Research Paper |
Corresponding author: Jalil Noroozi ( jalil.noroozi@univie.ac.at ) Academic editor: Arkadiusz Nowak
© 2024 Jalil Noroozi, Amir Talebi, Michael Suen, Gerald M. Schneeweiss.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Noroozi J, Talebi A, Suen M, Schneeweiss GM (2024) Plant biogeography, endemism and vegetation types of Dena Mts, Zagros, West Iran. Vegetation Classification and Survey 5: 185-202. https://doi.org/10.3897/VCS.118433
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Questions: The highest mountain peak of Zagros is located in the Dena mountain system (4409 m a.s.l.), which is identified as the second richest center of plant endemism of Zagros. In this study we (1) investigate floristic affinities of Dena Mts to adjacent mountain ranges based on the endemic species of the Iranian Plateau, (2) identify the species reaching the subnival zone, and (3) characterize the plant communities of the subnival zone of Dena Mts. Study area: Dena Mts is a calcareous mountain system in southern Zagros, Iran. Methods: The list of taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present also in Dena Mts was taken from our previously published data. Novel vegetation data were collected using the methodology of Braun-Blanquet. Classification was carried out in JUICE using the Modified TWINSPAN method. Results: Of the 242 taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present in Dena Mts, 22 taxa are endemic to the latter. Dena Mts have the strongest floristic affinity with the Yazd-Kerman massif, with which they share 84 taxa compared to 51 taxa shared with Alborz, 37 taxa shared with the Azerbaijan Plateau, and 15 taxa shared with Kopet Dagh-Khorassan. In Dena Mts, 38 taxa reach the subnival zone, most of them being endemic to the Iranian Plateau (68%). From scree habitats in the subnival zone, two new plant associations are described, Aethionemetum umbellati and Zerdanetum anchonioidei. These constitute a newly described alliance Galion pseudokurdici, classified within the class Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri. Conclusions: Although Dena Mts lie within a protected area, this will not prevent shrinking of alpine and subnival habitats due to global warming. Consequently, strong attention to the conservation of all range-restricted species of this mountain system, especially of alpine and subnival species, is highly recommended.
Taxonomic reference: Flora of Iran (
biogeography, conservation, Dena Mts, endemism, subnival zone, vegetation, Zagros
Global biodiversity hotspots, many of which are located in mountainous areas, are known as regions with high conservation priorities due to their rich endemic diversity and, at the same time, high pressure from human activities (
Zagros mountain range, the most extensive mountain range of Iran (Figure
The subnival flora is an important component in SW Asia contributing a high proportion of endemics that are highly threatened (
As a basis for putative conservation strategies, we here provide a biogeographic characterization of Dena Mts with a focus on the particularly poorly studied high elevation zones. To this end, we use the following approaches: (1) The floristic affinities and thus biogeographic connections of Dena Mts to other mountain ranges of the region are analyzed; (2) a full account of the subnival plant diversity of Dena Mts is given; (3) plant communities from the subnival zone are described and classified.
Dena Mts is a calcareous mountain system in southern Zagros, ca. 60 km long and ca. 10 km wide. Nearly 100 peaks exceed 4000 m a.s.l., with the highest one reaching 4409 m a.s.l., being the highest summit of the entire Zagros mountain range (Figure
The main vegetation types of the study area can be summarized as follows (see
Quercus woodlands (Figure
Subalpine tall-umbelliferous vegetation types (Figure
Chasmophyte vegetation types (Figure
Subalpine and alpine thorn-cushion grasslands (Figure
Alpine snowbeds (Figure
Alpine and subnival scree vegetation types (Figure
Subnival scree vegetation types (4100–4409 m a.s.l.). A) Astragalus melanodon (4150 m a.s.l.). B) Bromus frigidus (4200 m a.s.l.). C) Euphorbia aucheri (4200 m a.s.l.). D) Galium pseudokurdicum (4150 m a.s.l.). E) Physoptychis gnaphalodes (4250 m a.s.l.). F) Stachys obtusicrena (4200 m a.s.l.).
