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Abstract The Irano-Turanian region is one of the largest floristic regions in the world and harbors a high percentage of endemics, including cushion-like and dwarf-shrubby taxa. Onobrychis cornuta is an important cushion-forming element of the subalpine/alpine flora of the Irano-Turanian floristic region. To specify the genetic diversity among the populations of this species (including individuals of O. elymaitica), we employed nrDNA ITS and two noncoding regions of plastid DNA (rpl32-trnL(UAG) and trnT(UGU)-trnL(UAA)). The most striking feature of O. cornuta assemblages was the unexpectedly high nucleotide diversity in both the nDNA and cpDNA dataset. In the analyses of nuclear and plastid regions, 25 ribotypes and 42 haplotypes were found among 77 and 59 accessions, respectively, from Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Network analysis of the datasets demonstrated geographic differentiation within the species. Phylogenetic analyses of all dataset retrieved O. cornuta as a non-monophyletic species due to the inclusion of O. elymaitica, comprising four distinct lineages. In addition, our analyses showed cytonuclear discordance between both nuclear and plastid topologies regarding the position of some O. cornuta individuals. The underlying causes of this inconsistency remain unclear. However, we speculate that chloroplast capture, incomplete lineage sorting, and introgression were the main reasons for this event. Furthermore, molecular dating analysis indicated that O. cornuta originated in the early Pliocene (around 4.8 Mya) and started to diversify throughout the Pliocene and in particular the Pleistocene. Moreover, O. elymaitica was reduced to a subspecific rank within the species.

Aim : To provide the first syntaxonomic, plot-based classification of the dry grasslands and thorn-cushion communities in Armenia. Study area : Armenia. Methods : We sampled 111 vegetation plots (10 m2) and recorded environmental and structural parameters. We collected additional 487 relevés from surrounding countries for a broad-scale comparison. We used modified TWINSPAN to derive a syntaxonomic classification system, whose units were then compared among each other regarding species composition, structure, site conditions and distribution. Results : The classification of Armenian vegetation plots resulted in a 12-cluster solution. Unsupervised classification of the broad-scale dataset yielded five main groups, which were used for the high-level syntaxonomic assignments of the Armenian data. We assigned about half of the plots of the Armenian dataset to the Festuco-Brometea, while the remaining represented a potential new class, preliminarily called "Ziziphora tenuior-Stipa arabica grasslands". Most of the syntaxa below class level are new to science, therefore we provide formal descriptions of three orders (Plantagini atratae-Bromopsietalia variegatae, Onobrychido transcaucasicae-Stipetalia pulcherrimae, Cousinio brachypterae-Stipetalia arabicae), four alliances (Acantholimono caryophyllacei-Stipion holosericeae, Artemision fragrantis, Onobrychido michauxii-Stipion capillatae, Onobrychido transcaucasicae-Stipion pulcherrimae) and six associations. We found significant differences in the topographic, climatic and soil characteristics, and structural parameters, species life forms and distribution range types between the grassland types at different syntaxonomic levels. The mean species richness was 47.3 (vascular plants: 46.8, bryophytes: 0.4, lichens: 0.1). Conclusions : We found remarkable differences of the Armenian dry grasslands from the previously known units and described most of the higher syntaxa and all the associations as new to science. Our study provides arguments for a potential new class of Ziziphora tenuior-Stipa arabica grasslands separate both from the Euro-Siberian Festuco-Brometea and the Anatolian Astragalo-Brometea. Finally, we found plot scale richness of vascular plants clearly above the Palaearctic average of dry grasslands and that of non-vascular plants clearly below, which calls for further biodiversity analyses. Taxonomic reference : Euro+Med (2023) for vascular plants, Hodgetts et al. (2020) for bryophytes, Nimis et al. (2018) for lichens except for Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis (Ach.) Hale. Abbreviations : EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; DCA = detrended correspondence analysis; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021); TWINSPAN = two-way indicator species analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bellevalia Lapeyr. (Asparagaceae) underwent numerous changes in infrageneric classification based on morphological characteristics between 1854 and 1980. In 1939, a comprehensive classification was proposed, based on the morphological features of the flowers and leaves of 45 species. This classification, which was unique at the time, divided the genus into four sections and six subsections. In 2021, a phylogenetic study was conducted on 14 Bellevalia species using four plastid genes. The study led to a revised infrageneric classification determined by the presence or absence of cilia at the leaf margins. In this study, morphological characteristics, particularly the presence of cilia at the leaf margins, were assessed for of 40 Bellevalia species and categorised according to the recent infrageneric classification. The results showed that 13 species exhibited glabrous or smooth leaf margins while 27 displayed non-glabrous leaf margins. Three types of cilia were observed in non-glabrous species: a) ribbon-shape, b) turbinate or conical, and c) papilla. Notably, the species with glabrous leaf margins were exclusively found in the Irano-Turanian region, whereas non-glabrous species were distributed throughout the Irano-Turanian, Mediterranean and Saharo-Sindian regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains hold high species diversity and endemism because of topographic diversity and isolation. Many mountainous regions are being affected by