Steptorhamphus persicus: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. One population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. The species grows in the area of intensively developed lands for 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 with thick root. Basal leaves up to 30 cm long. Flower stalks glandulose. Achenes yellowish, acuminate–elliptic, with distinct central rib. External crown of pappus well developed; hairs gold–shining, numerous, often in many rows.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Yerevan (Yeranos mountain range, Urtsadzor surroundings) floristic region. EOO is 80 km2, AOO is 12 km2. The number of locations is 2. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, Iran, Turkmenia, Afghanistan, Pakistan.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in middle mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1200–1400 meters above sea level, on rocky and stony slopes, on screes. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to September.

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 the territory of "Khosrov Forest" State Reserve. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.