The list of taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) endemic to the Iranian Plateau and also present in Dena Mts was prepared using the list of all endemic vascular plant species of Iran published by
Endemic taxa of the Iranian Plateau recorded in Dena Mts. For each species, the following information is provided: family, distribution in different areas of endemism (Al: Alborz; Az: Azerbaijan Plateau; Ke: Yazd-Kerman; Ko: Kopet Dagh-Khorassan; Za: Zagros, endemics of Dena Mts given in bold) based on
Species | Family | Distribution | Elevation range (m) | Main Habitat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Allium austroiranicum R.M. Fritsch | Alliaceae | Za, Ke | 1700–3300 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Allium brachyodon Boiss. | Alliaceae | Za, Ko | 3000–3200 | Th.-Cu. |
Allium kazerouni Parsa | Alliaceae | Za | 1660–2900 | Th.-Cu. |
Allium kotschyi Boiss. | Alliaceae | Za, Ke | 2500–3600 | Th.-Cu. |
Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad. var. alpina Bornm. | Amaranthaceae | Za | 2500–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Astrodaucus persicus (Boiss.) Drude in Engler & Prantl | Apiaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ko | 1000–2750 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Dorema aucheri Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za, Ke | 1700–3250 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Echinophora cinerea (Boiss.) Hedge & Lamond | Apiaceae | Za | 2000–3300 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Ferula microcolea (Boiss.) Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za, Al, Az | 1600–3050 | Umb. |
Ferulago angulata (schlecht.) Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke, Ko | 2000–3700 | Umb. |
Ferulago carduchorum Boiss. & Haisskn. | Apiaceae | Za, Az, Ke | 1700–3990 | Umb. |
Ferulago contracta Boiss. & Hausskn. | Apiaceae | Za, Ke | 1700–2500 | Umb. |
Johreniopsis scoparia (Boiss.) Pimenov | Apiaceae | Za | 2370–3000 | Umb. |
Leutea cupularis (Boiss.) M. Pimen. | Apiaceae | Za, Al | 1800–3700 | Umb. |
Pimpinella deverroides (Boiss.) Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za | 1500–3500 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Pimpinella dichotoma (Boiss. et Hausskn.) Wolff | Apiaceae | Za, Ke | 1500–2750 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Pseudotrachydium kotschyi (Boiss.) Pimenov & Kljuykov | Apiaceae | Za | 1950–3900 | Th.-Cu., Alp. Scree |
Rhabdosciadium aucheri Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za | 1830–3960 | Th.-Cu., Alp. Scree |
Semenovia dichotoma (Boiss.) Manden. | Apiaceae | Za | 2800–4200 | Th.-Cu. |
Semenovia frigida (Boiss.) Hausskn. | Apiaceae | Za, Ke | 2400–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Semenovia tragioides (Boiss.) Manden. | Apiaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ko | 1500–3550 | Th.-Cu. |
Tetrataenium lasiopetalum (Boiss.) Manden. | Apiaceae | Za | 2000–4000 | Umb., Alp. Scree |
Thecocarpus meifolius Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za, Ke | 1500–3200 | Th.-Cu. |
Trachydium depressum Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 2100–3800 | Th.-Cu. |
Trachydium kotschyi (Boiss.) Boiss. | Apiaceae | Za | 2000–3900 | Th.-Cu. |
Zeravschania aucheri (Boiss.) Pimenov | Apiaceae | Za, Al, Az | 1300–3300 | Th.-Cu. |
Bellevalia heweri Wendelbo | Asparagaceae | Za | 2200–2300 | Wetland |
Ornithogalum pycnanthum Wendelbo | Asparagaceae | Za | 2400–3200 | Th.-Cu. |
Centaurea persica Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 1550–3000 | Oak W. |
Cephalorrhynchus microcephalus (D.C.) Schchian | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az | 700–2800 | Oak W. |
Cicerbita polyclada (Boiss.) Beauverd | Asteraceae | Za | 3300–3500 | Oak W. |
Cirsium bracteosum DC. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke, Al, Az | 1800–3200 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Cirsium spectabile DC. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 1750–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia albida DC. | Asteraceae | Za | 2300–2600 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia amplissima (Boiss.) Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az | 1000–2300 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia araneosa DC. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 1653–3600 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia assadii Attar | Asteraceae | Za | 3000–3400 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia bachtiarica Boiss. & Hausskn. | Asteraceae | Za | 2400–3000 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia barbeyi C.Winkl. | Asteraceae | Za | 1570–2400 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia calcitrapa Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 2100–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia canescens DC. | Asteraceae | Za, Az | 1850–2500 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia denaensis Attar & Djavadi | Asteraceae | Za | 1800–2900 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia gracilis Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 2700–2800 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia iranshahriana Attar & Maroofi | Asteraceae | Za | 2000–2800 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia kotschyi Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 1200–3000 | M Grass., Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia longifolia C. Winkl. & Bornm. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 3000–3400 | Th.-Cu. |
Cousinia oligocephala Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 3200–3700 | Th.-Cu. |
Crepis heterotricha DC. | Asteraceae | Az, Al, Za, Ke | 3000–4300 | Th.-Cu., Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Echinops ceratophorus Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 1500–2800 | Th.-Cu. |
Echinops iranshahrii Rech.f. | Asteraceae | Za | 1600–1800 | Oak W. |
Echinops kotschyi Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 3000–3200 | Th.-Cu. |
Echinops macrophyllus Boiss. & Hausskn. var. laciniatus Mozaff. | Asteraceae | Za | 1000–2500 | Oak W. |
Echinops macrophyllus Boiss. & Hausskn. var. papillosus Mozaff. | Asteraceae | Za, Al | 1600–2500 | Oak W. |
Echinops mosulensis Rech.f. var. papillosus Mozaff. | Asteraceae | Za | 500–2500 | Oak W. |
Echinops viscidulus Mozaff. | Asteraceae | Za | 1500–3200 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Erigeron daenensis Vierh. | Asteraceae | Za | 3700–4300 | Chasm., Subn. Scree |
