Vicia pisiformis: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. The only sub–population known in Transcaucasia is situated in Zangezur floristic region. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. 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 herbs. Stems slender, up to 200 cm. Leaflets in 3–5 pairs, ovate, obtuse, 30–80 x 20–55 mm; basal pair covering the stipules. Stipules large; their basal part of various shape, dentate, on margins glabrous; narrow part subulate, on margins long–pilose. Tendril branched. Inflorescence on long peduncle, many–flowered. Corolla light yellow. Flag 12–17 mm long. Legume glabrous, pisiform.

Distribution. The species grows in Zangezur floristic region (surroundings of the village Chakaten, “Shikahogh” State Reserve). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. The species is widely spread in the whole Europe. It occurs also in West Ciscaucasia and the West Caucasus.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitude of 1100 meters above sea level, in the forest, among steppe shrubs. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July toAugust.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by deforestation.

Conservation actions. Part of the population grows in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.