Scilla rosenii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Endangered species. The extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, the area of occupancy is less than 500 km2. In the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia it was included under Category 2: Rare species. It is not included in the Annexes of CITES and that of the Bern Convention.

Description. Bulbous plant. Scape erect, up to 20 cm. Leaves 2–3, shorter than scape, broadly linear, with calyptra at apex, light green, shiny. Flowers 3–4 cm in diameter; perianth segments reflexed, oblong, light blew or pink, more dark at base and with darker stripe at midrib. Capsule ovate. Seeds ovate, light brown, with dotted surface and white cylindrical strophiole.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Upper Akhuryan (Lake Arpi, Sarigyugh) and Gegham (Gegham mountain range, Gridzor) floristic regions. EOO is 1290 km2, AOO is 18 km2, the number of locations is 3. The general area of distribution includes the West and East Transcaucasia, North–East Anatolia.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in upper and sub–alpine belts, at the altitudes of 2000–2500 meters above sea level, in moist meadows, in swamped places, along river banks. Flowering from June to July, fruiting from July to August.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by land development for arable purposes and intensive grazing.

Conservation actions. The population grows in the buffer zone of "Sevan" National Park and in the area of "Arpi Lake" National Park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state, search of new habitats.