Irano Turanian Research Articles

Microclimate shapes the phylosymbiosis of rodent gut microbiota in Jordan's Great Rift Valley.

Host phylogeny and the environment play vital roles in shaping animal microbiomes. However, the effects of these variables on the diversity and richness of the gut microbiome in different bioclimatic zones remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of host phylogeny and bioclimatic zone on the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota of two heterospecific rodent species, the spiny mouse Acomys cahirinus and the house mouse Mus musculus, in three bioclimatic zones of the African Great Rift Valley (GRV). We confirmed host phylogeny using the D-loop sequencing method and analyzed the influence of host phylogeny and bioclimatic zone parameters on the rodent gut microbiome using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments. Phylogenetic analysis supported the morphological identification of the rodents and revealed a marked genetic difference between the two heterospecific species. We found that bioclimatic zone had a significant effect on the gut microbiota composition while host phylogeny did not. Microbial alpha diversity of heterospecific hosts was highest in the Mediterranean forest bioclimatic zone, followed by the Irano-Turanian shrubland, and was lowest in the Sudanian savanna tropical zone. The beta diversity of the two rodent species showed significant differences across the Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Sudanian regions. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were highly abundant, and Deferribacterota, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria were also prominent. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified that were unique to the Sudanian bioclimatic zone. The core microbiota families recovered in this study were consistent among heterospecific hosts. However, diversity decreased in conspecific host populations found at lower altitudes in Sudanian bioclimatic zone. The composition of the gut microbiota is linked to the adaptation of the host to its environment, and this study underscores the importance of incorporating climatic factors such as elevation and ambient temperature, in empirical microbiome research and is the first to describe the rodent gut microbiome from the GRV.

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.

Diversification of Cynoglossinae genera (Cynoglosseae-Boraginaceae) in the western Irano–Turanian bioregion

The Irano–Turanian (I–T) bioregion harbours one of the Old World’s greatest repositories of botanical diversity; however, the diversification patterns and the phenotypic evolution of its flora are sorely understudied. The subtribe Cynoglossinae is characteristic of the western I–T bioregion, species-rich in both the desertic lowlands and the more mesic highlands of the Iranian plateau. About 70 species of Cynoglossinae are present in the Iranian plateau, 47 of which are endemic to the plateau. Herein, nuclear internal transcribed spacer sequences as well as cpDNA rpl32-trnL and trnH–psbA sequences were used to investigate the molecular phylogeny, historical biogeography, and ancestral character states of Cynoglossinae. Molecular dating and ancestral range reconstruction analyses indicated that the subtribe Cynoglossinae has initiated its diversification from the eastern part of the western I–T during the mid-Miocene, concomitantly with the uplift of the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains. Moreover, from the Pliocene onwards, the Afghan–India collision and extensive deformation of the Arabia–Eurasia convergence likely promoted allopatric speciation in Cynoglossinae via mostly vicariance events. Evolution of annuals with small nutlets from perennials with large nutlets was accompanied by mesic to desert habitat shifts. Herein, to explain distribution of Cynoglossinae in the western I–T, the congruence between cladogenetic, geological, and palaeoclimatic events was investigated.

Aroma Profiles Analysis of Two Populations of Salvia palaestina Benth. Collected from Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian Zones in Jordan.

The volatile principles emitted from different aerial organs of two S. palaestina Benth. populations (Mediterranean (Med) and Irano-Turanian (IrT)) growing wild in Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and analysed by GC/MS technique. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated stems (59.38%, 49.67%) and leaves (93.28%, 32.39%) emissions from Med and IrT zones, respectively while monoterpene hydrocarbons had the major contribution to the aroma of pre-flowering buds (78.62%, 74.96%), opened flowers (76.12%, 59.99%) and petals (69.57%, 54.28%) and were mostly represented by sabinene (in Med zone) and ociemene isomers (Z & E) in IrT zone. Multivariate analysis classified the two populations into two different clusters based on their origin and indicated the occurrence of two ecotypes of this species. Different organs from the same collection site showed emission profiles of similar chemical composition.

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.

