Valeriana eriophylla: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of Transcaucasia. Only one sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 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 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb with well developed long rhizome. Stems eret, 50–20 cm high. Leaves pilose to shortly lanose; basal ones entire; cauline ones lyrate–pinnate. Flowers small, white, in umbel–shaped inflorescence.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Upper Akhuryan (Djavakhk mountain range and the neighborhoods of Aghvorik village) and Shirak (Djadjur mountain pass) floristic region. EOO is 110 km2, AOO is 16 km2, the number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, East, Central and West Transcaucasia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper and sub–alpine belts, at the altitudes of 1800–2200 meters above sea level, in the meadows, on stony places and screes, in the steppe shrubs. Flowering from June to July, fruiting July from August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development and climate change.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Arpi Lake" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.