Cruciata sosnowskyi: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. At present only one sub– population is known. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species is on the verge of extinction caused by changes in habitat conditions, especially global climate change. 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. Densely squarrose pubescent perennial herb, with prostrate stems 5–10 cm long. Leaves in approximate verticilles, ovate or ovate–oblong, 4–7 x 2–3 mm. Flowers in cymes, almost equal to leaves. Corolla greenish–yellow.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Gegham floristic region (Sevsar Mountain). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species is met in the North Caucasus (Balkaria, Ossetia).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in alpine belt, at the altitude of 3100–3200 meters above sea level, on screes. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, climate change.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.