climate changes. Furthermore, mountain soils can affect plant communities by altering species components and community structure. The sub-alpine areas of western Khorassan-Kopet Dagh Mountains in the Irano-Turanian region have received little attention. We aim to provide new information on vegetation, ecological characteristics, and biodiversity drivers of plant communities associated with Cousinia edmondsonii, a very narrow endemic and critically endangered plant in NE Iran. We sampled 35 vegetation plots by stratified-random sampling in this area. Modified TWINSPAN and DCA analyses were used to classify plant communities. We used CCA analyses to assess vegetation-environment relationships and Hill numbers to evaluate diversity in plant communities. In all, 127 species were recorded, belonging to 83 genera and 29 families. The hemicryptophytes and Irano-Turanian elements were the dominant life-form and chorotype, respectively. Endemic and sub-endemic species comprised 41 species in the study area. Five plant communities types are identified in the study area based on the diagnostic and dominant species. Stipa lessingiana-Acantholimon erinaceum and Muscari neglectum-Juniperus sabina communities are dominated by thorny cushion and dwarf shrubby species, respectively. The communities dominated by C. edmondsonii, i.e., Gypsophila aretioides-Cousinia edmondsonii, Alyssum lanigerum-Cousinia edmondsonii, and Thymus kotschyanus-Cousinia edmondsonii, exhibited higher species diversity than the other communities. Based on CCA, the composition of plant communities was significantly correlated with seven topographic and environmental factors. The results showed that C. edmondsonii, its habitats, and vegetation types in the higher mountains of western Khorassan-Kopet Dagh deserve special conservation attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bahar Mountain is located in North Khorasan Province. The northern slope of this area, with an area of about ten thousand hectares, is studied in this research. This study deals with the identification of the flora of the region from years 2019 to 2021. Plant specimens were collected consecutively during growing seasons and were identified and kept in the herbarium of Kharazmi University (T). In total, 215 taxa were collected, which include 156 genera and 49 families, of which, one species, one genus, and one family belong to non-vascular plants and 214 species, 155 genera, and 48 families belong to the seed plants. Fabaceae and Asteraceae families are shown to be the largest families in the region with 21 and 20 taxa, respectively. The genera Astragalus with 12 species, Allium with 6 species, and Acanthophyllum and Bromus genera each with four species are found to be the largest genera in the region. Among the examined taxa, hemicryptophytes have the highest percentage of biological forms among the plants studied with 36%, which is in accordance with the cold and mountainous climate of the region. In addition, six taxa (2.8%) are found to be endemic to Iran and 16 taxa (7.4%) are included in the IUCN list. In total, 70% of the studied taxa belong to the Irano-Turanian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Khorasan Razavi Province with the aim to understand the habitat conditions of Prunus chorassanica (Pojark.) A.E.Murray as an endemic shrub species of Iran. Three transects of 100 meters were established to measure the canopy coverage percentage and density of plant species in the three studied sites located in Dargaz County. A 5 m2 plot was established every ten meters along each transect, followed by a systematic random sampling. In addition, the ecological conditions of the species growth and distribution including climate, topography and edaphic characteristics of the sites were investigated. The canopy cover of P. chorassanica in the three studied sites were 7.87 to 11.7%, while the densities were between 50 to 75 trees per ha. In the shrub sites, 34, 38.5 and 27.5% of the soil comprised sand, silt and clay, with the dominance of silty loam soil texture. The average pH and electrical conductivity of the soil were equal to 7.73 and 0.8 dSm, respectively. This species grows and spreads in altitudes above 2000 meters and on slopes between 30 and 55%, generally in the northern slopes. Considering the value of this species within its conservation outside the main site, it is essential to collect the seeds and store them in the Iran's Natural Resources Gene Bank. In addition, it should be planted in the National Botanical Garden of Iran, in order to guarantee reviving its population in nature if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of flora characteristics and their relationship with ecological factors in habitats has a particular importance, especially in protected areas. This study aims to analyze chorological and endemism of the Central Alborz protected area flora. The study area is the slopes of Welwesht, Dahla, and Azadkouh heights in the protected area of Central Alborz, Mazandaran province. The total number of collected and identified taxa is 331, which belong to 197 genera and 46 families. During the floristic studies of the region, Nepeta azadkouhensis Saberamoli from Lamiaceae family was identified and introduced as a new species. About 49.25% of taxa are hemicryptophytes, 57.40% of all species belong to Irano-Turanian chorotype. Forty-six taxa, equal to 13.9% of all taxa, are endemic to Iran. Of these, 37 species, equal to 82.22% of endemic species, belong to the vegetation zone of Irano-Turanian. The habitat of mountain steppes, mainly with grasses and cushion-shaped plants with 24.47% of the total taxa, has the highest species richness. The results of the species richness study in the altitude classes of the endemic taxa showed that, in total, more than 70% of the taxa are located in medium to semi-high habitats. The study of the presence of endemic species in vegetation elements confirms the dominance of the Irano-Turanian vegetation zone in the region, with the significant presence and influence of European-Siberian elements.

