Verbascum atroviolaceum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions. 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 25–30 sm. Lower leaves not forming rosette, on long petioles, blades oblong–lanceolate or elongate narrowly triangular, at base cuneate, truncate or auriculiform, toward the top of stem gradually diminishing and becoming sessile. Inflorescence narrow, elongate, racemiform. Corolla violet.

Distribution. In Armenia it is found in Lori (neighborhoods of Sarchapat village) and Idjevan (neighborhoods of Bagratashen, Kobayr, Ayrum, Akhtala, Debed villages). EOO is 640 km2, AOO is 30 km2, the number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in North Ossetia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower and middle mountain belts, at the altitudes of 400–1400 meters above sea level, in steppes and shibliak. 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 grazing.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.