Aphanopleura trachysperma: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Endemic of South Transcaucasia. 3 sub–populations are known one of which is situated in Nakhichevan. In Armenia the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. Habitats are facing threat of disturbance caused by economical activity (expansion of arable lands, establishment of economic constructions), as well as being trampled by the cattle. 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. Annual plant, 15–30 cm. Leaf lobes linear. Umbels 7–15–rayed. Bracts and bracteoles scarious. Fruits densely covered with papilliform hairs.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Yerevan floristic region (surroundings of Vedi). EOO is 90 km2, AOO is 12 km2, the number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 900–1200 meters above sea level, on clay slopes, in saline soils, in semi–deserts. Flowering in April, fruiting in May.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, not numerous locations, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expansion of arable lands and trampling by the cattle.

Conservation actions. The part of the population grows in the territory of "Khosrov forest" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the state of the population, search of new habitats.