Scleranthus perennis: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Two sub–populations are known. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. The species grows in developed lands. The main threat is the expansion of arable lands and development of infrastructures. 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 5–10 cm. Sepals obtuse, with white, broad, almost equal to the green central strip, scarious margin, convergent at fruits.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Upper Akhuryan (surroundings of Amasia) and Aragats (surroundings of the villages Baysiz and Byurakan) floristic regions. EOO is 930 km2, AOO is 12 km2. The number of locations is 3. Besides Armenia the species grows in West, South–West and East Transcaucasia, Europe, countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin and North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 1900–2200 meters above sea level, in the meadows and meadow–steppes, on dry stony slopes. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from May to June.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable lands, road construction, as well as overgrazing.

Conservation actions. No conservation actions. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.