Irano-Turanian Elements Research Articles

Floristic composition, life forms and phytogeography of the mountains between Damghan and Shahrud, Eastern Alborz (Iran)

Floristic study of the southern parts of Eastern Alborz in Iranian country was conducted. Encompassing an area of approximately 700 km², this region is located about 50 km north of Damghan and Shahrud (Semnan province), with a high difference in elevations ranging from 1400 to 3813 meters above sea level. According to 2400 collected herbarium specimens, a total of 674 taxa belonging to 332 genera and 71 families were identified. The most abundant families were Asteraceae (46 genera, 97 species), Brassicaceae (35 genera, 59 species), and Poaceae (33 genera, 65 species), respectively. The genus Astragalus, with 34 species, stands as the largest genus in the study area, followed by Cousinia (14 species), Bromus (13 species), Silene, Acantholimon, and Allium (each with 9 species), as well as Alyssum, Gagea, and Poa (each with 8 species). The flora of the study area has a significant influence of Irano-Turanian elements (369 taxa), followed by combinations of Irano-Turanian/Europe-Siberian (127 taxa), Irano-Turanian/Europe-Siberian/Mediterranean (47 taxa), Pluriregional (24 taxa), and Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Arabian elements (22 taxa), among others. Hemicryptophytes (43.62%) emerged as the most prevalent life forms in this region, followed by the others. Overall, 78 species were identified as Irano-Turanian endemics, with many facing threats due to overgrazing and the ongoing effects of climate change.

New Collections and Observations on Gypsophila L. taxa in Türkiye

This study is carried out between 1994-2023 years in Türkiye. The Gypsophila is a problematic and important genus that needs revision but will take several years. In the article, geographical distributions, endemism, flowering and fruiting months, habitat preffering, phytogeography and IUCN danger category of Gypsophila taxa distributed in Türkiye are explained according to field observations and herbaria records. Belonging to 51 taxa (47 species), almost 980 collections from 400 localities were identified. Other 15 species not carried out by us. The results presented here are based on informations of Gypsophila taxa in the country. In the light of current information, there are a total of 65 taxa belonging to 62 species in the country and these taxa named in actual situation. 39 taxa of these plants are endemics to Türkiye. Almost 40 taxa from 62 species in Türkiye shows natural distribution in Eastern Anatolia region. This situation shows that; 2/3 of Gypsophila taxa is in Eastern Anatolia region and endemic. Irano-Turanian element ratio in the genus is higher than this value. Species of the genus are distributed according to rock, climatic and geographical region. 9 taxa are indicators of gypsum areas. Among the plants in the paper Irano-Turanian elements 36, Saharo-Arabian element 1, Mediterranean elements 7, Euro-Siberian elements 4, Euxine elements 2; Cosmopolitan 1. Endemism; relict endemic 1, local and regional endemics 11, other endemics 20, nonendemics 19 as rare 1 taxon. Distributions to pytogeographical regions of endemic taxa as follows; endemic Irano-Turanian elements 23, endemic Mediterranean elements 6 and endemic Euro-Siberian elements 2. Weeds growing in fields are 4 taxa. There are new interesting geographical distributions for almost 20 taxa. Distributions to life forms of the taxa are Ch: 33, T: 14 and Chz: 4 taxa. Distributions to IUCN Threatened Cathegories of the taxa are Lc: 19, CR: 10, VU: 9, cd: 8, EN: 4, NT: 1. These two factors are dominant in the high level of endemism. 10 taxa in 0-500 m, 21 taxa in 500-1000 m, 26 taxa in 1000-1500 m, 24 taxa in 1500-2000 m, 17 taxa in 2000-2500 m, 7 taxa in 200-3000 m, 1 taxon in 3000-3500 m are naturally growing and vertical distribution. 40 taxa on steppe vegetation and slopes, 18

Taxonomic relevance of stem and leaf anatomy in 10 endemic Fritillaria species from the Mediterranean Region

