The Identification of Chaghalvandi area flora in the central Zagros

The aim of this research was to identify the plant species, introducing the flora and plant geographical distribution of Chaghalvandi area, Lorestan Province. This area, with 2000 hectares, is situated in the north of Lorestan Province, where the amount of annual precipitation is 481.79 mm and mean annual temperature is 15.32°C. Plant samples were collected from different parts of the area between 1500-2800 m during two growing seasons 2011-2012. The life form of plant species was determined using the Raunkiaer’s method. The position of this area, in terms of phytogeographical classification, was investigated on the basis of geographical distribution data and references. From 206 identified vascular plant species in Chaghalvandi area, 2 Pteridophytes, 183 dicotyledons and 21 monocotyledons were found to be present. These species belong to 55 families and 142 genera. The largest families in terms of the number of collected species were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae with 14.07%, 11.16% and 10.68%, respectively. Therophytes, with 78 species (37.86%), was the most frequent life form observed. 102 species (49.51%) belonged to Irano-Turanian region; 12 taxa of them were endemics of Iran, among which the distribution of Cousinia khorramabadensis Bornm. Was limited to Lorestan Province.