Life-form Classes Research Articles

Eco-Taxonomic Study of Family Poaceae (Gramineae)

Background: The study of species diversity, its conservations and extinction can be done by using systematics in plant biodiversity. Poaceae is a very diverse grass family with great economic importance as it contains crops like rice, maize, oats, wheat, etc.
 Objectives: The current study was undertaken in district Charsadda during 2017-18 in flowering season to collect different grass species from the area.
 Methodology: Grass specimens were gathered, preserved, mounted and then identified from the available literature/native flora (Flora of Pakistan). Ecological parameters like habitat, class, life cycle and biological spectra were determined. A total of 51 taxa comprised of 34 genera, 5 subfamilies and 11 tribes of grasses were collected from the District Charsadda. The subfamily Panicoideae was the leading family with highest number of genera, taxa and tribes, followed by Pooideae.
 Results: The biological spectrum showed that in the life-form class, therophyte had the highest number of species 32 (62.74%), followed by hemicryptophyte having 13 species (25.49%). In the Leaf size class, microphylls were dominant with 24 species (47.05%) followed by nanophylls having 14 species (27.45%). The adaptational survival of plants showed that 32 species (62.74%) were terrestrial and 19 species (37.25%) were amphibious in our study. The Life-cycle class depicted that 33 species (64.70%) were annual, 17 species (33.33%) were perennial and 1 species (1.960%) was annual or perennial. The Palatability class showed that 35 species (68.62%) were highly palatable, followed by less-palatable 11 species (21.56%), non-palatable 2 species (3.921%) and moderately palatable 3 species (5.882%). The Abundant class were determined through species rating scale in ecology Acfor (Abundant Common Frequent Occasional Rare) scale to describe species abundance in a given area; 26 species (50.98%) were occasional, 12 species (23.52%) were frequent, 7 species (13.72%) were rare, 5 species (9.803%) were common and only 1 species cynodon dactylon (1.960%) was abundant in the whole area and present everywhere in the research area in every season.
 Conclusion: It has been concluded from the study that unwise collection, over-grazing, over-exploitation, over-consumption and overutilization are major biotic factors, which affect the diversity of the grasses in the area and affect the populations’ sustainability on the earth crust. Therefore, the study aims to document and explore wild grasses from the area, which might help in future researches. This survey will be helpful in identifying plant wealth and status for their exploitation on systematic approaches and scientific basis.

Floristic diversity, biological spectrum of lower Tanawal, KP, Pakistan

Field surveys were carried out to evaluate the floristic diversity and biological spectrum of Lower Tanawal, District Abbottabad in different seasons during 2016-2018. This study area was divided into 80 stands on the basis of physiognomy of the vegetation. Life form classes and leaf spectra were classified following Raunkiers methodology. In total, 286 plant species belonging to 86 families were recorded, out of which herbaceous growth form dominated the study area with 187 species, followed by shrub with 54 species. Among all 86 families, Asteraceae was found to be the most dominant family with 25 species, followed by Fabaceae with 24 species and Rosaceae with 20 species. Based on life form classes, Therophytic life form was the leading class with 113 species (39.5104%), followed by Nanophanerophytes with 45 species (15.7342%). In leaf size spectra, Microphylls dominated the flora with 88 species (30.7692%), followed by Mesophyll with 81 species (28.3216%). This study shows the complete floristic composition that may be important as reference work for future ethnobotanical, ecological and conservational studies.

Species diversity, biological spectrum and phenological behaviour of vegetation of Biha Valley (Swat), Pakistan

A study was conducted to explore the plant biodiversity, phenology, life form and leaf size spectra of the vegetation of Biha Valley, District SWAT. The study area was surveyed thoroughly in different seasons of the year. Floristic diversity of the area consists of 202 plant species belonging to 154 genera and 70 families. There were two flowering seasons, 85.15% plant species flowers during May to August while 14.65% plant species flowers during the September to November. Biological spectrum of the area indicated that Therophytes (46.60%) was the dominant life form class, followed by Hemicryptophytes having 15.53%, Nanophanarophytes (11.65%), Megaphanerophytes (8.25%), Chamaephytes (7.77%), Geophytes (5.34%), Liana (2.91%) and Mesophanarophytes (1.94%). Leaf spectra of study area revealed that Microphylls was dominant with (41.26%) followed by Nanophylls (32.04%), Mesophylls (15.53%), Leptophylls (8.85%) and Megaphylls (2.91%).

