Flora of Mount Soffeh in Isfahan, Iran

The study area, Mount Soffeh in Isfahan, with an elevation range of ۱۷۰۰ to ۲۲۵۰ m, is situated at the southernmost tip of Isfahan city, making it one of the most significant mountains in Isfahan. This research aimed to discover the botanical diversity and floristic composition of this mountain. Accordingly, plant specimens were collected from various regions of Mount Soffeh during the growing season, from March ۲۰۲۱ to December ۲۰۲۳. According to this study, a total of ۲۵۸ species were identified, belonging to ۱۸۹ genera and ۴۶ families. The largest identified families in the area, in order, include: Asteraceae with ۵۷ species, Poaceae with ۲۴ species, Brassicaceae with ۱۸ species, Amaranthaceae with ۱۵ species, Fabaceae with ۱۵ species, Lamiaceae with ۱۵ species, Boraginaceae with ۱۳ species, Apiaceae with ۱۱ species, and Caryophyllaceae with ۸ species. The flora comprises ۴۰ dicotyledon families, ۴ monocotyledon families, one gymnosperm family, and one pteridophyte family. The life forms, according to the Raunkiaer system, include ۳۷.۲% Therophytes, ۳۵.۲۷% Hemicryptophytes, ۱۶.۲۷% Chamaephytes, ۵.۰۳% Phanerophytes, ۵.۴۱% Cryptophytes (Geophytes and Helophytes), and ۰.۷۷% Parasites. Furthermore, in terms of geographical distribution, ۴۵.۳۴% of the plants in this area are related to the Irano-Turanian area, with the rest belonging to two or more geographical points. Forty-four species are also endemic or sub-endemic to Iran. Our research represents a significant leap in understanding the botanical diversity of Mount Soffeh. While historical records documented approximately ۱۰۰ species on Mount Soffeh until ۲۰۲۱, our study exposes a notable increase, with over ۲۵۰ species identified. Particularly significant is the discovery of about ۱۹۰ taxa reported for the first time on Mount Soffeh, emphasizing the importance of ongoing botanical exploration in the region. Additionally, we report the first documentation of Tanacetum stapfianum (Rech.f.) Podlech in Isfahan province and specifically on Mount Soffeh, expanding our knowledge of the regional flora. Despite the absence of grazing, Mount Soffeh faces threats from tourism, climbing, and infrastructure development such as roads and cable cars, endangering its delicate ecosystem and species diversity. Conservation measures are essential for the protection of Mount Soffeh's botanical richness for the future.

Flora of Mount Soffeh in Isfahan, Iran Keywords:

Floristics , Biodiversity , Soffeh , Zagros , Iran