Microcnemum coralloides: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. Only one sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 500 km2. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 1: Endangered species. It is included in the Annex 2 of the Bern Convention. The species is not included in the Annexes of CITES.

Description. Annual plant, 5–10 cm. Leaves reduced, slightly amplexicaul, obtusate. Flowers very small, with thin membranous perianth, in spike–shaped inflorescene 1–3 cm long. Bracts similar to cauline leaves, with 2–3 flowers in their axils. Stamen 1. Seeds black, semicircular.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs only in Yerevan floristic region (in the surroundings of Ararat town, in the neighborhoods of Masis and Burastan). EOO is 220 km2, AOO is 20 km2. The number of locations is 3. The general area of distribution is fragmented. Besides Armenia it occurs in Spain and Anatolia (Konya).

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–850 meters above sea level, in salt marshes and solonchaks. Flowering from May to June, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by the expansion of arable lands, grazing, vegetation burning, fragmentation of the main area of distribution.

Conservation actions. The salt marshes of the Ararat plain are now distinguished as nature monument. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.