Species selection and suitable planting methods are essential for creating plantation and green space. This is important specially in arid and semi-arid regions. The object of the present study was to investigate the growth and primary establishment of four tree species using four different soil remediation treatments in Semnan City. These treatments were applied to two-years-old saplings in three replications and five observations in each replication and the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saplings were measured and recorded during the experimental period. The results showed that straw mulch (together with stone cover) caused the highest collar growth in all investigated species, while the usage of hydrogels and zeolites did not have a significant positive effect on the sapling growth and decreased the growth in some cases. Compared to control soil (sandy-loam), the modified soil texture treatment (loam soil) did not change the collar diameter, height and total length of lateral branches of Melia and Cupressus saplings, but it reduced the diameter growth in Pistacia and Quercus saplings. The highest rate of survival in all investigated species was observed in control and straw treatments. The results of this study showed that Pistacia and Melia had the highest and lowest survival rate, respectively. However, Melia had the highest height and collar diameter growth amongst investigated species with maximum growth under straw treatment. Contrasting other species, Quercus has experienced a significant decrease in collar diameter and height (in all treatments specially hydrogels and zeolites) after June and has progressed to shrub form.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the flora of the Drakhtak Frieden area was investigated. A total of 265 species belonging to 184 genera and 42 plant families were identified in the area. Of these, 35 belong to dicots and seven to monocots. The most important plant families include Asteraceae (32 genera and 48 species), Brassicaceae (24 genera and 32 species), Poaceae (20 genera and 25 species). The genus Astragalus with 11 species and the genera Cousinia and Centaurea each with five species accounted for the largest share in the plant composition of the region. The geographical distribution of plant species showed that 52% of the plants belong to the Irano-Turanian regions. Subsequently, by and large, elements from the Irano-Turanian / Europe-Siberia / Mediterranean area are most present. Hemicryptophytes and trophytes accounted for the most (40.75%), with camphores, geophytes, and phanerophytes being the next levels. The vegetation of the area based on the physionomy is shrublands, that dominant species including Astragalus verus and Astragalus gossypinus. Of the identified plants in the region, 42 are endemic species and 82 species have medicinal value.

Bazarjan region with an area of 31197 hectares in the north of Tafresh city is between 49˚ 59ʹ to 49˚ 50ʹ east longitude and 34˚ 56ʹ to 34˚ 31ʹ north latitude. The present study aimed to investigate the flora, life form, and the chorological status of vegetation in the Bazarjan region, Markazi. The results of the study of the flora of the region showed that there were 293 species of 61 families and 208 genera in this region. The Brassicaceae and Asteraceae with 41 and 38 taxa were the largest families and Astragalus with 14 and Alyssum with 7 species, respectively, were the largest genera in the region. The life form of the collected plants was studied according to Raunkiaer classification, which showed 37.54 % of the Therophytes, 24.91 % of the Hemicryptophytes, 19.11 % of Chamaephytes, 11.94 % of Geophyte, 4.77 % of Phanerophyte, and a small percentage of Helophyte and Epiphytes. The highest percentage of the geographical distribution of plants in the region was related to Irano-Turanian vegetative elements with 60.4%. After that, 11.26% of the plants in the region were from Irano-Turanian and Europe-Siberian elements, 5.8% of the plants were from IranoTuranian and Sahara-Sindi, and 4.43% were Iranian-Turanian and Mediterranean. Also, 31 species were endemic to Iran and 30 species were endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sideritis khalkhalica sp. nov. (S. sect. Hesiodia Benth.) is described as a new species from northwest Iran. It appears to be a local endemic restricted to open slopes of marl hills in Khalkhal region, Ardabil province. This species differs from its closest relative, Sideritis montana and S. romana by having stems that are hairy with retrorse hairs, leaves petiolate, ovate to elliptic, with calyx teeth narrowly triangular, corolla white and pollen type balansae. Comparison with similar species, detailed photographs, micro-morphological characters of pollen grains are also provided. Moreover, its protection is recommended and proposed that the new species should be listed as Critically Endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of flora characteristics and their relationship with ecological factors in habitats has a particular importance, especially in protected areas. This study aims to analyze chorological and endemism of the Central Alborz protected area flora. The study area is the slopes of Welwesht, Dahla, and Azadkouh heights in the protected area of Central Alborz, Mazandaran province. The total number of collected and identified taxa is 331, which belong to 197 genera and 46 families. During the floristic studies of the region, Nepeta azadkouhensis Saberamoli from Lamiaceae family was identified and introduced as a new species. About 49.25% of taxa are hemicryptophytes, 57.40% of all species belong to Irano-Turanian chorotype. Forty-six taxa, equal to 13.9% of all taxa, are endemic to Iran. Of these, 37 species, equal to 82.22% of endemic species, belong to the vegetation zone of Irano-Turanian. The habitat of mountain steppes, mainly with grasses and cushion-shaped plants with 24.47% of the total taxa, has the highest species richness. The results of the species richness study in the altitude classes of the endemic taxa showed that, in total, more than 70% of the taxa are located in medium to semi-high habitats. The study of the presence of endemic species in vegetation elements confirms the dominance of the Irano-Turanian vegetation zone in the region, with the significant presence and influence of European-Siberian elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palang Galoun protected region, comprising 34935 hectares, is located 75 km northwest of Najaf Abad, and 102 km northwest of Isfahan city. The aim of this research was to assess the floristic spectrum, life form varieties, chorological analysis, determination of protected status and identification of medicinal, threatened species criteria and poisonous plants of this natural heritage. Plant samples were collected during different vegetative seasons at several stages. Life forms of samples were determined and chorological analysis was performed. On the basis of the obtained results, a total of 166 species belonging to 126 genera and 39 families were identified. Six families, 23 genera and 26 species belonged to monocotyledons, whereas 33 families, 103 genera and 140 species belonged to dicotyledons. In terms of chorological analysis, 58% of plant species were distributed in the Irano-Turanian region. It is noteworthy that 44 endemic species, 97 medicinal species, 48 pasture species and 23 poisonous species were present in the studied area. Life forms were found to comprise 54% hemicryptophytes, 24% therophytes, 10% geophytes, 7% chamaephytes and 5% phanerophytes. Based on IUCN red list categories and criteria, there were 22 species in the lower risk category and seven species categorized as vulnerable case.

