Silene meyeri: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Four very small sub–populations are known. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 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 herb, 2–10 cm. Stem bases covered with congested, strict bases of dead leaves. Petals dark pink or lilac, with paracorolla. Carpophore pubescent in the lower part. Highly ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Yerevan (Milli river valley, surroundings of Zangakatun village), Darelegis (Khachik village surroundings) and Meghri (Boghakar) floristic regions. EOO is 1460 km2, AOO is 20 km2. The number of locations is 4. Besides Armenia the species grows in Nakhichevan, Talish and Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitudes of 2000–2800 meters above sea level, on rocks. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

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

Conservation actions. One population grows in "Khosrov Forest" State Reserve. Necessary: survey on population numbers and range, search of new habitats, monitoring of the state of the population.