DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF THE GENUS ACANTHOLIMON (PLUMBAGINACEAE) IN IRAN

The geographical distribution of the genus Acantholimon in Iran is discussed. Altogether 79 species are known in Iran of which 65 are endemics. Except for the Hyrcanian province, the other 7 provinces contain at least one species of the genus Acantholimon, the Nubo-Sindian province having only one species. The C. Iranian province with 29 species contains the highest number of the species. This province has 14 endemic species of Acantholimon which is again the highest number compared to the other provinces. The number of endemics in different phytochoria is quite high; that is an indication that the limitation of provinces is well defined.