During the study on the specimens of Astragalus sect. Ammodendron in the herbarium of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUMH), based on the last and most recent sources, two new species, i.e. A. microfoliolatus sp. nova and A. rashed-mohasseli sp. nova were found and described. Morphological evidence confirmed that the belonging of these taxa to Astragalus sect. Ammodendron. The most important differences between A. microfoliolatus and its closest relatives are leaflets with very small size and glabrescent legume. Also, the main distinctive characters ofA. rashed-mohasseli are the presence of hairs on the dorsal side of vexillum, oblong legume and short rachis. Hairy vexillum has been obseverd for the first time in this section. In addition, A. aiwadzhi is recorded as a new species for the flora of Iran. Taxonomic descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps are provided to expedite identification.

The Central Anatolian vegetation has diverse site conditions and small-scale plant diversity. For this reason, identification of plant communities is important for understanding their ecology and nature conservation. This study aims to contribute the syntaxonomical classification of the Central Anatolian vegetation. The study area is situated among Güzelyurt, Narköy, and Bozköy (Niğde) in the east of Aksaray province of Central Anatolia in Turkey. The vegetation data were collected using the phytosociological method of Braun-Blanquet and classified using TWINSPAN. The ecological characteristics of the units were investigated with Detrended Correspondence Analysis. Three new plant associations were described in the study. The steppe association was included in Onobrychido armenae-Thymetalia leucostomi and Astragalo microcephali-Brometea tomentelli. The forest-steppe association was classified under Quercion anatolicae in Quercetea pubescentis. The riparian association is the first poplar-dominated one described in Turkey and, classified under Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae and its alliance Populion albae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generic boundary of the broadly defined Acanthophyllum s.l., the third‐largest genus of the tribe Caryophylleae (Caryophyllaceae), has been a subject of taxonomic confusion. Acanthophyllum s.l. now includes five minor genera previously recognized as independent. Among these small genera, the inclusion of Allochrusa, Ochotonophila, and Scleranthopsis within Acanthophyllum s.l. was confirmed by previous molecular studies, while the positions of Diaphanoptera and Kuhitangia remained uncertain. We have performed an updated molecular study of Acanthophyllum s.l. including an increased sampling of the genera and sections assigned to this group, using intron sequences of the chloroplast gene rps16 and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Cyathophylla, Heterochroa, and Saponaria were chosen as outgroups for performing phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The present results suggest that, in addition to the genera mentioned above, both Diaphanoptera and Kuhitangia should also be synonymized within Acanthophyllum. Sections Diaphanoptera, Kuhitangia and Pseudomacrostegia are introduced as new infrageneric taxa within Acanthophyllum. Our results also indicate that some annual species of Saponaria are closely related to Acanthophyllum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision was carried out on the genus Lappula Moench (Boraginaceae) in Khorassan provinces. A total of herbarium specimens collected from different parts of the studied area, including the three provinces of North, Razavi and South Khorassan, were studied. All specimens are deposited in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Herbarium, (FUMH). According to the results of the study, there are 6 Lappula species in the region: L. barbata, L. microcarpa, L. semiglabra, L. sessiliflora, L. sinaica and L. spinocarpos. In addition, by revising the annual specimens that had been previously misidentified as L. drobovii, a perennial species, these specimens were identified as L. sessiliflora. Identification key, distribution map and species pictures in this article have been presented.

