Saxifraga tridactylites: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Vulnerable species. In Armenia two sub–populations are known. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. 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 VU. 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. Annual plant 5–20 cm. Leaves in basal rosette and cauline, usually 3–5–lobed. Inflorescence patent, pedicels thin. Flowers small, 5–7 mm in diameter; petals white, twice as long as calyx.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan (Vedi, "Khosrov Forest" State Reserve) and Idjevan (Idjevan mountain ridge, vicinity of Haghartsin village) floristic regions. EOO is 840 square kilometers, AOO is 12 square kilometers. Locations are 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in Ciscaucasia, Dagestan, West and East Transcaucasia, Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin, Crimea, Balkans, Middle Asia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 900–1500 meters above sea level, on rocks and stones, along the banks of water streams. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to July.

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

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