Astragalus xerophylus: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU* B 1 ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2 ab(i,ii,iii,iv)

Category. Vulnerable species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. Taking into consideration relatively wide range of distribution of the species in Armenia, the category of threat has been downgraded to VU. 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. Dwarf semishrub 5–20 cm, covered with bipartite hairs. Stems prostrate or erect. Flower stalks 1–10 cm. Inflorescence few– flowered. Corolla blue, persistent at fruit. Legumes 5–8 mm long, turning into straight rostellum, verrucose; verrucules densely covered with long strict hairs.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Uper Akhuryan (surroundings of Ashotsk) and Sevan (Areguni mountain range, neighborhoods of Noraduz) floristic regions. EOO is 3000 km2, AOO is 24 km2, the number of locations is 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitudes of 2000–2300 meters above sea level, on dry stony slopes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable purposes.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in “Sevan” National Park. Necessary: search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.