The Irano-Turanian floristic region spans a topographically complex and climatically continental territory, which has served as a source of xerophytic taxa for neighboring regions and is represented by a high percent of endemics. Yet, a comprehensive picture of the abiotic and biotic factors that have driven diversification within this biota remains to be established due to the scarcity of phylogenetic studies. Acantholimon is an important component of the subalpine steppe flora of the Irano-Turanian region, containing c. 200 cushion-forming sub-shrubby pungent-leaved species. Our recent molecular phylogenetic study has led to enlarging the circumscription of this genus to include eight mono- or oligospecific genera lacking the characteristic life-form and leaves. Using the same molecular phylogeny, here we investigate the tempo and mode of diversification as well as the biogeographic patterns in this genus, to test the hypothesis that a combination of key morphological innovations and abiotic factors is behind Acantholimon high species diversity. Molecular dating analysis indicates that Acantholimon s.l. started to diversify between the Late Miocene and the Pliocene and the biogeographic analysis points to an Eastern Iran–Afghanistan origin. Macroevolutionary models support the hypothesis that the high diversity of the genus is explained by accelerated diversification rates in two clades associated with the appearance of morphological key innovations such as a cushion life-form and pungent leaves; this would have favored the colonization of water-stressed, substrate-poor mountainous habitats along the newly uplifted IT mountains during the Mio-Pliocene. Given the apparent similarity of mountain habitats for most species of Acantholimon, we hypothesize that its current high species diversity responds to a scenario of non-adaptive radiation fueled by allopatric speciation rather than evolutionary radiation driven by ecological opportunity. Similar scenarios might underlie the high diversity of other speciose genera in the topographically complex Irano-Turanian landscape, though this remains to be tested with fine-grained distribution and climatic data.

The Irano-Turanian floristic region spans a topographically complex and climatically continental territory, which has served as a source of xerophytic taxa for neighboring regions and is represented by a high percent of endemics. Yet, a comprehensive picture of the abiotic and biotic factors that have driven diversification within this biota remains to be established due to the scarcity of phylogenetic studies. Acantholimon is an important component of the subalpine steppe flora of the Irano-Turanian region, containing c. 200 cushion-forming sub-shrubby pungent-leaved species. Our recent molecular phylogenetic study has led to enlarging the circumscription of this genus to include eight mono- or oligospecific genera lacking the characteristic life-form and leaves. Using the same molecular phylogeny, here we investigate the tempo and mode of diversification as well as the biogeographic patterns in this genus, to test the hypothesis that a combination of key morphological innovations and abiotic factors is behind Acantholimon high species diversity. Molecular dating analysis indicates that Acantholimon s.l. started to diversify between the Late Miocene and the Pliocene and the biogeographic analysis points to an Eastern Iran–Afghanistan origin. Macroevolutionary models support the hypothesis that the high diversity of the genus is explained by accelerated diversification rates in two clades associated with the appearance of morphological key innovations such as a cushion life-form and pungent leaves; this would have favored the colonization of water-stressed, substrate-poor mountainous habitats along the newly uplifted IT mountains during the Mio-Pliocene. Given the apparent similarity of mountain habitats for most species of Acantholimon , we hypothesize that its current high species diversity responds to a scenario of non-adaptive radiation fueled by allopatric speciation rather than evolutionary radiation driven by ecological opportunity. Similar scenarios might underlie the high diversity of other speciose genera in the topographically complex Irano-Turanian landscape, though this remains to be tested with fine-grained distribution and climatic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the few basic and applied research related to the structure characteristics of Juniper (Juniperus excelsa)stands in the Irano-Turanian forests and the need for early recognition and proper management of these forests, the present study was carried out to evaluate the structural characteristics of J. excelsa forests located on south facing slope of Alborz mountain chain, Atashgah area, Karaj. For this purpose, systematic network with dimensions of 50×50 m was laid out and coordinates of all trees were determined by distance-azimuth techniques. Canopy diameter was measured in an area about 15.9 hectare in this stand. In order to study the structural characteristics of the stand, nearest neighbors distance index (density of trees), Clark and Evans index and uniform angle index (a variety of location), Mingling index (species diversity), size differentiation index (variety of trees), crown competition factor (competition of canopy trees) between J. excelsa and S index were used in this stand. The results showed that spatial pattern and arrangement of trees were regularly together and variety of trees, was found to be pure without any mixture. The crown competition index was 0.48 (non-unit) representing low crown competition in this stand. Three different aspects of the S index (diversity of spatial pattern, species diversity, and size variety) were 0.227 indicating low levels of tree diversity. The results of this study can be usefully employed for management, preservation, restoration, and development of sensitive and fragile J. excelsa forest ecosystems.