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.

Ecological studies of Commiphora genus (myrrha) in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia

Commiphora, myrrha, is a pantropical genus and perform well in arid and semi-arid environments. This genus has economic importance. Distribution of Commiphora species and their associated species in Saudi Arabia has not been studied to date. The current study report on (a) characterization and distribution of plant communities including Commiphora species and (b) assessment of factors influencing ecological preferences of these species. Five species of Commiphora are recorded inhabiting mountain slopes, steep escarpments or hills consisting of igneous rocks, either granites or basalt with drought prone shallow soil. One hundred and twenty-six plant species belonging to 95 genera and 35 families were found associated with different Commiphora species. Therophytes showed the most frequent life form class and Sudanian region elements recorded the highest phytogeographical units (28%) followed by Tropical elements. Field study showed that Commiphora gileadensis and C. quadricincta preferred granite and basalt rocks exposed to erosion, while C. myrrah, C. kataf and C. habessinica grow on resistant coarse pink granite. The analysis of 240 sampling stands with TWINSPAN revealed the vegetation of Commiphora habitats into eight vegetation groups; each group represented a distinct microhabitat. Dendrogram obtained from a hierarchical classification showed that habitats of C. gileadinsis and C. quadricincta are more similar than those of other species. This similarity was confirmed by Jaccard and Sorenson similarity indices and by Pearson correlation coefficient. This investigation compiled the information/data to facilitate future range management of Commiphora species.

Ecological significance of floristic composition and life forms of Riyadh region, Central Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh region is one of the hardest habitats in Saudi Arabia with a hyper-arid climate. This study was conducted to investigate floristic composition and plant life forms of Riyadh region and their ecological significance. Work aimed to determine the prevailing plant families and biological spectrum of their components that reflects the phytoclimate and adaptation to hyper-arid conditions of the region. Work involved field surveys of different locations in Riyadh region where plant specimens were collected and identified. Collected plant species were then listed according to their families and data were used to assess the contribution of different plant families to the flora of the region. Study of life forms was conducted to classify recorded floristic elements into categories that reflect environmental conditions prevailing in the region. Prevailing plant families were Asteraceae (17.4%), Poaceae (11%), Brassicaceae (9.9%), and Fabaceae (7%). These percentages reflect wide ecological ranges especially for Asteraceae and Poaceae. High presence of species belonging to Astreaceae and Poaceae can be attributed to their adaptation to harsh conditions as well as to effective wind dispersal strategies of their diaspores. While the most frequent life form classes were therophytes with 52%, and chamaephytes with 30%, phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes represented 9% and 8%, respectively. Predominance of therophytes and chamaephytes over other life forms is a response to hyper arid climate with insufficient rainfall and the nature of region of few available microhabitats that can support high percentage of perennials.

Floristic Composition and Species Diversity of Plant Resources of rural area “Takht Bhai” District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The study was conducted during 2017-18 to explore and identified flora of rural area Takht Bhai district Mardan. Information based upon floristic knowledge and biological spectrum of rural area Takht Bhai represent 140 taxon with 63 families including 4 Pteridophytic, 3 Gymnospermic and 56 Angiospermic families including 10 Monocots and 46 Dicots. Asteraceae was the topmost in term of number of species (13 sp) followed by Poaceae (9 sp) and Solanaceae (9 sp) each. Fabaceae having 7 species followed by Moraceae, Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae and Rosaceae 6 species each. Habit class showed that herbaceous cover were dominant with 58.571% of the total flora followed by trees layer 25%, Shruby layer 11.42% and remaining 5.71% were climbers in area. Plant status concluded that 51.42% of plants were wild while 48.57% are cultivated. Biological spectra depicted that Therophytes were the dominant 40.71% followed by Microphanerophytes 18.57% in life form class while Microphyll 43.57% were highest in leaf size class followed by Nannophyll 20.71%. It was concluded that over utilization, over collection, over exploitation, habitat degradation, overharvesting, deforestation, population explosion and over grazing are the conspicuous biotic stresses which severely threatened the flora in the area which affect the population sustainability on earth crust.

