An investigation on qualitative and quantitative properties of natural stands of Mediterranean cypress (Cuppressus sempervirens L.Var. horizontalis) in Zagros region (Case study: Emamzade Abdollah of Baghmalek,

Study of Cypress (C. sempervirens) trees in Zagros region of Iran is of vital importance due to its rare occurrence in the region as well as its functional، socioeconomic and ecological values. In this study، quantitative and qualitative characteristics of this species have been studied across on of its native habitats in Khuzistan province. To accomplish the study، a portion of Cypress – dominated area of 100 ha near Baghmalek was inventoried by full callipering. One-way ANOVA and Duncan test were used to compare the means of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)، height and percentage of canopy. Similar ANOVA was used to quantify the effect of humidity and aspect on seedlings height. The tests indicated a significant difference between means of DBH، height and percentage of canopy in all geographical aspects. The Duncan tests also showed a significant difference between Western slopes and a range of others (South، South-West، South-East and North-West) for DBH. It also indicated the South-East aspect to be significantly different that all other aspects for height. For the percentage of canopy، South-Eastern and Western aspects were different than South ern and North-Western aspects. Furthermore، the qualitative analysis showed that 53. 1%، 34. 6%، and 12. 21% of C. sempervirens trees were of 4، 3، 2 quality degree، respectively. The Univariate test for the effect of humidity and aspect on the height of seedlings showed a significant effect. However، aspect as well as their interactions did not indicate any significance. As a conclusion، this study suggests a biological enhancement of soil moisture which in turn improves the natural regeneration of Cypress trees in this and similar areas.