Sand dunes of warm regions provide suitable habitats for C4 plants because of their water and nitrogen use efficiency under high temperature and their high tolerance to ecological stress such as salinity, aridity and disturbance. We studied the distribution patterns of C4 plant species in five habitat types of sand dune ecosystems in three climatic regions (Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian and Hyrcanian). We compared the relative abundance of C4 plants in terms of richness and cover and aimed at identifying their habitat preferences in sand ecosystems. Our results revealed that C4 species notably contribute to the vegetation cover, despite their rather low contribution to the richness in comparison with C3 species. Generally, C4 plants were more prominent in mobile dunes, saltmarshes and disturbed sandy ground, but they showed regional differences in habitat preference. In northern and central Iran, C4 plants had the highest relative abundance in mobile dunes whereas in northeastern Greece they dominated disturbed sandy ground. The abundance of C4 plants appears to be influenced by climatic conditions. Central Iran, the driest and warmest among our study regions, has the highest proportion of C4 species in terms of number and cover. We observed an increasing trend in richness and cover of C4 plants with increasing aridity. As the number of C4 species alone may not fully reflect their role in a given area, the C4 plant total vegetation cover is shown to be an additional important parameter in ecological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Aethionema is sister to the core Brassicaceae (including Arabidopsis thaliana) and thus has an important evolutionary position for comparative analyses. Aethionema arabicum (Brassicaceae) is emerging as a model to understand the evolution of various traits. We generated transcriptome data for seven Ae. arabicum genotypes across the species range including Cyprus, Iran and Turkey. Combined flow cytometry and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses identified distinct tetraploid (Iranian) and diploid populations (Turkish/Cypriot). The Turkish and Cypriot lines had a higher genome-wide genetic diversity than the Iranian lines. However, one genomic region contained genes with a higher diversity in the Iranian than the Turkish/Cypriot lines. Sixteen percent of the genes in this region were chaperonins involved in protein folding. Additionally, an analysis of glucosinolate profiles, chemical defence compounds of the Brassicaceae, showed a difference in diversity of indolic glucosinolates between the Iranian and Turkish/Cypriot lines. We showed that different Ae. arabicum individuals have different ploidy levels depending on their location (Iranian versus Turkish/Cypriot). Moreover, these differences between the populations are also shown in their defence compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this survey, we investigated the flora and habitat conditions of wild Fig (Ficus johannis Boiss.) in a part of its natural habitat in Yazd province. To obtain climatic information, the required data were obtained from the closest climatologic stations. With average precipitation of 177.4 mm/year and the average annual temperature of 14.4 °C, the study area is a dry temperate region. Physiochemical analyses were conducted on previously-taken soil samples. Floristic investigation was conducted in two subdistricts (Sadegh-Abad and Mazrae-Ghebleh). Moreover, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of trees were recorded via transect sampling. Results of soil analysis indicated that F. johannis grows in the soils featuring a pH ranging between 7.74 and 8.39 with sand-silt texture. Results also showed that there were 27 families, 64 genera and 73 species in the study area. The family of Compositae with 22% (16 species) and Labiatae with 14% (10 species) presented the highest richness among all families. In terms of biological forms, the following composition was indicated: Chaemoephytes with 34% (25 species), Throphytes with 12% (7 species), Hemicryptophytes with 40% (27 species), Microphanerophytes and Nanophanerophytes with 5% (4 species), Geophytes with 6% (5 species) and Mezophanerophytes with 1 % (one species). Among the total 90 species, 15 species were found to be endemic to Iran. F. johannis was evaluated as a hydrophyte species according to its frequent growth in valley margins which is due to higher moisture content. The transect sampling resulted in calculating the population density and cover in Mazrae-Ghebleh (46 ha-1 and 3.51 %.ha-1) as well as in Sadegh-Abad district (49 ha-1 and 7.76 %.ha-1), respectively. Overall qualitative features of trees were moderate. Partial withering of branches was observed in majority of trees but no damage was observed on stems.