The impact of road disturbance on vegetation and soil properties in a beech stand, Hyrcanian forest

The ‘road-effect zone’ is a concept developed to describe the impact of road construction on the surrounding area. Although many aspects of the road-effect zone have been investigated, the road-effect zone on soil properties (pH, bulk density, soil moisture, electrical conductivity, organic matter (%), C (%), total N (%), available Na, Ca, Mg, P, and K), light regimes (leaf area index and canopy cover), and a Raunkiaer’s life-form classification of plants remains poorly understood, especially in oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forests. Hence, the main aims of this research were to estimate the extent of the road-effect zone and to identify the main environmental changes due to forest roads. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate road-effects on: (1) the composition of herbaceous species and tree regeneration (up to 100 m distance from the forest road); (2) the light regime; and (3) soil properties, potentially related to changes in ecosystem functions and composition. We observed that forest roads can have significant impacts on soil, stand characteristics, and vegetation composition. The estimated road-effect zone extended up to 30 m from the road edge. Landscape planners should be aware that road-effect zones can potentially influence the ecology and environmental conditions of an area up to 30 m from the road edge.

The vascular plant flora of Hustai National Park, Mongolia: Composition, life forms, ecological groups and geographical elements

The present study gives an overview of the flora of Hustai National Park, which hosts southern outposts of boreal forests embedded in a matrix of typical steppes. We address floristic composition, life forms, ecological groups and geographical elements, and compare our data against studies from broadly similar regions. A total of 493 vascular plant species belonging to 246 genera and 65 families were recorded. The biggest plant families are Asteraceae (67 species) followed by Poaceae (56 species), Fabaceae (51 species), and Rosaceae (33 species), while 21 families were represented by only one species each. Mesophytes (32.5%) and xerophytes (25.4%) were the most frequent ecological groups, indicating a typical mountain steppe environment. Most species were hemicryptophytes (56.8%), followed by therophytes (18.7%) and cryptophytes (geophytes 10.5%), while the least frequent life form classes were chamaephytes (5.1%) and helophytes (0.2%). Asian chorological elements constituted 52.3% of the total flora, while Eurasian account for 30%, Holarctic for 14.8%, Asian‐American for 1.4% and Cosmopolitan for 1.4%. The Hustai mountain range thus represents a key example of the transition zone between the relatively moist Taiga forests and the drier steppe grasslands. These climate transitional zones are very sensitive to changing climate and land use.

Биоморфологическая структура флоры государственного природного заказника «Реликтовые дубы» (Забайкальский край)

<p>In this paper, we use Serebyakov's life-form classification to analyze the biomorphological structure of flora growing in Relic Oaks State Reserve (Trans-Baikal Territory). The reserve is located on the territory of Eastern Siberia that belongs to the Pacific Basin. In accordance with the established biogeographical division, this territory is at the boundary between two large floral regions of the Holarctic: Circumboreal and East Asian. It is notable for its phytodiversity and classified as a region with the dominating taiga, taiga-forest-steppe, and forest-steppe plant communities. The biomorphological analysis has shown the predominance of herbaceous plants over xylophytes in the flora of the reserve. Plants with fully or partially lignified shoots account for 11.8% and herbaceous plants, for 88.2% of the total number of flora species in the reserve. Shrubs are the dominating xylophytes on the territory of the reserve and dry-land polycarpous plants are the prevailing herbs. The Relic Oaks Reserve location at the boundary between the forest-steppe and steppe zones causes the predominance of short-rooted, long-rooted, and taproot herbaceous plants. </p>

Lifeform classification and biological spectrum of Nandini wildlife sanctuary, Jammu, J&K, India

The present study gives an account of different life form categories and biological spectrum of Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 335 species belonging to 86 families and 251 genera has been recorded from the area and has been grouped into different life forms classes according to Raunkiaer’s lifeform classification. The result indicates Therophytes (40%), and Macrophanerophytes (20.59%) to be the dominant lifeforms followed by Nanophanerophytes (9.85%), Chamaephytes (9.25%) and Hemicryptophytes (9.25%). Biological spectrum on life form have also been prepared and compared with Raunkiaer’s normal biological spectrum as well as the spectra of the adjoining areas prepared by other workers. On comparison with Raunkiaer’s normal spectrum, the present study area depicts Thero-phanerophytic type of phytoclimate.

