Linaria pyramidata: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. The only sub–population is situated in Arayiler and is under the strong anthropogenic pressure. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions In the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia it was included under Category 1: Endangered species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb 40–80 cm, with straight unbranched stems. Leaves semiamplexicaulous, glaucous, ovate or oblong–lanceolate, acute. Inflorescence dense, pyramidate–spiciform. Flowers very large, bright yellow. Ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Aparan floristic region (Arayiler Mountain). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Talish, East Anatolia, North–West Iran, Turkmenia (Kopet Dagh mountain range).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from middle to sub–alpine belt, at the altitude of 1500–2500 meters above sea level, between volcanic rocks and on screes, among sub–alpine tall grasses. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

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

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected nature area on Arayiler Mountain.