Floristic survey of Marshenan Mountain in Central Iran

Marshenan Mountain is located northeast of Isfahan Province, in central Iran. It lies within the Irano-Turanian floristic region and includes steppe and semi-steppe zones. The elevation ranges from ۱۹۵۰ to ۳۲۶۶ meters above sea level. A total of ۳۳۱ species of vascular plants belonging to ۲۱۲ genera and ۵۴ families were identified. The most diverse families were Asteraceae (۶۴ species), Fabaceae (۳۶), Lamiaceae (۲۵), Brassicaceae, and Poaceae (each with ۲۲ species). Hemicryptophytes (۴۲.۶%) and therophytes (۳۳.۵%) were the dominant life forms, adapted to the region’s cold winters and dry summers. Most species (۵۲%) were linked to the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region, while others belonged to the Mediterranean, Euro-Siberian, and Saharo-Sindian, or were multi-regional elements. In total, ۶۱ endemic species (۱۸.۵% of the flora) were recorded, highlighting Marshenan’s importance as a valuable site for plant diversity in central Iran and a priority for conservation efforts. Four major habitat types were identified along the altitudinal gradient: mountain steppe, tall-herb umbelliferous communities, thorn-cushion highlands, and rocky gorges with moisture-retaining microhabitats. Additionally, active quarrying was documented in the area, representing a major anthropogenic threat through habitat degradation and fragmentation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biodiversity ، conservation ، Endemic species ، flora of Iran ، Isfahan