Festuca drymeja: Red Data Book of Armenia

VU B 1 ab(iii) + 2 ab(iii)

Category. Vulnerable species. Four sub–populations are known in the south and north of Armenia. The extent of occurrence is less than 20000 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence caused by changes in the habitat conditions as a result of forestry activities. 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 with long creeping rhizomes. Stems erect, 50–150 cm. Leaf blades flat, 5–15 mm broad. Panicle diffuse. Lemma awnless, in upper part carinate.

Distribution. In Armenia it occurs in Idjevan (Noyemberyan, Shamshadin, Margahovit) and Zangezur (“Shikahogh” State Reserve) floristic regions. EOO is 8200 square kilometers, AOO is 20 square kilometers. Locations are 5. Besides Armenia the species grows in the Caucasus, Europe, Anatolia and North Iran.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows from lower to upper mountain belt, at the altitudes of 800–2200 meters above sea level, in the forests, more often in beech forest. 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 the disturbance of forest ecosystems.

Conservation actions. One sub–population is situated in "Shikahogh" State Reserve. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.