Fritillaria has important medicinal and horticultural values. This research aims to comprehensively assess the taxonomic relevance of micro-anatomical features within ten species belonging to Fritillaria subgenus Fritillaria, namely F. aurea, F. bithynica, F. crassifolia, F. enginiana, F. glaucoviridis, F. kittaniae, F. serpenticola, F. sibthorpiana, F. wendelboi, and F. whittallii, utilizing light microscopy. The majority of these species exhibit endemism within the Turkish Mediterranean Region, with F. aurea and F. crassifolia representing endemic Irano-Turanian elements, while the rest are native to the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In this anatomical investigation, we described and compare the cross-sections of the stem and leaves. Results revealed substantial variation in anatomical traits among the studied species. The presence or absence of eglandular trichomes, crystal granules in the leaf surface and cross section and in stem pith region, and the arrangement of parenchymal and sclerenchymal layers in the stem offered useful taxonomic markers. Similarly, leaf characteristics such as epidermal cell sizes, stomatal indices, mesophyll types, and guard cell shapes provided distinguishing features. A dichotomous key was developed based on these anatomical traits to aid in the accurate identification of Fritillaria species, highlighting the practical utility of these features in taxonomic studies. The findings underscore the importance of micro-anatomical traits as valuable tools for distinguishing and classifying plant species, especially in cases where morphological traits alone may not provide sufficient differentiation.

Vascular flora of Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area in Central Kopet Dagh Mountains, NE Iran: An annotated checklist

Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area (ZPA) is a part of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province of the Irano-Turanian region. In this research, we present the first checklist of vascular plants of ZPA along with the life-form spectrum, phytogeography, and conservation status. We conducted field surveys through several random collection efforts and vegetation sampling during 2015–2017. A total of 549 species/infraspecific taxa belonging to 69 families and 318 genera are recorded as native and naturalized plants. The most prominent families are Asteraceae (43 genera/72 species), Poaceae (29/44), Brassicaceae (31/43), Fabaceae (15/43), and Chenopodiaceae (24/41). The richest genera are Astragalus (21 taxa), Euphorbia (10), Acanthophyllum (8), and Allium (8). The therophytes (47.2 %) and hemicryptophytes (25.2%) are dominant in the life-form spectrum. Irano-Turanian elements (347 taxa, 63.2%) are the most common plants; however, the area is inhabited by several Iranian and/or Khorassan-Kopet Dagh endemic, rare and narrow-range plants, among which 17 species are threatened. Astragalus androssovianus Gontsch. is also recorded as new to the flora of Iran. Over-grazing and exploiting valuable plants are the most critical threats to the area. The results support more effective protection practices to ensure the conservation of the unique flora of Central Kopet Dagh.

Contributions to the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli)

In this study, in order to determine the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli), 767 plant samples were collected and observed from 74 different localities by the field studies carried out in Beyağaç and its close surroundings in the years 2017 and 2018. The results of examination of the collected plant samples and evaluation of the observed plants, it was determined 362 species and totally 363 plant taxa, belonging to 63 families and 228 genera. Of 363 vascular plant taxa, 3 taxa belong to Pteridophyta division, 360 taxa to Magnoliophyta division. Of the Magnoliophyta division, 4 taxa belong to Gymnospermae subdivision and 356 taxa to Angiospermae subdivision. Of the Angiospermae subdivision, 312 taxa belong to Dicotyledonae classis and 44 taxa to Monocotyledonae classis. The phytogeographical spectrum of the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) as follows: Mediterranean elements 115 taxa (31.6%), Irano-Turanian elements 13 taxa (3.6%), Euro-Siberian elements 20 taxa (5.5%) and multi-regional or unknown origin 216 taxa (59.3%). The largest ten families in flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) as follows: Fabaceae 43 taxa (11.8%), Asteraceae 42 taxa (11.5%), Lamiaceae 28 taxa (7.7%), Caryophyllaceae 27 taxa (% 7.4), Brassicaceae 24 taxa (6.6%), Poaceae 16 taxa (4.4%), Boraginaceae 14 taxa (3.8%), Apiaceae 13 taxa (3.6%), Asparagaceae 11 taxa (3.0%), and Plantaginaceae 10 taxa (2.7%). The largest ten families constitute 64% of the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli). The largest ten genera in the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) as follows: Alyssum L. 8 taxa (2.2%), Silene L. 7 taxa (1.9%), Medicago L. 6 taxa (1.6%), Salvia L. 6 taxa (1.6%), Cerastium L. 5 taxa (1.4%), Euphorbia L. 5 taxa (1.4%), Muscari Mill. 5 taxa (1.4%), Teucrium L. 5 taxa (1.4%), Veronica L. 5 taxa (1.4%), and Vicia L. 5 taxa (1.4%). The number of endemic taxa in the flora of Beyağaç (Denizli) are 39 (10.7%). Their threat categories were given according to “Red Data Book of Turkish Plants”. It is found 21 taxa in LC category, 4 taxa in NT category, 5 taxa in VU category, 6 taxa in EN category and 2 taxa in CR category.

