Chorology and origin of the medicinal and industrial plants species of Asalem basin (Shafarood forest), Iran

Present research was carried out to find the chorology and origin of the medicinal and industrial plants species in Shafarood forest, Northern Iran. Basic studies were conducted on the geographic characteristics of the region. Then, based on the best sampling method, direct visiting forests method were selected for investigation of tree and understory (herbs) plants species. The study lasted of the year 2017 (1396 Hijri Shamsi) to 2018 (1397 Hijri Shamsi). After sampling, plant characteristics for tree and under story vegetation were recorded and specimens were transferred (University of Tehran and Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands) for identification based on available references. Based on the results, there are more than 152 species belonging to 124 genera and 61 families existed in the Asalem area. The largest families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae and Apiaceae with 17, 13, 11 and 10 species, respectively. Investigation of the geographical distribution of plant species indicated that there is a composition of Europe – Siberian, Iran-Turan, Mediterranean (and Polyregional and cosmo.) plant elements. Plant life forms by Raunkiaer method showed that phanerophytes with 28 % and Chameophytes = Therophytes with 26 % are the most frequent life forms in this area.

Keywords:

Flora composition , Chorotype , Shafarood forest basin