Helichrysum artemisioides Boiss & Hausskn | Asteraceae | Za | 1400–2100 | Th.-Cu. |
Helichrysum oligocephalum DC. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az | 1600–3600 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Iranecio paucilobus (DC.) B. Nord. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1800–3600 | Th.-Cu., Alp. Scree |
Lactuca denaensis N. Kilian & Djavadi | Asteraceae | Za | 3600–4000 | Chasm. |
Lactuca polyclada Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 3200–3400 | Th.-Cu. |
Myopordon persicum Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 3800–4400 | Subn. Scree |
Pentanema multicaule Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 2100–3750 | Chasm. |
Phagnalon persicum Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 1700–3400 | Chasm. |
Picris strigosa M.Bieb. subsp. gonicaula (Boiss.) Lack | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1250–2800 | Th.-Cu. |
Psychrogeton chionophilus (Boiss.) Krasch. | Asteraceae | Za | 3500–3700 | Th.-Cu., Snowbed |
Scorzonera calyculata Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 1000–3000 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Scorzonera stenocephala Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az, Ko | 2400–3600 | Th.-Cu. |
Scorzonera subaphylla Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 2700–3400 | Th.-Cu. |
Senecio kotschyanus Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 3800–4200 | Subn. Scree |
Tanacetum dumosum Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za | 2100–3300 | Th.-Cu. |
Tanacetum persicum (Boiss.) Mozaff. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke, Ko | 1700–3800 | Chasm. |
Tanacetum polycephalum Sch.Bip. subsp. farsicum Podl. | Asteraceae | Za, Ke | 1500–3990 | Th.-Cu. |
Taraxacum kotschyi Soest | Asteraceae | Za | 1640–2800 | Chasm. |
Tragopogon caricifolius Boiss. | Asteraceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 1000–4000 | Th.-Cu. |
Alkanna frigida Boiss. | Boraginaceae | Za, Al | 1500–3400 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Caccinia kotschyi Boiss. | Boraginaceae | Za | 1500–2500 | Oak W., Chasm. |
Onosma kilouyense Boiss. & Hausskn | Boraginaceae | Za, Al | 1500–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Onosma kotschyi Boiss. | Boraginaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1220–3150 | Th.-Cu. |
Onosma platyphylla H.Riedl | Boraginaceae | Za | 1400–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Onosma stenosiphon Boiss. | Boraginaceae | Za, Al, Ke, Ko | 3000–4000 | Th.-Cu. |
Trichodesma aucheri DC. | Boraginaceae | Za, Ke | 1500–3050 | Th.-Cu. |
Aethionema alpinum Moazzeni & Noroozi | Brassicaceae | Za, Ke | 3000–4000 | Alp. Scree |
Aethionema umbellatum (Boiss.) Bornm. | Brassicaceae | Za | 3900–4300 | Subn. Scree |
Didymophysa aucheri Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ko | 3000–4800 | Subn. Scree |
Dielsiocharis kotschyi (Boiss) O.E. Schulz | Brassicaceae | Za, Ke, Al, Az, Ko | 1300–4000 | Chasm. |
Fibigia umbellata (Boiss.) Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1900–3900 | Th.-Cu. |
Micrantha multicaulis (Boiss.) Dvorak | Brassicaceae | Za | 1200–3600 | Th.-Cu. |
Physoptychis gnaphalodes Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 3000–4700 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Pseudocamelina aphragmodes (Boiss.) N. Busch | Brassicaceae | Za | 3000–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Pseudocamelina glaucophylla (DC.) N. Busch | Brassicaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 2500–3800 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Zerdana anchonioides Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Za,Ke | 3500–4400 | Subn. Scree |
Campanula luristanica Freyn | Campanulaceae | Za | 2000–2800 | Chasm. |
Acanthophyllum crassifolium Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Al, Az | 1100–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Arenaria minutissima Rech.f. & Esfand. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Ke | 3700–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Arenaria persica Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Ke | 3000–4200 | Th.-Cu. |
Bufonia kotschyana Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Al, Az | 1600–3100 | Th.-Cu. |
Bufonia macrocarpa Ser. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Al | 1300–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Dianthus austroiranicus Lemperg | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Ke | 1600–2300 | Th.-Cu. |
Dianthus denaicus Assadi | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 2600–3700 | Th.-Cu. |
Dianthus orientalis Adams subsp. aphanoneurus Rech.f. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 2000–4140 | Th.-Cu., Chasm. |
Dianthus orientalis Adams subsp. scoparius (Fenzl ex Boiss.) Bornm. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 2300–2500 | Th.-Cu., Chasm. |
Dianthus stenocephalus Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 2100–2500 | Th.-Cu. |
Minuartia sublineata Rech.f. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Az | 1650–4200 | Chasm. |
Silene albescens Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 1315–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Silene daenensis Melzh. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 3000–4400 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Silene elymaitica Bornm. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 1700–3350 | Chasm. |
Silene farsistanica Melzh. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 1800–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Silene gynodioica Ghaz. subsp. glandulosa Melzh. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Ko | 1900–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Silene gynodioica Ghaz. subsp. peduncularis (Fenzl ex Boiss.) Melzh. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Az, Ke | 1150–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Silene nurensis Boiss. & Hausskn. | Caryophyllaceae | Za, Ke | 3600–4400 | Subn. Scree |
Silene persica Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 2400–3500 | Chasm. |
Silene rhynchocarpa Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 2000–3000 | Chasm. |
Silene tragacantha Fenzl ex Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Za | 3800–4000 | Th.-Cu. |
Colchicum wendelboi K. Persson | Colchicaceae | Za | 850–3000 | Wetland |
Convolvulus urosepalus Pau | Convolvulaceae | Za | 2500–3450 | Umb. |
Sedum callichroum Boiss. | Crassulaceae | Za | 1300–3000 | Oak W. |
Sedum kotschyanum Boiss. | Crassulaceae | Za, Ke | 2100–4000 | Alp.-Sub. Scree |