Floristic composition and phytogeographical spectrum of Pistacia vera L. woodland remnants in northeastern Iran

The xerophilic woodlands of wild pistachio Pistacia vera L. remnants occur as several isolated stands in Central Asia. The Kopet Dagh mountain range, northeastern Iran, is the westernmost distribution range of wild pistachio. In this research, we present the annotated checklist of vascular plants of two remnants of P. vera woodlands along the Iran–Turkmenistan borders. We provide the life‐forms, phytogeographical spectrum, endemism and conservation status of the flora. The field surveys were conducted through several field collection efforts during 2018–2020. A map showing the boundaries of the woodlands was prepared. We recorded 348 plant species distributed in 214 genera and 48 families. The richest families were Asteraceae (33 genera with 59 species), Poaceae (22 with 41), Brassicaceae (24 with 28) and Fabaceae (11 with 27), and the two richest genera were Astragalus (ten species) and Galium (nine species). The dominant life‐forms were therophytes (54%) and hemicryptophytes (24%), which confirm a xeric climate condition. Irano–Turanian elements (195 species, 56%) were the most common plants, followed by bi‐regional (21%) elements. Based on our samplings, the Khorassan‐Kopet Dagh endemics represented only four percent of the flora. We recorded 34 endemics/sub‐endemics of plants, eight of which were categorized as threatened or near‐threatened. The results indicated the important role of pistachio remnant woodlands in plant biodiversity and conservation biogeography of northeastern Iran.

Floristic Study of Anagyris foetida L. Stand in Kermanshah Province (Iran)

Western forests of Iran are considered the richest biological resources of Iran. The rangelands of forest provide the bulk of the forage needed for livestock of nomads and villagers in the region. Therefore, research on this forest vegetation is very necessary. In this research, the studied area is part of the middle-sized Zagros forest ecosystem located in the Kaseh-Garan of Gilan-e-Gharb area (Kermanshah province, Iran). This research aims to achieve the effect of the canopy cover of bean trefoil (Anagyris foetida) as a nursing plant in identifying accompanying species and also identifying the dominant flora of the region. For this purpose, 55 samples were taken based on a randomized pattern with 100 * 100 m network dimensions. By inserting 1 × 1 m microplates into each plot, the total number of plants per unit area was investigated. The results of land surveying in the forests of the region showed that A. foetida with 61.5% had the highest coverage. Also, all of the plant specimens of this area were collected and identified using botanical resources in the Razi University herbarium (RUHK). In the floristic study, a total number of 333 plant species were belonging to 225 genera and 58 families. Among the plant families, Asteraceae had the highest number of plant species with about 19%. In terms of life forms, the highest percentage for both therophytes and hemicritophytes (41%) were found. In the chorological study, the highest frequency related to the Irano-Turanian elements (66%), Irano-Turanian, and Mediterranean areas (9%), Irano-Turanian, the Mediterranean, and Euro-Siberian (8%), Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian (7%), and remaining 10 percent related to species with other geographical distribution in the area. Although the Kaseh-Garan area is phytogeographically related to Irano-Turanian, elements from the Mediterranean and Sahara-Sindian have infiltrated this region. Therefore, the presence of bean trefoil stands (with 61.5% coverage), high floristic diversity, and special vegetation of Kaseh-Garan shows the importance of this region and the protection of vegetation in this area is necessary.

