An Autecological Study of Salsola richteri (Moq.) Karel ex Litw. in South Khorasan

Identification of plant species adapted to the desert conditions is valuable for introducing to the area and restoration of vegetation. This can be done by autecological studies of plant species. Salsola richteri (Amaranthaceae) is a drought resistant species that prefers sandy areas subjected to wind erosion. Therefore, it is important in controlling wind erosion of sandy hills. This research was conducted to examine the autecology of salsola richteri in South Khorasan province. Two research sites viz. Shahrakht and Boshrooyeh were selected in 2011 and characteristics of the sites along with soil properties, phonological stages, regeneration, life form and conservation status were examined. The results show that this species is distributed in the altitudes ranging from 830 to 1050 m.a.s.l., with the mean annual precipitation of 110 to 180 millimeters and mean annual temperature of 16 to 20 ºC. The Soil texture of the area is sandy with the Electrical Conductivity of 0.54- 2.02 ds/m and soil pH of 8.49. The vegetative growth of the species starts in last March, flowering in July, fruiting in August, early seeding in September, seed maturity in last October and inactivity period is from Novembre to March. Natural Regeneration is done with the seeds. It is a Phanerophyte based on the life form classification of Raunkiaer. The conservation status of the species shows that it may be considered as Least Concern based on the IUCN classification. Pollen is Spheroidal and Pantopolyporate and Leaves anatomy shows Salsoloid type based on the Kranz anatomy type.