Floristic diversity and vegetation structure of Al-Dissah area northwestern Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted on wadi Al-Dissah; a part of Jabal Qaraqir and its surrounding area in the Northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Jabal Qaraqir in Saudi Arabia is the first site to be assessed for the Important Plant Area (IPA) programme in the Arabian Peninsula. This paper has the objective of determining the floristic composition, species diversity and the vegetation structure of the plant communities, including a breakdown of its different life forms and chorology of the recorded species. A total of 63 species belonging to 61 genera and 31 families were recorded. One family; Adiantaceae belongs to Pteridophyta, while the other 30 families are angiospermae. About 35% of the recorded species in the study area are belonging to four families: Asteraceae and Poaceae had the highest contribution (each had 9.5% of the total species followed by Boraginaceae and Fabaceae (7.9% each). The data also reflect the high taxonomic diversity in the study area. The life form spectrum of the recorded species showed the prevalence of theorphytes (49.2%) followed by chamaephytes (17.5%), phanerphytes (14.3%), geophytes (9.5%), while the least frequent life form class was hemicryptophytes (7.9%). The chorological analysis of the recorded species in the study area showed the predominance of biregional taxa (50.8%) over the other phytogeographical elements followed by the monoregional (25.4%). The present study findings showed that most species belonged to Saharo-Arabian – Sudanian (15.9%) followed by Sudanian elements (11.1%). Only one endemic species is recorded in the study area; Dolichorhynchus arabicus I.C.Hedge & KitTan (syn Douepea arabica). It is a rare threatened endemic plant species in Saudi Arabia. It was locally in Wadi Qaraqir. Other rare species were Ficus palmata which is a small tree with edible fruits, belonging to family Moraceae, and Parietaria umbricola which is an annual species belonging to family Urticaceae. Plant species of Al-Dissah area were checked with international IUCN list. Eight of the recorded species in the study area are globally threatened and incorporated into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 3.1: Cyperus laevigatus, Mentha longifolia, Nerium oleander, Phragmites australis, Tamarix nilotica, Typha domingensis, Chrozophora tinctoria, Adiantum capillus-veneris. All of them are included in the least concern category. Five plant communities were recognized in the study area. The highest plant diversity was reported in plant communities which occupy the wet wadi bed where the perennial stream flows together with the nearby areas between palm trees; Phragmites australis and Mentha longifolia communities. As floristic analyses are the prerequisites for conservation of plant species, therefore, it is critical to examine the current status of floristic and species diversity to provide appropriate guidelines for developing effective system of conservation and management. Information from this study may provide a valuable reference for appropriate conservation and management of the study area.

Life-forms and seasonal patterns in the pteridophytes in Zambia

146 species of pteridophytes occurring in Zambia were classified into Raunkiaer's life-form classes. The hemicryptophytes are dominant and include the most widely distributed species. The phanerophytes (tree-ferns and lianas) and the epiphytes are rather scarce and limited to or concentrated in the higher-rainfall areas in the northern part of the country. Simplified diagrams of periodicity were constructed for all Zambian pteridophyte species. Three major types of seasonal pattern of growth and dormancy were distinguished: the evergreen type, the poikilohydrous type, and the "summer-green" type. The first of them is connected with the local conditions of continuously wet non-zonal sites, while the two others clearly reflect the peculiarities of the zonal climate of Zambia.