Floristic composition in the ruderal areas of Southeast Anatolia, Turkey

Survey on the floral diversity is an important activity to evaluate the existing flora. This study was carried out from 2018 to 2020 to investigate the flora existing in the roadside and ruderal areas between Şanlıurfa and Bozova, nearby Euphrates river. A total of 200 taxa belonging to 138 genera and 41 families were determined. 9 of these taxa are endemic to Turkey. Among the plants identified, there are 5 geophytes, 1 parasite and 14 cultivated plants. The families with the most taxa are Fabaceae (47), Asteraceae (30), Lamiaceae (15), Poaceae (13) and Brassicaceae (7). The genera with the dominant taxa are; Astragalus (7), Medicago (7), Trigonella (7), Vicia (5) and Trifolium (5). In distribution of plants in the study area, the Irano-Turanian elements (38%, 75 taxa) ranks first, Mediterranean elements second (15%, 30 taxa) and Euro-Siberian elements third (1%, 3). The botanical- and vernacular names and habit categories of the recorded plant taxa are cited systematically. Threats to these plants and possible conservation strategies are also discussed briefly.
 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 241-256, 2021 (June)

Molecular and morphological investigation in Hymenocrater: species delimitation, relationship, divergence time and DNA barcoding

Hymenocrater comprises of 11 species throught the world. The genus is an Irano-Turanian elements, which has several usages in traditional medicine. Northeast of Iran is the main geographical region of Hymenocrater species. The aims of the peresent study was to delimit 11 species of Hymenocrater to determine the species relationships based on morphological and molecular data (cp-DNA sequence), to produce divergence time and to construct barcode gap using the internal transcribed sequence because of adulteration of this genus in local markets. According to the results, Neighbor-Net network and UPGMA dendrogram of morphological data can delimit Hymenocrater species. Meanwhile, analyses of Chloroplast sequences (psbA-trnH) revealed that the species relationship and delimitation are difficult and complicated due to gene flow, hybridization, gene duplication, reticulation and chloroplast capture. Divergence time of Hymenocrater species estimated from Bayesian Evolutionary Sampling Trees date were seven million years ago. The center origin of Hymenocrater in Iran is Razavi Khorasan. Genetic fingerprinting of correctly identified medicinal species provides standard for comparing plant specimens sold in the market with true to type medicinal plant. Therefore, ITS sequences are important for barcoding this medicinally significant plant. It is correctly identified medicinal species, which will be used as standard for evaluating market sold plants.

A Preliminary Introduction to the Vascular Plants of Zayandeh-Rood River

Abstract Rivers are a part of the national and natural treasures of the country with a variety of living organisms have high importance. In the present study, in order to investigate the flora of Zayandeh-Rood River, a list of aquatic macrophytes (submerged and emergent) and coastal plants along with geographical distribution (chorotype) and their life forms were compiled. A total of 92 species and 79 genera belonging to 36 families were identified. Poaceae (15 genera and 16 species), Amaranthaceae (8 genera and 10 species), Asteraceae (7 genera and 7 species), Brassicaceae (5 genera and 5 species), Fabaceae (4 genera and 4 species), and Potamogetonaceae (3 genera and 6 species) were the most important plant families. The highest number of identified species had the life forms of hemicryptophytes and throphytes (31.52%), helophytes and hydrophytes (13.04%), geophytes and phanerophytes (4.35), and chamaephytes (2.18%), respectively. Investigating the geographical distribution showed that the largest portion of the geographical distribution of plants in the region belonged to plural elements (25%), cosmopolitan elements (14.13%), Irano–Turanian elements (13.04%), and Irano-Turan-Euro-Sieberian elements (7.61%). The study indicated the diversity of aquatic and coastal vegetation of Zayandeh-Rood River that should be considered for conservation.

The explorations on the flora of Tunceli (Turkey)

The study was carried out until 2018 intermittently, on condition that majority in 2014. The study area is located between Erzincan, Malatya, Elazığ and Bingöl cities in the Eastern Anatolia. Its whole is placed in the Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region and, in B7 and B8 squares according to Davis’ Grid System. During the study, 2950 samples were collected and 1559 of them were identified. The identification of these samples resulted 74 families, 386 genera and 922 taxa. The distribution of taxa by phytogeographic regions is as follows; Irano-Turanian elements 397 (43.1 %), Mediterranean elements 20 (2.2 %), Europe-Siberian elements 40 (4.3 %), East Mediterranean elements 14 (1.5 %), Euxine element 13 (1.4 %), Hyrcano-Euxine elements 3 (0.3 %), Sarmatian 1 (0.1 %), the cosmopolite or unknown distribution 434 (47.1 %). The number of endemic taxa is 150 (endemism ratio 16.3 %).

