Pyrus complexa: Red Data Book of Armenia

EN B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. The area of distribution is fragmented. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. 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. Spiny tree up to 10 m. Leaves on the both sides densely tomentose, whitish, elliptic, 6,5–8 x 3,5–4 cm, shortly acuminate at apex, crenate–serrate at margins; petioles tomentose. Fruits yellowish, compressed–orbiculate, small, 2–3 cm in diameter; pedicles thin, almost equal to the fruit.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Gegham (Milli river gorge), Darelegis (Khachik, Yeghegis river gorge) and Meghri (Gudemnis, Vank, Djindara, Mulk, Vahravar) floristic regions. EOO is 3240 km2, AOO is 20 km2, the number of locations is 4.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle and upper mountain belts, at the altitudes of 1200–2100 meters above sea level, in broad–leaved forests, at forest edges. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from June to September.

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

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