Evaluatingthe Habitat and Vegetation Conditions ofArtemisia persicaBoiss. In Lorestan Province

Persian Artemisia with the scientific name of Artemisia persica is one of the most aromatic species of Artemisia in Iran. The aim of this investigationis to explore the habitat conditions and vegetation characteristics of A. persicain Lorestan province. The natural habitats of this species were identified during 3 years (2003-2005) in different regions of Lorestan province. The climatic data were collected from the nearest weather stations to the habitats of A. persica. The random-systematic method of sampling was followed and some of the quantitative parameters of the vegetation such as: the canopy cover and the density were measured. Some soil parameters such as texture, pH, EC, potassium, organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were determined. The annual phenology and the vegetative/reproductive stages of A. persicawere recorded for 3 years. The results indicated that the habitats of A. persicainin Lorestanprovince are spread between the latitudes of 34° 46ʹ 01″ N to 33° 50 61″ N and the longitudes of 48° 51ʹ 43″ E to 48° 10ʹ 43″ E, on the mainly northern slopes (30-60%) of the great Garin mountain range with an altitude of 1850-3600 m. The maximum amount of A. persica density (5600 stand per ha) was observed in Higrehregion and the plants in Islamabad region had the largest aerial canopy cover (39/6 cm)and the highest yield (80 kg ha-1). Persian Artemisia mainly grows on light textured soils (sandy or sandy loam) with low salinity and low alkalinity. The annual growth of A. persicabegins with the appearance of the first leaf buds in early April and the flowering starts with the first flower buds mainly in the early July and reaches its peak in the early August.