Identification and Mapping of Wetland Plants in Erzurum

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the wetlands and the flora of the wetlands within the provincial borders of Erzurum. The study was conducted mainly in the running water (river, stream) in addition to the temporary wetlands, marshy lakes, and high-water table areas. The wetlands plants were identified after collecting 287 samples in the 6 main locations, and herbariums of 110 plants were formed. As a result of the evaluations, 96 species belonging to 41 families were identified. Among these plants, 29 families were identified in Karasu location, 25 families in Serçeme location, 22 families in the Aras location, 19 families in Oltu location, 28 families in Tortum location and 23 families in Çoruh location. It was determined in the field studies that climate and altitude constitute significant limiting factors for the species diversity. The aquatic plants were observed in the still waters or slowly flowing waters, no plant was observed in the fast-flowing water and irrigation ponds. It was also observed in this study that wetlands are an important habitat not only for flora but also for fauna. It is thought that the study results can be used in both landscape design and landscape planning studies.