Biogeographic history and diversification patterns in the Irano-Turanian genus Acanthophyllum s.l. (Caryophyllaceae)

The Irano-Turanian (IT) floristic region in Asia contains three biodiversity hotspots and has been a source of xerophytic taxa for neighboring regions. Despite its species richness and large territory, the evolutionary history and biogeography of this floristic region is poorly understood. Acanthophyllum, encompassing ca. 70 subshrubby mostly thorny-cushion species, is one of the important components of the steppe and mountain vegetation of this region. In this study, we investigate the tempo and mode of diversification as well as the biogeographic patterns of this genus. The ancestral area analysis suggests that Acanthophyllum originated east of the Zagros Mountains in the Miocene, from where it expanded westwards. A shift in the speciation rate in the late Pliocene (ca. 3.24 Ma) was detected, based on a nrDNA ITS tree, affecting the lineage of the largest section in the genus, Acanthophyllym sect. Oligosperma. Parallelisms with another IT species-rich genera in aspects such as largely coincident ranges and habitats, presence of a thorny-cushion life-form, similar areas reconstructed for their MRCA, and the inference of a shift in speciation in the region suggest common underlying abiotic and biotic factors or even drivers for diversification and speciation in the high elevation dry continental landscape of IT region.

<p><strong>Plant diversity of Khuzestan and dust sources in the southwest of Iran, with a checklist of vascular plants</strong></p>

Khuzestan province covers an area of 64236 square kilometers in the southwest of Iran and the border of Iraq. The area belongs to two regions, Irano-Turanian (IT) in the north and Sahara-Sindian in the south. An area with 349254 ha is the source of dust in Khuz province. We investigated the floristic composition, life-form spectrum and the phytogeography of the area during 2009–2018 by collecting vascular plants to provide an annotated checklist of the plants in Khuz province. In this time about two years focused on the vegetation of the septet areas of the source of dust and dune. Approximately 10,000 vascular plant specimens were collected from 13 types of terrestrial habitats and 15 types of wetlands. A total of 985 species and infraspecific taxa of vascular plants belonging to 487 genera and 93 plant families were recorded as native and naturalized in the study area. The richest families are Asteraceae (62 genera/132 species), Fabaceae (22/79), Poaceae (43/68), Brassicaceae (43/58), Lamiaceae (19/48), and Apiaceae (30/45). The genera Astragalus (20 species) and Convolvulus (14 species) are the most species-rich in Khuz. Raunkiaer’s plant life-form spectrum in the area is dominated by therophytes (33%) and hemicryptophytes (29%). The core flora of Khuz has the Irano-Turanian origin; the widespread elements are also well represented in the study area. The dust sources area includes four types of vegetation: wetland species, hygrophyte plants, terrestrial halophytes, and psammophytic plants. The main sources of dust rise are covered with two classes of vegetation (halophytes and pasmophytes), with 77 dune species, 43 species of salty soil places, and 28 species adapted to both climate and soil of the area.

Phylogeography and population genetics of Acanthophyllum squarrosum complex (Caryophyllaceae) in the Irano-Turanian region

Acanthophyllum squarrosum and two closely related species, A. heratense and A. laxiusculum (Caryophyllaceae), form a complex that covers parts of subalpine steppes of the Irano-Turanian (IT) region. In this study, we explored the genetic structure and phylogeography of this complex based on partial sequences of two chloroplasts (psbA–trnH and rpl32–trnL (UAG)) and two nuclear (EST24 and nrITS) DNA regions. We analysed 80 individuals from eight populations and detected 12 chloroplast haplotypes, 16 and eight nuclear alleles in EST24 and nrITS sequences, respectively. Phylogenetic trees and haplotype networks did not show distinct genetic groups in the complex and this could be explained by incomplete lineage sorting or introgression between species. Divergence time analysis revealed a Quaternary origin for A. squarrosum complex at approximately 1.8 million years ago (Mya) and the neutrality test results indicated that this complex experienced a recent population expansion. AMOVA analysis of the chloroplast regions showed a significant genetic differentiation among populations and low genetic differentiation within populations, but opposite results were found with nuclear markers, implying introgression between A. squarrosum complex populations.

A pre-Miocene Irano-Turanian cradle: Origin and diversification of the species-rich monocot genus Gagea (Liliaceae).

The Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region is considered an important center of origin for many taxa. However, there is a lack of studies dealing with typical IT genera that also occur in neighboring areas. The species‐rich monocot genus Gagea Salisb. shows a center of diversity in IT region and a distribution in adjacent regions, therefore representing a good study object to investigate spatial and temporal relationships among IT region and its neighboring areas (East Asia, Euro‐Siberia, Himalaya, and Mediterranean). We aimed at (a) testing the origin of the genus and of its major lineages in the IT region, (b) reconstructing divergence times, and (c) reconstructing colonization events. To address these problems, sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of 418 individuals and chloroplast intergenic spacers sequences (psbA‐trnH, trnL‐trnF) of 497 individuals, representing 116 species from all sections of the genus and nearly its entire distribution area were analyzed. Divergence times were estimated under a random molecular clock based on nrITS phylogeny, which was the most complete data set regarding the representation of species and distribution areas. Ancestral distribution ranges were estimated for the nrITS data set as well as for a combined data set, revealing that Gagea most likely originated in southwestern Asia. This genus first diversified there starting in the Early Miocene. In the Middle Miocene, Gagea migrated to the Mediterranean and to East Asia, while migration into Euro‐Siberia took place in the Late Miocene. During the Pleistocene, the Arctic was colonized and Gagea serotina, the most widespread species, reached North America. The Mediterranean basin was colonized multiple times from southwestern Asia or Euro‐Siberia. Most of the currently existing species originated during the last 3 Ma.

Flora and vegetation of rocky outcrops/cliffs near the Hyrcanian forest timberline in the Mazandaran mountains, northern Iran

Due to their numerous endemic/sub‐endemic and rare plant species, rocky outcrops and cliffs, particularly those occurring at the timberline and forest/steppe ecotones of the Hyrcanian area, are considered as among the most important and fragile ecosystems in Iran. As a representative of such ecosystems, one of the last remnants of relatively undisturbed timberline and ecotone areas of the central Hyrcanian region was selected for phytogeographical, floristic and vegetation analyses. The flora and vegetation of rocky outcrops and crevices at altitudes of 2500–3000 m a.s.l. was surveyed by 40 relevés of 25 m2 surface area. A total of 215 vascular plants belonging to 55 families and 150 genera were identified in the different vegetation types. Hemicrytophytes (55.8%) were the dominant life form and Euro–Siberian/Irano–Turanian biregional plants (28.2%) were the most common chorotype at the study sites. A phytogeographical analysis indicated that Euro–Siberian elements (including Hyrcanian endemics) precede other uniregional chorotypes in the timberline and upper‐mountain parts of the central Hyrcanian area. The Caucasus, an important biodiversity hotspot close to Iran, has a considerable number of taxa in common with the Irano–Turanian floristic regions. Five vegetation types were identified using a modified TWINSPAN procedure and subsequently analysed by indirect gradient analysis applying both species‐related (species richness, life form and phytogeographical elements) and topographic/bedrocks features of the studied relevés. The analysis revealed that the vegetation of the area is mainly affected by altitude, heat index, northness, slope inclination and bedrock features.

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.

Recircumscription of Delphinium subg. Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) and implications for its biogeography

AbstractThe monophyly of Delphinium subg. Delphinium remains unresolved, owing to the controversial systematic position of the monotypic, eastern Asian endemic D. sect. Anthriscifolium. The other section of the subgenus, D. sect. Delphinium, is distributed in the Irano‐Turanian (IT) region extending westward to the Mediterranean Basin. Recently, a new genus endemic to Turkey, Pseudodelphinium, was described and considered related with Delphinium (Delphinieae) or Garidella (Nigelleae). In this study, we first conducted a broad phylogenetic analysis within Ranunculaceae using matK sequences and placed Pseudodelphinium in Delphinieae. We then performed a series of analyses using four molecular markers (trnK‐matK, trnS‐G, trnL‐F, ITS) focused on the tribe. The phylogenetic analyses based on the four‐marker dataset indicate that Pseudodelphinium is embedded within sect. Delphinium. The Swofford‐Olsen‐Waddell‐Hillis tests also reject the exclusion of Pseudodelphinium from Delphinium and sect. Delphinium. The monophyly of subg. Delphinium is not recognized because sect. Anthriscifolium unites with D. subg. Delphinastrum and Consolida. Based on molecular, morphological, and karyological data, we raise sect. Anthriscifolium to subgeneric status, whereas sect. Delphinium composed subg. Delphinium s.str. An integration of phylogenetic, molecular dating, and biogeographical methods indicates that the subgenus s.str. originated in East Asia during the latest Oligocene and began to diversify in the IT region at 8.45 Ma. Subsequently, the westward colonization events occurred at 7.06 Ma from the IT region to the Italian and Balkan Peninsulas and at 5.4 Ma from Italy to North Africa. A dispersal from North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula was inferred in the late Pliocene, supporting a hypothesis of trans‐sea dispersal. Within the Mediterranean Basin, climate aridification and eustatic sea‐level changes could have initiated the westward stepwise expansion of Delphinium.

