Galium valantioides: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. 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 as a result of the intensity of agricultural activity. 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 with numerous stems, 15–35 cm. Leaves in verticilles by 4, rhomboid, 20–30 mm long. Cymes terminal on the main stem and branches, forming lax paniculate inflorescence. Flowers white, small.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Lori floristic region (Dzoraget). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species occurs in Ciscaucasia, Dagestan, West and Central Transcaucasia, East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitude of 1800–2000 meters above sea level, in rocky places, among shrubs. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expansion of arable lands and grazing.

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