Biochemical Composition of Selected Macrophytes of Dal Lake, Kashmir Himalaya

The biochemical composition (total lipids, carbohydrate content and total protein content) of six macrophytes belonging to different life-form classes was investigated in the present study. In general, the concentration of total lipids, carbohydrates and total protein varied from1.30% of fresh weight to 5.87% of fresh weight, 10.24% of fresh weight to 19.13% of fresh weight and 0.94% of fresh weight to 2.41% of fresh weight respectively with highest values during summer months coinciding with their peak growth season. The analysis of biochemical composition of the macrophytes indicated the presence of species specificity as well as spatial and temporal variations. The finding of the present study suggests that these macrophytes can be used as a potential source of food and fodder for humans and bovine animals and as fertilizers for agriculture fields and flowering gardens.

Tree Species Composition in Selected Sacred Forests in Nigeria

Eight sacred forests spread across two states (Akwa Ibom and Cross River) occupying the rain forest zone in Nigeria were studied to ascertain their structures, species compositions, families and diameter at breast height (dbh) class of available trees in the areas. The two states were independently studied using a multi-stage sampling procedure which employed cluster, simple random and purposive sampling at different stages. Five 20 m x 20 m Temporary Sample Plots (TSP) totaling 2000 m 2 (0.2Ha) within the core of each sacred forest were surveyed. All trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 10cm encountered were identified and enumerated. Identified trees were placed into various life-form spectra based on Raunkareir Life-form Classification Scheme while families were classified as Very Common (VC), Common (C) and Not Common (NC) based on their availability among the 8 sacred forests. Site Diversity/Richness Index (D) was also determined. Result indicates all the studied sacred forests were structurally complex as expected of a tropical rainforest and sites in Cross River State expressed a three-stratum system. Abaam Itak sacred forest had the highest number of species composition of 38 species with a diversity index of 12.12 and differing between 5 and 11 species, including diversity index from other sacred. Also, Abaam Itak had the highest number of trees family (22) while Akai Mbiam had the least tree family composition of 17 families. Futhermore, 12 families (35%) and 6 families (17.5%) were classified as Very Common and Common respectively. Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae were the dominant families in all studied sacred forests. The dominant dbh class was 10-30 cm in all the studied sites except for Odim Akerot. This showed a usual preponderance of stem at lower size classes thus revealing a typical inverse J-shape structure of the dbh class distribution. The results give an indication of good regeneration of the constituent species and thus reinforced the hope that the various sacred forests if not destroyed can sustainably produce the various indigenous species that are recklessly destroyed in other forest settings.

Life form classification and biological spectrum of Chiktan valley, North West Himalaya

The life form classification and construction of biological spectrum of Chiktan valley of Kargil district in Ladakh region of North West Himalaya has been done after complete enumeration of floristic composition. A total of 79 plant species has been listed and grouped into various life form classes after Raunkiaer (1934). Hemicryptophytes (40.50%) and Therophytes (24.05%) dominated the landscape of this area followed by Chamaephyte (17.72%), Phanerophytes and Geophytes (8.86%). The life form spectrum was the characteristic of desert climate with scanty rainfall and steppe vegetation. Compared to the normal biological spectrum of Raunkiaer, Phanerophytes showed maximum deviation (-37.14) followed by Hemicryptophytes (+14.50) and Therophyte (+11.50).

A Broad Transition from Cloud Forest to Páramo Characterizes an Undisturbed Treeline in Parque Nacional Llanganates, Ecuador

This study aimed at investigating the vegetation pattern associated with the transition from upper northern Andean cloud forest to páramo grassland in a relatively unmodified area in Ecuador’s Eastern Cordillera. Single 20 × 10 m plots were randomly placed in representative sites along an altitudinal gradient from continuously wet Andean montane cloud forest at 3400–3700 m to páramo grassland at 3900–4000 m. Also sampled was a disjunct stand of the stem-rosette Espeletia pycnophylla var. llanganatensis, some 200 km south of the limit of the otherwise continuous distribution of this genus. Several physical and chemical soil factors, including temperature at -30 cm, were determined. Visual estimates of cover in four life-form classes (trees, shrubs, herbs, ground cover) at each site revealed similarities related to their relative proximity along an elevation gradient. Stands with a tree cover were more species-rich than those without, due largely to the differential distribution of the woody flora. No abrupt discontinuity occurred in the mix of species along this gradient. Soil temperature and altitude were the most important factors of those measured to explain the variability in plant community structure and composition. There was no clear zonation evident along the altitudinal gradient, with vegetation structure and floristics displaying continuous variation. No clear upper forest limit was differentiated. The isolated presence of Espeletia in the area is discussed, but the theory about its origin remains speculative.