Cephalaria juncea Boiss. | Dipsacaceae | Za, Az | 1500–3100 | Oak W. |
Pterocephalus persicus Boiss. | Dipsacaceae | Za, Ke | 1600–3100 | Oak W. |
Euphorbia hebecarpa Boiss. | Euphorbiaceae | Za, Ke, Az | 3000–3800 | Th.-Cu. |
Euphorbia plebeia Boiss. | Euphorbiaceae | Za | 2000–2500 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus argyrostachys Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 1650–2400 | Oak W. |
Astragalus brachycalyx Fisch. subsp. eriostylus (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Zarre | Fabaceae | Za | 2000–3200 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus campylanthus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1550–3100 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus cephalanthus DC. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1150–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus chalaranthus Boiss. & Hausskn. | Fabaceae | Za | 2200–3050 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus chartostegius Boiss. & Hausskn. | Fabaceae | Za | 2500–4000 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus cyclophyllon Beck | Fabaceae | Za, Az | 1000–2800 | Oak W. |
Astragalus daenensis Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 3300–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Astragalus fragiferus Bunge | Fabaceae | Za | 1700–3600 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus horridus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 2400–3700 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus ibicinus Boiss. & Haussk. | Fabaceae | Za | 1600–3250 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus inexspectatus Maassoumi & Podlech | Fabaceae | Za | 2400–3000 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus ischredensis Bunge | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1000–3100 | M Grass. |
Astragalus johannis Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1300–3780 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus lateritiiformis Zarre | Fabaceae | Za | 2102–3100 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus maassoumii Podl. | Fabaceae | Za | 2000–2400 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus managettae Sirj. & Rech.f. | Fabaceae | Za | 1800–2200 | Oak W. |
Astragalus melanodon Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 3500–4400 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Astragalus microphysa Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1900–3800 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus murinus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 2500–3900 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus myriacanthus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 2000–3800 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus plagiophacos Maassoumi & Podlech | Fabaceae | Al | 2200–3900 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus plebejus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 1800–3650 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus ptychophyllus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 1600–3000 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus quinquefoliolatus Bunge | Fabaceae | Za | 1600–2400 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus rhodosemius Boiss. & Hausskn. | Fabaceae | Za, Az, Ke | 1300–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus sisakhtianus Podlech & Maassoumi | Fabaceae | Za | 2400–2500 | Oak W. |
Astragalus spachianus Boiss. & Buhse | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1200–3300 | Th.-Cu., Oak W. |
Astragalus sphaeranthus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 2200–3800 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus susianus Boiss. subsp. sericeus Tietz | Fabaceae | Za | 1210–3355 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus susianus Boiss. subsp. susianus | Fabaceae | Za | 1400–3040 | Th.-Cu. |
Astragalus tenuiscapus Freyn & Bornm. | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 2450–3950 | Umb. |
Astragalus turgidus Podlech | Fabaceae | Za | 2700–3900 | Alp. Scree |
Astragalus zerdanus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 3500–4400 | Subn. Scree |
Cicer spiroceras subsp. spiroceras Jaub. & Spach | Fabaceae | Za, Ke | 1500–3700 | Umb. |
Cicer tragacanthoides Jaub. & Spach | Fabaceae | Za, Al, Ke, Ko | 2600–4000 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Hedysarum criniferum Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 1600–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Onobrychis melanotricha Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Al | 900–3200 | Th.-Cu., Oak W. |
Oxytropis chrysocarpa Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Al, Ko | 1900–3000 | Oak W. |
Vicia ciceroidea Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za, Al, Az | 2600–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Vicia kotschyana Boiss. | Fabaceae | Za | 2400–4100 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Ajuga austro-iranica Rech. f.,F | Fabaceae | Za | 400–3600 | Chasm. |
Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. ex Benth. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ko | 1200–2800 | M Grass. |
Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Az | 1500–3500 | M Grass., Umb. |
Dracocephalum surmandinum Rech.f. | Lamiaceae | Za | 3000–3900 | Th.-Cu. |
Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson var. kermanensis Rech.f. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1300–3800 | Wetland |
Nepeta glomerulosa Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Ke, Ko | 200–3800 | Umb. |
Nepeta kotschyi Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za | 1100–2930 | Umb. |
Nepeta lasiocephala Benth. | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 3500–4400 | Subn. Scree |
Nepeta macrosiphon Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Az | 1800–3800 | Umb. |
Nepeta oxyodonta Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 1000–3300 | Chasm. |
Nepeta schiraziana Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Ko | 1500–3000 | Oak W. |
Phlomis anisodonta Boiss. subsp. occidentalis Jamzad | Lamiaceae | Za | 950–3300 | Th.-Cu. |
Phlomis persica Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al | 0–2800 | Oak W., Th.-Cu. |
Phlomoides adenantha Jaub. & Spach | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 150–2900 | Oak W. |
Satureja bachtiarica Bunge | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 1550–3000 | Chasm. |
