Evaluation of some ecological factors, morphological traits and essential oil productivity of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. in four provinces of Iran

Stachys lavandulifoliaVahl. is one of the 34 species of the genus Stachys, growing naturally in Iran. In this study, the natural habitats of Stachys lavavandulifolia were identified in different regions of Alborz, Kurdistan, West Azarbaijan and East Azarbaijan. Ten complete plants were collected from eight localities in order to study and evaluate morphological traits. Flowering stems were used to investigate essential oil quantitatively. Data of locations and vegetative and reproductive characters of each population were recorded and the amount of essential oil of each location was measured. Results were analyzed using cluster analysis method with SPSS and SAS softwares and the correlation between evaluated traits and essential oil productivity was determined.The traits evaluated in the populations were classified in two distinct groups by cluster analysis. Populations collected from Alborz (Gachsar), Kurdistan (Saqez) and West Azarbaijan (Manbar, Baba nazar, Chahar tagh and Damerchi) were classified in same group and populations from East Azarbaijan (Azarshahr and Ajabshiri) were classified in a separate group. Differences between these two groups may be due to the different climates in the habitats and adaptation of this species to different environmental factors. As a result, Azarshar population, due to having better vegetative and reproductive traits and high essential oil yield as compared to other populations could be taken into consideration for breeding programs or for cultivation and production.