Proučavanje korovske flore u usevu soje na lokalitetu Sremska Mitrovica i mogućnosti njene kontrole primenom herbicida

For the purpose of studying the weed flora in soybeans and possibilities of its containment through an application of herbicides, research has been conducted in various agroecological conditions, over a two-year period (2011 and 2012.), through work on experimental plots and in the laboratory, on location Sremska Mitrovica (Srem). On the aforementioned locations floristic recordings of the weed flora were conducted, followed by a determination of the plant material, data sorting, a design of floristic tables, charts, pictures, etc. Based on the analysis of life forms, a life form classification was established for the flora in the investigated area. The flora of the investigated area shows a dominant presence of therophytes, and to a much lesser extent of geophytes. On localities Sremska Mitrovica all the established species belong to wide-spread floral elements. Apart from cosmopolites, there is a predominant presence of adventive, subcircumpolar, subeuroasian, and pontosubmediteranean geoelements. The pontosubmediteranean floral element is least represented. By way of an analysis of the ecological humidity indexes, of the chemical reaction of the environment (pH), of the contents of biogenic mineral matter (nitro compounds in particular), of light, and of temperature, a domination of neutrophilic plants (K3) was determined, as well as of eutrophic habitat plants (N4), light indicator taxons (S4), and thermophilic plants (T4) (an indicator of warm habitats). The taxonomic analysis of the weed flora in soy crops grown as part of the two-year experiments in a control test variant on the studied localities has shown the presence of vascular macrophyte species, whose genera and families were determined, as well as the belonging classes, Magnolipsida (Dicotyledone) and Liliopsida (Monocotyledones). The class of Magnolipsida is dominated by the representatives of the families Brassicaceae and Asteraceae, while the representatives of other families are fewer. The class of Liliopsida (Monocotyledones) is dominated by a small number of species from the Poaceae family. The total efficacy of the applied herbicides in the investigated areas is high, and was highly dependent upon the type and combination of herbicides, and to a lesser degree on the year of examination.

About Ecology of Acer Campestre L. (Aceraceae) on North-Eastern Limit of the Range

Composition of the flora that is accompanying to the Acer campestre in the north-eastern border of the range has been investigated. Its analysis has been carried out according to relation of plant species to the some environmental factors. Ecological groups have been specified in relation to the lighting / shading, in relation to water. Ecological-coenotical analysis has been carried out. Species of accompanying flora have been assigned to the life-form groups according to the Raunkiaer's life-form classification. It has been shown that Acer campestre represented by undersized individuals on the north-eastern border of the range. Shade-tolerant species of vascular plants are dominated within accompanying flora.

English

A wide area of Iran is covered by arid and semiarid regions. In this survey, flora of an area of the Miandasht Wildlife Refuge, out of the safe part, was studied. This region covers 84435 Ha, situated in the west of Khorassan province in Iran. The climate of the area according to de Martone system is semiarid. The mean annual precipitation is 275 mm and the altitude varies from 931 to 1021 m above sea level. Plants were collected from 2008 to 2011. A total of 256 taxa belonging to 152 genera and 35 families from Angiospermae and Gymnospermae were found. Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Brassicaceae and Fabaceae were the greatest families, respectively. Geraniaceae, Ixioliriaceae, Orobanchaceae, Plantaginaceae, Primulaceae, Resedaceae and Rosaceae, each included one species. Based on Raunkiaer life form classification system, majority of the species (55.86%) were therophytes. Other life forms in descending order were hemicryptophytes (15.62%), chamaephytes (10.16%), phanerophytes (8.6%) and geophytes (9.38%). Chorologicaly, most of the species were Irano-Turanian. Flora of Miandasht Wildlife Refuge include 20 low risk species and 29 (11.6%) endemic of Iran species. 67 pasture species and 38 medicinal species were distinguished. Most of the species were invasive plants. They are established in this area because of overgrazing and natural disturbance.