Scutellaria multicaulis Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 3000–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Stachys acerosa Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 1700–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Stachys ixodes Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za | 1700–2860 | Chasm. |
Stachys obtusicrena Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 3500–4200 | Subn. Scree |
Stachys persepolitana Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Za, Ke | 800–2600 | Chasm. |
Stachys pilifera Benth. | Lamiaceae | Za | 1700–3350 | Th.-Cu. |
Thymus daenensis Celak. | Lamiaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 1100–3100 | Th.-Cu. |
Linum persicum Ky. ex Boiss. | Linaceae | Za | 1900–3200 | Th.-Cu. |
Alcea iranshahrii Pakravan | Malvaceae | Za | 2400–2600 | Umb. |
Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. subsp. persica (Boiss.) Azadi | Oleaceae | Za | 850–2500 | Oak W. |
Acantholimon flexuosum Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Bunge | Plumbaginaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1600–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Acantholimon melananthum Boiss. | Plumbaginaceae | Za | 2500–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Acantholimon oliganthum Boiss. | Plumbaginaceae | Za, Ke | 1600–3500 | Th.-Cu. |
Acantholimon tomentellum Boiss. | Plumbaginaceae | Za | 3100–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Bromus frigidus Boiss. & Hausskn. | Poaceae | Za | 3500–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Colpodium violaceum (Boiss.) Griseb. | Poaceae | Za | 3000–3400 | Snowbed |
Elymus gentryi (Melderis) Melderis var. ciliatiglumis Assadi | Poaceae | Za | 2500–3000 | Th.-Cu. |
Elymus zagricus Assadi | Poaceae | Za | 2800–2900 | Th.-Cu. |
Piptatherum denaense Hamzehee & Assadi | Poaceae | Za | 3200–3300 | Th.-Cu. |
Polygonum aridum Boiss. & Hausskn. | Polygonaceae | Za | 1700–2800 | Th.-Cu. |
Rheum persicum Los. | Polygonaceae | Za | 1650–2200 | Umb. |
Primula gaubaeana Bornm. | Primulaceae | Za, Ke | 700–2800 | Chasm. |
Dionysia bryoides Boiss. | Primulaceae | Za | 1850–3200 | Chasm. |
Dionysia diapensiifolia Boiss. | Primulaceae | Za | 1000–2500 | Chasm. |
Dionysia revoluta Boiss. subsp. canescens (Boiss.) Wendelbo | Primulaceae | Za, Ke | 1600–3300 | Chasm. |
Dionysia revoluta Boiss. subsp. revoluta | Primulaceae | Za, Ke | 1700–3700 | Chasm. |
Dionysia termeana Wendelbo | Primulaceae | Za | 2680–3500 | Chasm. |
Dionysia zagrica Grey-Wilson | Primulaceae | Za | 2050–2850 | Chasm. |
Delphinium saniculifolium Boiss. | Ranunculaceae | Za, Ke | 1700–2700 | Umb. |
Ranunculus elymaiticus Boiss. & Hausskn. | Ranunculaceae | Za | 2200–4200 | Snowbed |
Rhamnus cornifolia Boiss. & Hohen. var. cornifolia | Rhamnaceae | Za, Az | 1700–3700 | Chasm. |
Rhamnus cornifolia Boiss. & Hohen. var. denudata Bornm. | Rhamnaceae | Za | 2400–3000 | Chasm. |
Amygdalus elaeagnifolia Spach subsp. elaeagnifolia | Rosaceae | Za, Ke | 1300–3467 | Th.-Cu. |
Amygdalus elaeagnifolia Spach subsp. leiocarpa (Boiss.) Browicz | Rosaceae | Za, Ke | 1600–3400 | Th.-Cu. |
Amygdalus haussknechtii (C.K.Schneider.) Bornm. | Rosaceae | Za | 1400–2900 | Oak W. |
Cerasus brachypetala Boiss. var. bornmuelleri (C. K. Schneid.) Browicz | Rosaceae | Za | 2100–3000 | Chasm. |
Cerasus brachypetala Boiss. var. brachypetala Boiss. | Rosaceae | Za | 2100–3600 | Chasm. |
Cerasus microcarpa (C.A.Mey.) Boiss. subsp. diffusa (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Browicz | Rosaceae | Za, Al | 800–2400 | Oak W. |
Cotoneaster persicus Pojark. | Rosaceae | Za, Ke | 1000–3300 | Oak W. |
Potentilla elvendensis Boiss. et Hohen. | Rosaceae | Za | 2200–2800 | Th.-Cu. |
Potentilla flaccida Th. Wolf | Rosaceae | Za, Al | 2600–3750 | Snowbed |
Potentilla lignosa Willd. ex D. F. K. Schltdl | Rosaceae | Za, Al | 2000–3200 | Chasm. |
Potentilla nuda Boiss. | Rosaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 2000–3900 | Snowbed |
Potentilla nurensis Boiss. & Hausskn. | Rosaceae | Za, Az | 1650–3350 | Wetland |
Pyrus glabra Boiss. | Rosaceae | Za | 1578–2600 | Oak W. |
Asperula fragillima Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss. | Rubiaceae | Za | 1800–3300 | Chasm. |
Asperula glomerata (M.Bieb.) Griseb. subsp. condensata (Ehrend.) Ehrend. | Rubiaceae | Za | 3200–3500 | Umb. |
Asperula glomerata (M.Bieb.) Griseb. subsp. dasycarpa Ehrend. & Schönb.-Tem. | Rubiaceae | Za | 1500–3500 | Umb. |
Asperula glomerata (M.Bieb.) Griseb. subsp. filiformis (Bornm.) Ehrend. & Schönb.-Tem | Rubiaceae | Za, Ke | 3000–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Asperula rechingeri Ehrend. & Schönb.- Tem | Rubiaceae | Za | 2000–3900 | Umb., Th.-Cu. |
Crucianella gilanica Trin. subsp. glauca (A. Rich ex D.C.) Ehrend. | Rubiaceae | Za | 1530–3204 | Chasm. |
Galium anguineum Ehrend & Schönb.-Tem. | Rubiaceae | Za | 2150–4000 | Wetland |
Galium pseudokurdicum (Ehrend.) Schönb.-Tem. | Rubiaceae | Za | 3500–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Galium schoenbeck-temesyae Ehrend. | Rubiaceae | Za | 2400–2900 | Chasm. |
Rubia albicaulis Boiss. | Rubiaceae | Za, Ke | 1300–2800 | Umb. |
Rubia pauciflora Boiss. | Rubiaceae | Za | 3000–4200 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Salix issatissensis Maassoumi, Moeeni & Rahimin. | Salicaceae | Za, Ke | 1800–2500 | Wetland |
Scrophularia crassiuscula Grau | Schrophulariaceae | Za | 1300–3300 | Chasm. |
Scrophularia subaphylla Boiss. | Schrophulariaceae | Za, Al, Az, Ke | 3000–4150 | Alp.-Subn. Scree |
Verbascum austroiranicum Hub.-Mor. | Schrophulariaceae | Za | 1900–2400 | Oak W. |
Verbascum hasarense Freyn & Bornm. | Schrophulariaceae | Za, Ke | 2400–3600 | Th.-Cu. |
Veronica kurdica Benth. subsp. filicaulis (Freyn) M. A. Fischer | Schrophulariaceae | Za, Ke | 3000–4300 | Th.-Cu., Subn. Scree |
Veronica rubrifolia Boiss. subsp. rubrifolia | Schrophulariaceae | Za, Al, Ke | 1800–3000 | Snowbed, Th.-Cu. |
Ulmus boissieri Graudz | Ulmaceae | Za, Ke | 1300–2600 | Oak W. |
Of the 242 Iranian endemic taxa recorded from the study area, a total of 22 taxa (21 species, 1 variety; Table
The subnival vegetation types are dominated by scree and rocks and are very open, the vegetation having a maximum cover of 20%. Most of the 38 taxa reaching the subnival zone of Dena Mts (elevations above 4100 m a.s.l.) are endemics of the Iranian Plateau (68%), and from those, 42% are endemic of Zagros and Yazd-Kerman, and 21% are endemic of Zagros (Table
List of species reaching the subnival zone of Dena Mts (elevation above 4100 m a.s.l.). Al: Alborz; Az: Azerbaijan Plateau; Ke: Yazd-Kerman; Ko: Kopet Dagh-Khorassan; Za: Zagros.
