Opopanax persicus: Red Data Book of Armenia

CR B 1 ab(ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab(ii,iii,iv)

Category. Critically endangered species. Only one population is known in Aparan floristic region. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. Grows in the area of intensive recreation. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb, up to 150 cm. Basal leaves bipinnate–dissected, with ovate–oblong oblique lobes. Umbels 6–10–rayed. Fruits narrowly elliptical; vittae in valleculae solitary.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Aparan floristic region (Tsahkadzor, Buzhakan). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 2, the distance between which is 20 km. Besides Armenia it grows in East Anatolia, West and South–West Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1800–1900 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes, at forest edges and in the glades. Flowering in June, fruiting from July to August. It is an essential oil plant.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by intensive recreation and expansion of residential areas.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.