Checklist of Wadi Hassan flora, Northeastern Badia, Jordan

In this study, we survey the plant diversity of Wadi Hassan, which is located in the Northeastern Badia of Jordan, about 120 km east of Amman. All plant species were collected and herbarium specimens have been prepared, identified and deposited at the University of Jordan herbarium (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science). The final plant checklist includes 206 species belonging to 138 genera and 35 families. The most diverse families are Compositae (20.5%), Cruciferae (10.2%), Leguminosae (8.3%) and Boraginaceae (6.8%), followed by Caryophyllaceae and Gramineae (5.4%). These six families represent 60% of the total families recognized in the study area, while nine families each are represented by only one species. Most plants recorded are annual plants (61%), some plants are hemicryptophtes (18%) and camaephytes (15%), while the least frequent life form class was the phanerophyte shrub and perennial (0.5%). Chorological characteristics of the recorded flora show that Saharo-Arabian Region elements, Irano-Turanian elements and Mediterranean elements constitute (58%) of the total flora. This research shows that even small portion of the Jordan Badia such as the Wadi Hassan plant community has high species diversity. Thus, we recommended further of the unexplored Wadi plants communities of the Jordan Badia.

Plant biodiversity in Harrat ArRahah solidified lava area, southern Tabuk province, Saudi Arabia

Floristic composition of volcanic landforms in Saudi Arabia is lacking. Therefore, the present study is carried out to assess the floristic composition, life form and chorology of the recorded species in Harrat ArRahah; ancient basaltic volcanic field lies south of Tabuk town. A total of 135 species belonging to 99 genera and 34 families were recorded. About 43% of the recorded species in the study area are belonging to five families of which, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae and Fabaceae have the highest contribution (38%). The data also reflects the high taxonomic diversity in the study area especially when compared with the ratio estimated for the total area of Saudi Arabia. Chorological characteristic of the recorded flora showed that Saharo-Arabian and Irano-Turanian elements constitute 48.1% of the total flora. Among the species recorded in the present study, fourteen species (10%) are endangered. Although Rheum palaestinum is mentioned in flora of Saudi Arabia as an extinct species, three individuals of this species is recorded in the study area. Astragalus collenettiae is the only endemic species recorded in the study area. The presence of Rheum palaestinum and Astragalus collenettiae in the ancient volcanic habitat of Harrat ArRahah, and because the area support a considerable number of the endangered plant species in Saudi Arabia, therefore, the protection of these landforms is of the utmost importance. Moreover, the area is botanically virgin and not explored extensively and intensively even though rich in vegetation, so, further detailed studies of the area are strongly recommended.

Flora of Kemaliye (Erzincan) District

This research was carried out in Kemaliye district which about 158 km south-west of Erzincan province. 1800 plant specimens were collected from the area between 2005-2007. Identification of the specimens revealed the presence of 640 taxa belonging to 315 genera in 80 families. Cryptogamae are 4 taxa, Spermatophyta are 636 taxa (Gymnospermae are 3 taxa, and Angiospermae are 633 taxa). 36 taxa are new records for B7 square. A total of 115 taxa determined in the research area (17,96%) are endemic for Turkey. The scattering ratios of the taxa for the phytogeographical regions are as follows: Irano-Turanian elements are 252 taxa (39,37%), Mediterranean elements are 34 taxa (5,31%), Euro.-Sib. elements are 30 taxa (4,68%), widespread or other taxa which their regions unclarified are 324 (50,62%).

Checklist of the dragonflies (Odonata) of Iran with new records and notes on distribution and taxonomy.