Visions of the past and dreams of the future in the Orient: the Irano-Turanian region from classical botany to evolutionary studies.

Ever since the 19th century, the immense arid lands of the Orient, now called the Irano-Turanian (IT) floristic region, attracted the interest of European naturalists with their tremendous plant biodiversity. Covering approximately 30% of the surface of Eurasia (16000000 km2 ), the IT region is one of the largest floristic regions of the world. The IT region represents one of the hotspots of evolutionary and biological diversity in the Old World, and serves as a source of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring regions. Moreover, it is the cradle of the numerous species domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Over the last 200 years, naturalists outlined different borders for the IT region. Yet, the delimitation and evolutionary history of this area remain one of the least well-understood fields of global biogeography, even though it is crucial to explaining the distribution of life in Eurasia. No comprehensive review of the biogeographical delimitations nor of the role of geological and climatic changes in the evolution of the IT region is currently available. After considering the key role of floristic regions in biogeography, we review the history of evolving concepts about the borders and composition of the IT region over the past 200 years and outline a tentative circumscription for it. We also summarise current knowledge on the geological and climatic history of the IT region. We then use this knowledge to generate specific evolutionary hypotheses to explain how different geological, palaeoclimatic, and ecological factors contributed to range expansion and contraction, thus shaping patterns of speciation in the IT region over time and space. Both historical and ecological biogeography should be applied to understand better the floristic diversification of the region. This will ultimately require evolutionary comparative analyses based on integrative phylogenetic, geological, climatic, ecological, and species distribution studies on the region. Furthermore, an understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes will play a major role in regional planning for protecting biodiversity of the IT region in facing climatic change. With this review, we aim to introduce the IT floristic region to a broader audience of evolutionary, ecological and systematic biologists, thus promoting cutting-edge research on this area and raising awareness of this vast and diverse, yet understudied, part of the world.

A report on the conservation status of segetal weeds in Tajikistan

SummaryIntensification of agriculture has significantly diminished the populations of segetal weeds worldwide in recent decades. Remarkable changes to the entire flora and vegetation of man‐made habitats are being observed in agroecosystems. The present study analyses, for the first time, the threat status of segetal weeds in Tajikistan. A group of 871 weed species were evaluated against IUCN criteria. The assessment of threat status revealed that 214 weed taxa have to be regarded as threatened in Tajikistan, including 18 endemic and four subendemic plants. Five species have been classified as extinct, 27 as critically endangered, 27 as endangered, 39 as vulnerable, 34 as near threatened and 44 as in the ‘least concern’ category. For 38 species, the threat level was not possible, due to lack of data. The most threatened group of taxa is related to rice paddy fields. Numerous losses and disappearances were also observed in cereal communities. Percentages of threatened species in different chorological groups amounted to 58% in the Irano–Turanian, 17% in the Pluriregional, 11% in the Mediterranean, 9.5% in the Cosmopolitan and 4% in the Euro–Siberian species group. Assessment of the threatened status of the rich segetal flora of Tajikistan affords the opportunity to raise awareness of the value of this group of species in the country and may be useful in the conservation management of arable habitats. The results show that even though agriculture in Tajikistan is still based on traditional management and manual work, weed control causes a serious threat to its segetal flora.

Dionysia assadii sp. nov. (Primulaceae: sect. Dionysiopsis) from southern Iran

The new species Dionysia assadii (Primulaceae) from the Irano–Turanian region in Fars province, Iran, is described and illustrated. It is compared with its closest relative Dionysia esfandiarii Wendelbo and differs from it in leaf shape, leaf margin, hair density of leaves and other organs, shape of calyx and bracts, color of corolla and status of lobes, form and color of seeds, as well as the length of anthers and style in longistylous flowers.

