Scrophularia takhtajanii: Red Data Book of Armenia

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

Category. Critically endangered species. Endemic of Armenia. One small population is known. The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km2. The species faces decline of the extent of occurrence and the area of occupancy caused by changes in habitat conditions. 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. Dwarf semishrub 8–20 cm. Stems 1–5, usually unbranched, dark violet. Leaves opposite, in 2–3 pairs, ovate–triangular, dentate, slightly fleshy; petioles flat, dark violet. Inflorescence racemiform, 7–15–flowered. Corolla bright green, with dark purple upper lip.

Distribution. In Armenia it grows only in Meghri floristic region (neighborhoods of Artsvaberd village). AOO is 4 km2, the number of locations is 1.

Ecological, biological and phytocoenological peculiarities. Grows in sub–alpine belt, at the altitude of 2300–2700 meters above sea level, in the cracks of the rocks. Flowering in June, fruiting in July.

Limiting factors. Restricted extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, loss/degradation of habitats caused by climate changes.

Conservation actions. The population grows on the territory of "Arevik" Natonal park. Necessary: monitoring of the population state.