Verbascum gossypium: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. One sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the 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. Taking into consideration that the general area of distribution of the species is situated beyond the borders of Armenia the category of the 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. Monocarpyc herb 20–50 cm, sordide white densely tomentose. Upper and middle cauline leaves ovate–lanceolate, decurrent, basal ones almost sessile or shortly petiolate, lanceolate or obovate–oblong. Inflorescence – spiciform raceme. Corolla yellow, 15–25 cm in diameter.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Meghri (neighborhoods of Vardanadzor village) floristic region. AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows in all the regions of the Caucasus, East Anatolia and Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1300–1500 meters above sea level, on stony slopes and rocks, at forest edges. 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 influence of anthropogenic factor.

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