Taxon | Family | Distribution range | Type from Dena Mts |
---|---|---|---|
Semenovia dichotoma (Boiss.) Manden. | Apiaceae | Iran (Za) | Kotschy 1842 |
Crepis heterotricha DC. | Asteraceae | Iran (Az, Al, Za, Ke) | |
Erigeron daenensis Vierh. | Asteraceae | SE Anatolia, Iran (Za) | Kotschy 1842 |
Myopordon persicum Boiss | Asteraceae | Iran (Za) | Kotschy 1842 |
Psychrogeton amorphoglossus (Boiss.) Novopokr. | Asteraceae | Irano-Anatolia to C Asia | Kotschy 1842 |
Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I. M. Johnst. | Boraginaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) to Himalaya | |
Didymophysa aucheri Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Iran (Za, Az, Al) | |
Dielsiocharis kotschyi Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Iran (Za, Az, Al, Ke) | |
Draba aucheri Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Iran and C Asia | |
Graellsia saxifragifolia (DC.) Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Iran, Hindu Kush | |
Physoptychis gnaphalodes Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Iran (Za, Al, Az, Ke, Ko) | |
Pseudocamelina aphragmodes (Boiss.) N. Busch | Brassicaceae | Iran (Za) | |
Zerdana anchonioides Boiss. | Brassicaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) | |
Arenaria balansae Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Anatolia and Iran | |
Arenaria persica Boiss. | Caryophyllaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) | |
Arenaria minutissima Rech. f. & Esfand. | Caryophyllaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) | |
Minuartia sublineata Rech.f. | Caryophyllaceae | Iran (Za, Az) | |
Silene daenensis Melzh. | Caryophyllaceae | Iran (Za) | |
Chenopodium foliosum Asch. | Chenopodicaceae | Casmopolite | |
Euphorbia aucheri Boiss. | Euphorbiaceae | Irano-Anatolia region, Hindu Kush | |
Astragalus melanodon Boiss. | Fabaceae | Iran (Za) | Kotschy 1842 |
Astragalus zerdanus Boiss. | Fabaceae | Iran (Za) | |
Onobrychis cornuta (L.) Desv. | Fabaceae | SW Asia | |
Vicia ciceroidea Boiss. | Fabaceae | Iran (Za, Al, Az) | Kotschy 1842 |
Nepeta lasiocephala Benth. | Lamiaceae | Iran (Za) | Kotschy 1842 |
Scutellaria multicaulis Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Iran (Za, Al, Ke) | |
Stachys obtusicrena Boiss. | Lamiaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) | |
Gagea cf. alexeenkoana Micsz. | Liliaceae | Caucasus, Iran | |
Acantholimon tomentellum Boiss. | Plumbaginaceae | Iran (Za) | |
Bromus frigidus Boiss. & Hausskn. | Poaceae | Iran (Za) | Kotschy 1842 |
Elymus longearistatus (Boiss.) Tzvelev | Poaceae | Irano-Anatolian region | |
Piptatherum laterale (Regel) Roshev. | Poaceae | From Anatolia to Central Asia and Himalaya | |
Polygonum serpyllaceum Jaub. & Spach | Polygonaceae | Iran, Hindu Kush | Kotschy 1842 |
Potentilla flaccida Th.Wolf ex Bornm. | Rosaceae | Iran (Za, Al) | |
Asperula glomerata (M.Bieb.) Griseb. subsp. filiformis (Bornm.) Ehrend. & Schönb.-Tem. | Rubiaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) | |
Galium pseudokurdicum (Ehrend.) Schönb.-Tem. | Rubiaceae | Iran (Za) , Iraq | Kotschy 1842 |
Rubia pauciflora Boiss. | Rubiaceae | Iran (Za) | |
Scrophularia subaphylla Boiss. | Schrophulariaceae | Iran (Za, Al, Az, Ke) , Iraq | Kotschy 1842 |
Veronica kurdica Benth. subsp. filicaulis (Freyn) M. A. Fischer | Scrophulariaceae | Iran (Za, Ke) |
We recorded a total of 33 species in 19 plots. The species richness ranged from 3 to 11 species per plot. The two clusters of the first TWINSPAN division level were considered as associations embedded in a new alliance that is proposed for Central and Southern Zagros. Based on the DCA ordination diagram (Figure
Galion pseudokurdici all. nov. (Table
Type (holotypus hoc loco): Zerdanetum anchonioidis ass. nov. (see below)
Character species: Astragalus melanodon (Figure
This alliance is only known from the subnival zone of Dena Mts. Most of the character species of this unit are distributed in South and Central Zagros and in the Yazd-Kerman mountains. Astragalus melanodon is restricted to Central and Southern Zagros, Bromus frigidus and Galium pseudokurdicum are endemics of Zagros, and Stachys obtusicrena is an endemic of Zagros and Yazd- Kerman mountains. Therefore, this alliance could likely be found in similar habitats of Zagros as a whole and of the Yazd-Kerman mountains.
