A short survey of the plants of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family in Iran and their value and importanceMonospecific genus, geographical distribution, endemism, medicinal, and other uses

The Umbelliferae is one of the largest plant families in the flora of the World, consisting of nearly 438 genera and 3500 species, often widespread in the Nothern hemisphere. In Iran, this family includes 124 genera and 365 species, of which 15 monospecific genera and 118 species are endemic. The family includes three subfamilies in Iran; the largest one is Apioideae with 342 species, consisting of eight tribes, of which Peucedaneae with 144 species is the largest tribe. A review of the distribution pattern of the plant families in Iran reveals that the most important distribution points are in Irano-Turanian region, including Irano-Armenian province, including Azerbaijan, Alborz, and North Khorasanian subprovince, Kurdo-Zagrosian Province, including North, South and East Zagrosian subprovince, and very rarely in alpine part of Central Iranian Province, and the presence of species much more decreases towards southern Iran (Saharo-Sindian or South-Iranian region). The Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) as medicinal and aromatic plants, edible vegetables and spices, fodders, and poisonous plants contain important chemical compounds. The Umbelliferae species in Iran, like other plants, are threatened due to their special uses and human interventions as well as limited geographical distribution. In addition, their medicinal and forage properties and industrial capabilities exacerbate this issue and put pressure on their natural habitats.