Plant indicators in Iraq

Abstract

Native plants of Iraq have shown considerable variation in their ability to accumulate mineral elements. Halophytes such asSeidlitzia rosmarinus andHalocnemum strobilaceum indicate very high soil sodium contents, and others high magnesium and sulphate contents. Selectivity in the uptake and accumulation of mineral elements was exhibited by many native plants. Surprisingly high or low concentrations of particular elements were found in certain species in comparison with other species collected from the same site and at the same time. Magnesium and sulphate concentrations were as high as 5.80 and 12.16 per cent, respectively, when the concentrations in other species growing on the same site were as low as 0.59 and 1.29 per cent respectively. Selectivity was also indicated by the ability of certain species to accumulate a specific element from soils with high or low concentration of that element.