Oenanthe silaifolia: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 2 ab(ii,iii,iv)

Category. Critically endangered species. One population is known in Yerevan floristic region. The key threats are restricted area of distribution, expansion of arable lands. 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. Perennial herb, 25–50 cm, with thickened tuberiform root. Basal leaves 2–3–pinnate–dissected. Umbel rays 3–10, at fruits slightly thickened and compressed. Involucel shorter than umbellules, of 7–11 bracteoles. Calyx teeth lanceolate, in fruits persistent. Fruits prismatic, 2–2,5 mm long, carpophore absent.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Yerevan floristic region, in the surroundings of Artashat town. AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia it grows in Ciscaucasia, Greater Caucasus, Talish, Europe, North–West Africa, South Iran, Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–1000 meters above sea level, along banks of the rivers and canals, on saline soil. Flowering in May, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by amelioration, expansion of arable lands and establishment of economic constructions.

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