Salsola arbusculiformis and S. laricifolia (Chenopodiaceae) in China

To examine diagnostic characters and test phylogenetic relationships between Salsola arbusculiformis and the closely similar S. laricifolia, characters were examined from previous reports and herbarium specimens, and sequences of nrDNA ITS and cpDNA psbB–psbH were compared for these species as well as other representative taxa of Salsoleae. Our results 1) confirm most of the morphological differences highlighted in previous studies, such as those of leaf size, bracts, bracteoles, style, fruiting perianth, and anther appendages; 2) show that S. arbusculiformis is a typical Irano–Turanian species, mainly distributed from Iran and Turkmenistan to westernmost China (Tacheng, Ili, and Bole regions, Xinjiang), while S. laricifolia is a central Asian floristic element mainly distributed from east Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to northern China (north Xinjiang, inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Gansu provinces), and Mongolia; and 3) strongly support their sister relationship, with samples from five different populations clustering together for each of the two species.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT SEGREGATION OF BUSHCRICKETS (ORTHOPTERA: TETTIGONIIDAE) IN ISRAEL

ABSTRACT Long-horned bushcrickets (Tettigoniidae) have been studied intensively in Israel for four decades. Forty-two species belonging to twenty-two genera have been recorded. This article reviews their biology and analyzes the geographical distribution and the species associations with plant communities of the five phytogeographical provinces represented in Israel. The majority of the species are associated with the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian flora, with a few species each associated with the Tragacant, Saharo-Sindian, and Ethiopian flora. A high proportion (about 50%) of endemism, associated with a high proportion of brachypterous species, was found in the first three groups but not in the last two groups. Despite a general association with specific plant communities, no distinct relation between species distribution and precipitation levels was found. However, within the Mediterranean and Irano—Turanian groups, there is a distinct segregation of species with similar morphology between bush-fores...

Phylogenetic relationships in the species–rich Irano–Turanian genus Alcea (Malvaceae)

AbstractThe genus Alcea (Malvaceae) includes approximately 50 species of mainly Irano–Turanian distribution and is considered one of the most challenging genera of the Middle East, due to its uniformity and pronounced plasticity in morphological traits. Here, using three molecular markers (nrDNA ITS and the plastid spacers psbA–trnH and trnL–trnF), we present a phylogeny of Alcea and test previous infrageneric taxonomic hypotheses as well as its monophyly with respect to Althaea, a genus with which it has often been merged. We additionally discuss morphological variation and the utility of morphological characters as predictors of phylogenetic relationships. Our results show that while molecular data unambiguously support the circumscription of Alcea inferred from morphology, they prove to be of limited utility in resolving interspecific relationships, suggesting that Alcea,s high species diversity is due to rapid and recent radiation. Our work provides the first phylogeny of Alcea and aims to set the scene for the study of processes underlying species radiation in the Irano–Turanian region, a main centre of species diversity for many medium–sized to large genera that remains greatly understudied.

Four new species of Scythrididae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) from Irano–Turanian area, with notes on taxonomy and distribution

AbstractFour new scythridid species are described: Scythris kabulella sp. nov. and S. claudiae sp. nov. from Afghanistan, S. alborzensis sp. nov. from Iran and S. bifasciella sp. nov. from Iran and Turkey. Scythris kabulella is closely related to S. bagdadiella Amsel, 1949 and is assigned to the S. bagdadiella species group because of its genital features. Scythris claudiae is also assigned to Scythris pascuella species group due to its genital features. At present, S. alborzensis and S. bifasciella could not be assigned to any known species group.

The genus Bolboschoenus in Iran: taxonomy and distribution

A revision of the Iranian Bolboschoenus was made based on studies of herbarium material and cultivated plants. Fruit features (fruit shape and pericarp anatomy) were used as the main distinguishing characters; style branching, inflorescence structure and the colour of floral scales were considered as accompanying distinguishing characters. The following taxa were recognized: Bolboschoenus glaucus (Lam.) S. G. Sm., B. affinis (Roth) Drobov, B. schmidii (Raymond) Holub, B. planiculmis (F. Schmidt) T. V. Egorova and B. maritimus (L.) Palla. Taxonomical difficulties, especially in the B. affinis group and B. maritimus are discussed. Bolboschoenus glaucus was found in all of the phytogeographical regions of Iran, and it is more frequent than any other Bolboschoenus species. Bolboschoenus planiculmis is very rare in the Irano–Turanian and Hyrcanian regions and grows only in human‐influenced habitats; it might be introduced as a weed in rice fields. Bolboschoenus maritimus, B. affinis and B. schmidii occur in the Irano–Turanian region only rarely. Bolboschoenus maritimus reaches the southeastern border of its distribution area in this region. All these species typically grow at higher altitudes. Great morphological variability in inflorescence structure was found in some species (especially in B. glaucus), which may be partly explained as a response to habitat conditions and partly by genotypic diversity.