Iran has a complex dragonfly fauna influenced by contacts and overlaps of different geographical zones. Its fauna is dominated by Eurosiberian taxa. However, the SE Province Sistãn-va-Baluchestãn is rich in oriental species, many of which having their western distribution limit in Iran. In NE-Iran, Irano-Turanian elements live and in the S- and SW-Iran African species are found. The Iranian Odonata fauna seems well studied, however, a closer look reveals many uncertainties and confusion, some records coming clearly from misidentification whereas other, which were missing proofs of correct identification remains to be confirmed. Even today, every new collecting trip reveals species new for Iran whereas species new for science are still detected, although rarely. In this checklist we include seven taxa new for Iran: Stylurus ubadschii (although a male of uncertain origin is recorded in Schmidt (1954), Ischnura senegalensis (although two uncertain records were published by Martin (1912) and Schmidt (1954), Coenagrion ponticum, C. lunulatum, C. pulchellum, Lestes macrostigma, and Calopteryx splendens tschaldirica. We critically checked all available data, including all published records. Fourteen taxa have been rejected, or placed in the category for need of confirmation. Till the end of 2017, 100 autochthonous taxa of dragonflies and two migratory species could be confirmed to be or have been present in Iran. We provide distribution maps, created after evaluation of published data and containing our own data from 12 trips to Iran, travelling over 35000 km in the country. Over 200 new localities are integrated. Taxonomic confusion is reduced by rejecting the following taxa for Iran: Calopteryx splendens mingrelica, C. hyalina, Erythromma najas, Aeshna cyanea, Gomphus davidi, and Sympetrum sinaiticum. We regard the taxa Gomphus amseli and G. schneiderii transcaspicus as synonyms of G. schneiderii, and Onychogomphus forcipatus lucidostriatus as a synonym of O. f. albotibialis.

The Flora of Trakya University Balkan Campus

This study was performed to determine the flora of Trakya University Balkan Campus. The study material included plant specimens collected during field studies carried out between 2013 and 2014 and herbarium specimens collected from 1986 to 2013 and deposited in EDTU Herbarium. 428 taxa belonging to 77 families and 250 genera were determined in the study area. Amont the 428 taxa, Onopordum acanthium L. is a new record for flora of Thrace Region and 53 taxa are new records for flora of Edirne. The families with the highest number of taxa are Asteraceae (15.88%), Fabaceae (10.51%) and Rosaceae (7%). Among the determined taxa, 298 plants were unknown phytogeographical region data, 59 plants as Euro-Siberian elements, 50 as Mediterranean elements, 14 as East Mediterranean elements, 4 as cosmopolitans, 2 as Irano-Turanian elements and 1 plant as element Mediterranean-Irano-Turanian element. The number of endemic plant species is 4.

Phytogeographical distribution of roadside flora along the plain to mountainous natural areas (Northern Khorasan Province, Iran)

Exploring the phytogeographical distribution of roadside flora in natural areas provides several original insights into plant dispersal. The roadside flora of the Irano–Turanian rangelands was studied in the northeast of Iran, along about 600km of asphalt road. Sampling was performed in homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units along the altitudinal gradient from the plain to the mountainous areas. In a stratified random design, 38 sites on 12 asphalt roads were sampled, and 330 plant taxa of different chorotypes were identified. The altitudinal distribution of the chorotypes was examined fitting generalized linear models (GLM) and generalized additive models (GAM). The results showed that native uni-regional taxa (Irano–Turanian elements) were the dominant chorotype of the roadside habitats in the rangeland areas. The altitudinal response curve of multi-regional (bi-regional to quadri-regional) chorotypes reflected climatic conditions in their contributing phytochoria. Quadri-regional taxa, with an optimum of the Gaussian response curve at mid-altitudes, reflected a moderate climate. The proportion of endemic species (3.6%) was high compared to the pluri-regional (4.6%) and the cosmopolitan taxa (1.2%). While the pluri-regional taxa increased with altitude, cosmopolitan species decreased monotonically and were absent from the high altitudes. This study revealed the importance of the mid-altitude roadsides, both as a refuge for local endemic species and as a bed for local weeds and regional alien species.

