Ecological characteristics of medicinal plants in rangeland ecosystems of ZilbarChay watershed located in East Azerbaijan

This study aimed at identifying and recording medicinal plant species in Zilbarchay watershed located in East Azerbaijan in order to restore, conserve and plant these species in the same ecological region. Initially, the ecological parameters of the study area were investigated and specimens were collected based on these parameters. Using relevant references plant species were identified. Then they were compared with the medicinal plant literature, and species with medicinal value were recognized and classified. Approximately 145 medicinal plants belonging to 40 families and 113 genera were identified on the watershed. Asteraceae (24 species), Rosaceae (18 species) and Lamiaceae (15 species) are the most important medicinal plant families. Forbs with 57.2% were the most and grass-likes with 0.7% were the least common medicinal plants in the study area. With 72.9%, perennials were the dominant species and biannuals with 6.5% had the lowest distribution. The leaves, underground parts and fruits are the most important medicinal parts among the identified species. 54.2% of the medicinal species are distributed in low altitude (2000 m) and the remaining species are distributed in different altitudes. From ecological, range management and medicinal perspectives the watershed has been degraded. Some plants with low range management (from the livestock palatability perspective), and high medicinal value invaded the areas of the watershed and more studies are required to improve the conservation and management of rangelands and medicinal plants.