Flora diversity in burned forest areas in Dehdez, Iran

Abstract

Flora identified within a region plays an important role in maintaining national natural reserves. Iran is one of the most important centers of plant diversity in the Old World (22% endemic species of 8000 plant species). Dehdez burned forest area is located in the southeastern Khuzestan province. The field data were obtained from 115 sample plots in a systematic random grid (20 m × 20 m). The attributes such as tree and shrub species type, the number of species and canopy coverage were recorded. Within each sample plot small and large crown diameters were measured. In order to record herbaceous species, the Whitaker's snail plot method was applied (100 m2 minimum plot area). In this study, 240 plant species were assessed and identified to 158 genera and 42 families. Asteraceae family with 33 species, Papilionaceae with 32 species, Poaceae with 29 species, Apiaceae w ith 27 s pecies a ndLamiaceae with 18 species prevailed and constituted 57.9% of all the plants observed. Investigation of species life forms showed that Hemicryptophyte plants were most important. Chorological study showed that species found in Irano-Turanian and Common areas of Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean eruption were the most important ecological groups in the region, while other chorotypes were positioned far from the next in importance.