Listera ovata: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. One sub–population is known. The extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. Forestry activities represent serious danger to the habitats of the species. It was included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia under Category 2: Rare species. It is included in the Annex of CITES as representative of Orchidaceae family. It is not included in the Annexes of the Bern Convention.

Description. Perennial herb with short rhizome. Stem 25–60 cm, above the leaves glandulose. Developed leaves 2, elliptic, 5–10 x 3–8 cm, opposite approximated at the middle part of stem. Flowers greenish. Labellum yellowish–green, obcuneate, deeply bifid at apex. Very ornamental plant.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows in Idjevan floristic region (surroundings of Idjevan). AOO is 8 km2, the number of locations is 1. Besides Armenia the species grows almost in the whole of Caucasus, in cold and temperate regions of Eurasia, it was introduced into North America.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in lower mountain belt, at the altitudes of 700–1200 meters above sea level, in beech and beech–oak forests. Flowering in June, fruiting from June to July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by unsustainable forestry activities.

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