This alliance fits well under the class Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri
Aethionemetum umbellati ass. nov. (Figure
Type relevé (holotypus hoc loco): Table
Character species: Aethionema umbellatum (Figure
Differential species: Euphorbia aucheri (Figure
This unit can be found on steep slopes (with an average inclination of 33°, and a range of 24–40°) that are mostly south- to west-exposed. The ground is mostly covered by scree and gravel (ca. 85%) and the vegetation cover is accordingly sparse (ca. 13%). The species richness of this association ranges from three to 11 (on average seven) species per relevé. This association is endemic to Dena Mts. Aethionema umbellatum and Nepeta lasiocephala are local endemics, whereas Silene daenensis is an endemic of the Zagros mountain range.
Zerdanetum anchonioidis ass. nov. (Figure
Type relevé (holotypus hoc loco): Table
Character species: Astragalus zerdanus (Figure
Differential species: Arenaria persica, Piptatherum laterale.
This unit is mostly found on north- to north-eastern-exposed slopes with an average inclination of ca. 20° (range from 10 to 30°). This association occurs on stony and scree grounds with, compared to the previous community, a lower proportion of scree (ca. 55%) and a higher proportion of rocks (on average 28%) and open soil (ca. 10%). The average vegetation cover of the association is ca. 20% and species richness ranges from four to 11 (average of eight) species per relevé. Zerdana anchonioides is an endemic of Southern Zagros and the Yazd-Kerman mountain range. Astragalus zerdanus, Erigeron daenensis and Myopordon persicum are endemic elements of Zagros. Veronica kurdica subsp. filicaulis is an endemic taxon of Zagros and Yazd-Kerman. Based on the distribution of the characteristic species, the geographic extent of this association is expected to cover the subnival zone of Southern and Central Zagros.
Relevés of scree vegetation of the subnival zone classified in Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri (character species highlighted in brown). The two associations Aethionemetum umbellati ass. nov (character species in cells with blue shading) and Zerdanetum anchonioidis ass. nov. (character species in cells with green shading) are classified in the alliance Galion pseudokurdici all. nov. (character species in cells with violet shading). Two last columns are the synoptic table (syn. Tab.) presenting the constancy (in %) and fidelity (phi value × 100) of the species in each association.
Class |
Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri |
Syn. Tab. | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alliance | Galion pseudokurdici all. nov. | Constancy (Fidelity) | |||||||||||||||||||
Association | Ass. 1 Aethionemetum umbellati ass. nov. | Ass. 2 Zerdanetum anchonioidis ass. nov. | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Relevé Nr. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | ||
Elevation (m) | 4084 | 4084 | 4094 | 4103 | 4106 | 4280 | 4278 | 4291 | 4249 | 4013 | 4280 | 4226 | 4218 | 4190 | 4189 | 4171 | 4164 | 4165 | 4162 | ||
Aspect | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | S | NE | S | NE | N | N | NE | NE | NE | E | NE | N | ||
Slope (°) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 40 | 30 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 10 | 25 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Vegetation cover% | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 25 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 35 | ||
Scree% | 85 | 80 | 85 | 80 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 80 | 70 | 40 | 30 | 60 | 70 | 35 | 80 | 70 | 40 | ||
Soil% | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | - | - | 15 | - | - | 10 | 5 | - | - | - | 10 | ||
Rock% | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 50 | 60 | 5 | 10 | 50 | - | 10 | 15 | ||
Species richness | 8 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 9 | ||
Aethionema umbellatum | + | + | + | + | + | + | 60 (66) | ||||||||||||||
Nepeta lasiocephala | + | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 80 (82) | ||||||||||||
Silene daenensis | + | + | + | + | + | + | 2 | + | 70 (60) | 11 | |||||||||||
Zerdana anchonioides | 1 | 1 | + | 1 | + | 56 (62) | |||||||||||||||
Erigeron daenensis | + | + | + | 33 (45) | |||||||||||||||||
Myopordon persicum | 2 | 1 | 22 (35) | ||||||||||||||||||
Astragalus zerdanus | + | + | + | 33 (45) | |||||||||||||||||
Veronica kurdica subsp. filicaulis | + | + | 22 (35) | ||||||||||||||||||
Arenaria persica | 1 | 2 | 2 | 33 (45) | |||||||||||||||||
Piptatherum laterale | 1 | 1 | + | 1 | + | + | 1 | + | 10 | 78 (68) | |||||||||||
Bromus frigidus | 1 | 1 | 2 | + | + | 1 | 2 | 1 | + | 1 | + | + | + | 2 | 70 | 78 (9) | |||||
