Study of plant diversity and floristics in the westernmost Hyrcanian forests

Abstract

In this floristic study from sea level to timberline in the westernmost Hyrcanian forests, 1302 plant specimens within 166 relevés were identified. There were 649 taxa of vascular plants belonging to 349 genera and 95 families. Poaceae had the most taxa (61), followed by Asteraceae (59), and Rosaceae (53). Genera with the greatest species richness included Alchemilla and Carex, each with 16, Veronica with 15, and Poa, Geranium and Rumex each with 9. Hemicryptophytes (43.3%) were the dominant life form. Chorological analysis showed 31.2% Euro-Siberian elements. Of the total number of species, 10.9% (70) were endemic or subendemic to Iran. Species diversity indices at different altitudes were also compared.

Keywords

Hyrcanian forests / Flora / Chorotype / Plant diversity

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