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ABSTRACT 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus excelsais one of the specific tree species in the mountainous areas of Iran. It forms the mountainous forests of Irano-Turanian vegetation region. Despite the considerable spread ofJ. excelsain Iran, there is no detailed and valid published study on the phytosociology of Iranian juniper stands. The aim of this research is to identify these associations and their characteristics in Alborz mountains in the north of Iran. To this goal, a set of data including floristic data according to Braun-Blanquet method, and important environmental characteristics, were collected. To classify the vegetation, TWINSPAN was used and phytosociology tables were analysed with JUICE software. Diagnostic species were determined by measuring the degree of fidelity and using statistically meaningful measurements. According to the results, the vegetation was classified into six associations and five subassociations. Among them areCotoneastro nummulariis-Juniperetum excelsaeass. nov.,Lonicero ibericae-Juniperetum excelsaeass. nov.,Rhamno pallasii-Juniperetum excelsaeass. nov., Rhamno p.-Juniperetum e. ajugetosum chamaecistisubass. nov.,Rhamno p.-Juniperetum excelsae gypsophiletosum aretioidissubass. nov.,Amygdalo lycioidis-Pistacietum atlanticae hymenocratretosum bituminosorisKashipazha et al. 2007,Feruletum ovinaeass. nov.,Artemisio aucheri-Astragaletum veriAsri 2004, andArtemisio aucheri-Onobrychidetum cornutaeass. nov. The introduced juniper associations were placed in classJunipero-PistacieteaZohary 1973 and orderJuniperetalia excelsaenov. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Topographic and edaphic variables are the main ecological factor determining species spatial variability on mountainous forests. A field study was performed in central Alborz to investigate how the edaphic and topographic parameters can affect the tree and shrub communities. Initially, 27 forest stands were identified and the homogeneous units were separated regarding physiognomy. In each single homogeneous unit, one random sample plot (1000 m2) and totally 43 plots were established. In each plot, the presence and abundance of all trees and shrubs were recorded and four soil samples were taken from depths of 0-5 and 5-20 cm. Concerning classification results, eight different forest communities were identified. The lowest and highest soil pH values were observed in Malus orientalis and pistacia-Amygdalus communities, respectively. The water saturation percent of pure- and mixed Juniperus excelsa and Rhus coriaria was the highest amongst communities. The clay content was the highest in pure J. excelsa. The 0-5 organic matter and Nitrogen content in mixed J. excelsa were significantly higher than pure J. excelsa and other communities. The CCA (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) results indicated that the altitude, precipitation, pH, EC, SP, clay and CaCO are the most important factors determine the distribution of trees and shrub in central Alborz [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being one of the larger genera of Caryophyllaceae with about 60 cushion-forming subshrubby species, Acanthophyllum is represented poorly in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. The genus is an important component of the subalpine steppe flora in Central to Southwest Asia. Although the placement of Acanthophyllum in the tribe Caryophylleae and a close relationship to Allochrusa has already been suggested, the monophyly of the genus and its infrageneric taxa, as well as its relation to other closely related genera, have not been addressed. We have assembled datasets of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and intron sequences of the chloroplast gene rpsl6 for 47 Acanthophyllum species and 63 species of 11 additional genera from Caryophylleae. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Our analysis suggests that Allochrusa, Diaphanoptera, Ochotonophila and Scleranthopsis are nested within Acanthophyllum but that the traditionally recognized sections of Acanthophyllum are monophyletic after reassignment of a few species. Emarginate petals may be a synapomorphy for one of the two basal clades oí Acanthophyllum. Moreover, non-monophyly of the genera Gypsophila and Diaphanoptera is suggested by the present study. The age of the crown clade oí Acanthophyllum s.l. is estimated to be 11.1 Ma by *BEAST species tree analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out in the Hashtadpahlou and Sefidkoh mountains which are important vegetation regions in the western Iran, Lorestan. The endemic plants and their life form in these mountain regions were determined. From the view point of regional elements, plants of these regions belong to Irano-Turanian region. Totally, 86 endemic plants from 18 families were recognized. The results show that the important families are Asteraceae (20 species), Fabaceae (14 species), Lamiaceae (13 species). The highest number of species investigated for Astragalus genus (11 species). Life forms of the plant species of region include: geophytes 26.44%, therophytes 16.09%, hemicryptophytes 18.38%, chamaephytes 31.04%, phanerophytes 8.08% .The high frequency of chamaephytes and geophytes can be attributed to high altitude and cold climate. Generally, it can be declared that the habitats of these ecosystems have high diversity due to the presence of 87 endemic plants and this pattern resulted from climate conditions and geomorphology of territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the EurasianCarex acutaL. has remained poorly characterized, which has allowed its traditional usage as a taxonomic hotchpotch, in which other similar taxa have been included. In this study, we clarify the taxonomic status ofC. acutaand assess the delimitation of two similar species found in the southern part of theC. acutarange:Carex panormitanaGuss. andCarex kurdicaKük. ex Hand.