Verbascum erivanicum: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of South Transcaucasia. In Armenia one sub–population is known. 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. 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. Monocarpic herb 30–60 cm. Stems tomentose–grey in the lower part. Basal leaves oblong or oblong–ovate, petiolate; cauline ones sessile. Inflorescence paniculate, weakly branched, lax, elongate; fascicles of flowers very remote. Corolla yellow, concave.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Meghri floristic region (neighborhoods of the Agarak settlement). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 600–1000 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, among phryganoid vegetation. 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 mining industry and construction works.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, establishment of specially protected nature area in the neighborhoods of Agarak settlement.