Geophytes of Iğdır (East Anatolia) and Their Economic Potentialities as Ornamental Plant

Geophytes are the most preferred group among the ornamental plants due to their aesthetic features, suitability to be cut flowers and their fragrance. The aim of the research is to identify geophyte taxa, their risk categories and economic potentialities as ornamental plants in Igdir province. Plant specimens were collected from Igdir province between 2007 and 2012 vegetation seasons. The collected plant specimens were kept in ISTE (the herbarium of the Istanbul University, Faculty of Pharmacy). As a result of this study, 52 geophytic taxa belonging to 12 families are determined from the investigation area. 4 taxa are endemic ( Allium armenum, A. baytopiorum, Bellevalia gracilis and Pseudomuscari forniculatum ) to Turkey. According to floristic regions, 32 Irano-Turanian elements are ranked first, followed by 6 Mediterranean elements and 4 Euro-Siberian elements. 10 of the identified species are widespread or unknown phytogeographic origin. The most richest families are Asparagaceae (14 taxa), Amaryllidaceae (9 taxa), Liliaceae (9 taxa), Iridaceae (5 taxa), Asteraceae (3 taxa), Orchidaceae (3 taxa). Of all the collected taxa, 61% were bulbous, 17% were rhizomatous, 10% were tuberous, 8% were tuberous roots and 4% were cormous. Owing to the attractive flowers, 43 taxa were signed as ornamental plant potentialities.

Vegetation ecology and diversity of six Kuwait Islands: factors influence on species composition and richness

Kuwait lies at the Northwest corner of the Arabian Gulf, and its eastern coast comprises parallel arcs of nine islands. The present study dealt with vegetation ecology and species diversity analysis of six uninhabited islands, except Failaka, Warba, and Bubiyan islands, with varied sizes of area ranging from 0.5 to 863 km2. A total of 70 species of flowering plants (60% annuals and 40% perennials), belonging to 32 families, were collected from the islands and their list is given. The main phytogeographical category was represented by Saharo-Arabian elements followed by the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean elements. The vegetation type is essentially halophytic with widespread annuals. Six associations were identified with the application of TWINSPAN, DCA, and CCA programs. They were named after the characteristic species as follows: VG I: Polycarpon tetraphyllum, VG II: Zygophyllum qatarense, VG III: Emex spinosa, VG IV: Seidlitzia rosmarinus, VG V: Malva parviflora-Salsola imbricata, and VG VI: Suaeda aegyptiaca. These associations were compared with the plant communities of Kuwait and neighboring countries of Gulf region. The soil characteristic factors alkalinity, moisture, soil texture, and minerals showed the best correlation with the distribution of the associations. Significant differences between island area, species diversity indices, organic matter, and minerals contents of the islands were observed. Flora of these uninhabited islands with un-grazed plants constituted about 37% of the flora of the mainland of Kuwait and their valuable elements warrant prioritized conservation measures.

A review of plant diversity, vegetation, and phytogeography of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province in the Irano-Turanian region (northeastern Iran–southern Turkmenistan)

The Khorassan-Kopet Dagh (KK) floristic province is located in the northeastern parts of Iran and partly in southern Turkmenistan. The area is a transition zone and a corridor connecting different provinces of the Irano-Turanian region and also Hyrcanian montane forests of the Euro-Siberian region. The unique combination of Irano-Turanian species and also presence of a local center of endemism are evidence of a separate biogeographic entity. The complicated topography, high habitat heterogeneity and vegetation history are reasons for the development of diverse vegetation types. In order to achieve up-to-date information on the plant diversity and distribution patterns, a database was prepared using all floristic records from the area defined as KK. A total of 2576 species/infraspecific taxa belonging to 702 genera and 112 families of vascular plants have been reported from the area, 2498 of which occur within Iran. Altogether, 28 different distribution patterns are recognized among five major phytogeographical groups, including widespread, tri-regional, bi-regional, Euro-Siberian and Irano-Turanian patterns. Irano-Turanian elements, which make up the core flora of KK, are subdivided further into 14 distribution patterns. A significant number of species, i.e. 356 species (13.8%), are endemic to the area. The flora of KK is highly influenced by central Irano-Turanian elements. The main vegetation types of the area include Juniperus woodlands, Pistacia vera woodlands, some isolated enclaves of Hyrcanian forests and scrub, cliff vegetation, mountain steppe communities, semi-desert steppes, loess and marl vegetation, halophytic vegetation, aquatic and hygrophilous communities, and ruderal/invasive plant communities. There are several major threats to the ecosystems and biodiversity of the area. The areas presently protected do not cover all of the vegetation types, and therefore many threatened species are not safe.