Thesium procumbens: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of the Caucasus. In the republic only one sub–population is known. Taking into consideration that the general area of distribution of the species is situated beyond the borders of Armenia the category of threat has been downgraded to EN. 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. Perennial herb with spreading branched stems, without glaucous film. Stems prostrate, branched. Leaves thin, linear. Inflorescence – simple raceme without lateral branches. Flowers small, about 2 mm long, almost sessile. Perianth whitish, patelliform.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Idjevan (Sevan mountain pass, neighborhoods of Margahovit village) floristic region. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows on the Greater Caucasus mountain range, in Dagestan, Central Transcaucasia, Karabagh and Zuvand.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper and sub–alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1800–2100 meters above sea level, in the meadows, at forest edges. 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, grazing and global climate change.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in the protected belt of "Dilidjan" National Park. Necessary: search of new habitats, monitoring of the population state.