Galium pseudokurdicum | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | + | + | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | + | + | 90 (28) | 67 | ||||
Astragalus melanodon | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | + | 1 | + | 30 | 44 (15) | ||||||||||||
Stachys obtusicrena | + | + | 1 | + | + | 20 | 33 (15) | ||||||||||||||
Physoptychis gnaphalodes | + | + | 1 | 2 | + | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 40 | 78 (38) | ||||||||
Elymus longearistatus | + | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | + | 1 | 2 | + | + | 80 (58) | 22 | |||||||||
Euphorbia aucheri | + | 1 | + | 1 | 40 (50) | ||||||||||||||||
Psychrogeton amorphoglossus | + | + | + | 10 | 22 (17) | ||||||||||||||||
Potentilla flaccida | + | + | + | 20 (12) | 11 | ||||||||||||||||
Dielsiocharis kotschyi | + | + | 22 (35) | ||||||||||||||||||
Scrophularia subaphylla | + | 11 (24) | |||||||||||||||||||
Arnebia euchroma | + | 11 (24) | |||||||||||||||||||
Crepis heterotricha | 2 | 11 (24) | |||||||||||||||||||
Chenopodium foliosum | + | 10 (23) | |||||||||||||||||||
Draba aucheri | r | + | 22 (35) | ||||||||||||||||||
Gagea cf. alexeenkoana | + | 1 | 10 | 11 (2) | |||||||||||||||||
Arenaria minutissima | + | 11 (24) | |||||||||||||||||||
Onobrychis cornuta | + | + | 22 (35) | ||||||||||||||||||
Polygonum serpyllaceum | + | 1 | 10 | 11 (2) | |||||||||||||||||
Pseudocamelina aphragmodes | 1 | 10 (23) | |||||||||||||||||||
Rubia pauciflora | + | 11 (24) | |||||||||||||||||||
Scutellaria multicaulis | + | 10 (23) | |||||||||||||||||||
Acantholimon tomentellum | + | 10 (23) |
Synoptic table of the scree communities in N Iran and Dena Mts. Values are percentage constancies. The constancy values of character species of syntaxa are shaded, and the constancy values of character species of the class present in the newly described alliance are given in bold.
Mountains | Alborz and NW Iran | Dena | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Alliance number | All1 | All2 | All3 | All4 |
Number of relevés | 23 | 69 | 63 | 19 |
Didymophysion aucheri (All1) | ||||
Achillea aucheri | 39 | . | 2 | . |
Veronica aucheri | 26 | . | 2 | . |
Galium aucheri | 52 | . | . | . |
Veronica paederotae | 30 | . | . | . |
Senecio vulcanicus | 22 | . | . | . |
Erysimum elbrusense | 30 | . | 5 | . |
Cerastium purpurascens | 39 | . | 5 | . |
Erigerontion venusti (All2) | ||||
Draba bruniifolia | . | 29 | . | . |
Alopecurus aucheri | . | 22 | . | . |
Nepeta menthoides | . | 25 | . | . |
Tripleurospermum caucasicum | . | 33 | . | . |
Sesleria phleoides | . | 22 | . | . |
Galium hyrcanicum | . | 41 | . | . |
Erigeron caucasicus | . | 62 | . | . |
Pedicularis caucasica | . | 25 | . | . |
Minuartia glandulosa | . | 26 | . | . |
Koeleria eriostachya | . | 38 | . | . |
Festuca alaica | 4 | 75 | 3 | . |
Elymo longearistati-Astragalion macrosemii (All3) | ||||
Nepeta racemosa | . | . | 24 | . |
Astragalus macrosemius | . | . | 57 | . |
Galion pseudokurdici all. nov. (All4) | ||||
Bromus frigidus | . | . | . | 74 |
Galium pseudokurdicum | . | . | . | 79 |
Astragalus melanodon | . | . | . | 37 |
Stachys obtusicrena | . | . | . | 26 |
Didymophyso-Dracocephaletea | ||||
Physoptychis gnaphalodes | 1 | 16 | 17 | 58 |
Euphorbia aucheri | 4 | . | 24 | 21 |
Elymus longearistatus | . | . | 60 | 53 |
Didymophysa aucheri | 96 | 32 | . | . |
Dracocephalum aucheri | 48 | 35 | 32 | . |
Bromus tomentosus | 13 | 70 | 78 | . |
Alopecurus textilis | 22 | 32 | . | . |
Asperula glomerata | 30 | . | 40 | . |
Ziziphora clinopodioides | . | 49 | 25 | . |
Poa araratica | 4 | 49 | 37 | . |
Helichrysum psychrophilum | 4 | 32 | 8 | . |
Dena Mts harbor a high amount of endemic species. Although the number of endemic species is also high in mid-elevational belts, the proportion of endemics increases with increasing elevation. Consequently, our newly described communities of the subnival zone harbor a high number of range-restricted species. Shrinking of alpine and subnival habitats and the loss of cold-adapted species of the high mountains have been recorded, and also have been predicted in biodiversity scenarios for the 21st century as the result of a general upward shift of plant species under a warmer climate (
All data are presented in the paper.
J.N. planned the research, conducted the field sampling, identified the species, and analyzed the data, A.T. identified the species and contributed to data analyzing, M.S. contributed to fieldwork and data collection, and G.M.S. contributed to writing and editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Dr. Wolfgang Willner is acknowledged for his valuable comments and edits made on the manuscript. This study was financially supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF P31898 to J.N.).