-Mazz. To this purpose, we performed a detailed morphological study of 101 vouchers from 19 herbaria, including the type material of the three studied taxa and additional related species. Some distinct populations previously regarded asC. acutawere ascribed toC. panormitanaorC. kurdica.Detailed morphological descriptions are provided forC. acuta,C. kurdicaandC. panormitana. The ranges of the three taxa are revised in the Central–Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, and new records ofC. panormitanain North Africa and ofC. kurdicain Eastern Europe and Mediterranean Anatolia are presented. An epitype is proposed forC. kurdicato complement the identity of the lectotype, as this is immature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim The Irano-Turanian ( IT) floristic region is characterized by high levels of endemicity. Despite its potential role as a cradle of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring areas, its biogeographical history remains poorly studied. Haplophyllum, a diagnostic element of the IT region, was used as a model to discriminate between alternative biogeographical scenarios for the evolution of the region and, more specifically, to investigate whether it served as a source of xerophytes for the colonization of the Mediterranean Basin. Location Irano-Turanian floristic region (Central Asia and West Asiatic areas) and Mediterranean floristic region (western and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Basin). Methods Three chloroplast DNA regions were sequenced in 77 accessions of Haplophyllum and 37 accessions from other subfamilies of Rutaceae. To elucidate the temporal and spatial evolution of Haplophyllum in the IT and Mediterranean regions, we performed Bayesian molecular dating analyses with four fossil constraints and ancestral range reconstructions, respectively. Results Our molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction analyses suggest that Haplophyllum originated in the Central Asian part of the IT region during the early Eocene and started to diversify in situ during the early Oligocene, soon after the vanishing of the Tethys Ocean. Our results further imply that Haplophyllum later invaded the eastern Mediterranean Basin in the middle-to-late Miocene, concomitantly with the Paratethys Salinity Crisis and rapid palaeobiogeographical changes in the proto-Mediterranean. Finally, Haplophyllum diversified in the western Mediterranean in the early Pliocene at the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. Main conclusions The IT floristic region can serve as a 'donor' of xerophytic taxa to 'recipient' neighbouring regions, including the Mediterranean floristic region. The climatic/geological processes during the Miocene-Pliocene, by increasing aridity and topographic heterogeneity, facilitated range shifts and allopatric speciation in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silene bitlisensis O.Tugay & Ertugrul from the Green Line Afforestation Zone (B9: Bitlis Province) is a new species described and illustrated here. It is closely related to S. caramanica Boiss. & Heldr. var. ilarslanii Aytaç & Dural, from which it mainly differs in its habit, leaf, and floral features. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 156, 463–466. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South-West and Central Asia are major centres of diversity in the genus Heliotropium. On the basis of detailed taxonomic studies and information gathered from the literature, a synopsis of 61 known species of Heliotropium and two species of Arguzia in the area is given. Iran, with 32 species and 14 (sub)endemic species, has the highest diversity. The photosynthetic pathways of 42 taxa were determined using the isotope composition method. Except for H. marifolium Retz s.l. and H. rariflorum Stocks, all remaining species analysed showed δ13C values characteristic for C3 photosynthesis. Evidently, by contrast with the families Chenopodiaceae and Polygonaceae, the Irano-Turanian area is not an authochthonous region of developing C4 species in Heliotropium. The distribution maps of 57 taxa are provided and their biogeographical importance is discussed in order to elucidate the distribution patterns in South-West Asia. In the Irano-Turanian region, the Irano-Anatolian province of Zohary, which extends from central Anatolia to the western Himalaya, is a very large and vaguely defined phytochorion that should be split into smaller units. The consideration of southern Iran and adjacent Pakistan as part of the Sudanian or Saharo-Sindian regions ( sensu either Zohary or Léonard) cannot be accepted, because most endemic species in this area are either typical Irano-Turanian or isolated relicts. Furthermore, it is concluded that the Saharo-Sindian flora is not an autochthonous flora; most species are of transgressive origin from the surrounding phytochoria. Finally, a new species, Heliotropium ziegleri Akhani, is described from Iran. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 155, 401–425. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia acanthodes Akhani is described as a new gypsophilous species from south-west Iran. The affinity, morphological and carpological features, and habitat of the species are discussed. A list of a further 36 interesting endemic species of south-western Iran and adjacent areas is given with notes on their affinities and distribution. These include Centaurea gudrunensis Boiss. & Hausskn., as a new record from Iran. The specific status of Pteropyrum naufelum Al-Khayat is confirmed and it is suggested that P. noëanum Boiss. ex Meisn. is synonymous with P. aucheri Boiss. The biogeographic importance of the so-called ‘Persian foothills’, and biodiversity conservation status of the area are discussed, together with distribution maps of 12 species. It is concluded that the majority of the endemic species in the southern and south-western parts of Iran are Irano–Turanian or have their origins in the Irano–Turanian region. Therefore, it is questionable to consider the area as part of either the Saharo–Sindian, Sudanian or Sudano–Zambezian regions. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 146, 107–121. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus-Cotoneaster reserve of Ooshan located in central Alborz (north of Iran), is one of the Irano-Turanian forest stands which shows the characteristics of a semi-virgin ecosystem. Although the stand has registered as a "forest reserve" by Forest and Rangeland organization of Iran, some evidences of deforestation and changing the landuse are obvious. The aim of this research was identification and study of biologic and ecologic characteristics of the stand to provide the situation of subsequent studies as a first step for further investigations. Data obtained using stratification method by one strip transect in each stratum. After analysis of the data, structural and ecological characteristics and healthiness of the stand were considered. In this stand, Cotoneaster kotschyi isthe dominant species with a frequency of 51%. Juniperus excelsa with a frequency of 10% and 6.5 meter heightis the dominant species of the tree layer. According to the abundance of species, two forest types were distinguished in this stand: Cotoneaster kotschyi-Juniperus excelsa and Cotoneaster kotschyi-Cerasus microcarpa. Species in the tree storey were Juniperus excelsa, Lonicera nummularifolia, Pistacia atlantica and Celtis caucasica whilespecies in shrub storey were Cotoneaster kotschyi, Cotoneaster nummularioides, Cerasus microcarpa, Rosa spp., Rhamnus pallasii, Colutea persica and Berberis spp.. The structure of the stand is uneven-aged and irregular. Regeneration in the areas with closed canopy is 7 times more than the areas with sparse canopy. The healthiness of stand was considered by ranking to main 7 species.