PLANT ASSOCIATIONS IN MIANKALEH BIOSPHERE RESERVE, MAZANDARAN PROVINCE (N. IRAN)

The Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve with a surface area of 68800 hectares is located in 12 km N of Behshahr (MazandaranProvince, N. Iran) between 53˚ 35' - 54˚ 2' eastern longitude and 36˚ 45' - 36˚ 55' northern latitude. The vegetation of MiankalehPeninsula was studied, using the Braun-Blanquet (Zygmatist) method. Based on the analysis of phytosociological data using the Anaphyto software and AFC and CAH methods 26 associations were recognized. The following associations occupy the large part of the area: Punicetum granati, Junco maritimi - Rubetum sancti, Juncetum littoralis and Salicornietum europaea. The distribution of plant associations in the Miankaleh area is mainly influenced by the soil chemical factors including EC, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl‾, HCO3‾, SO42‾ and water table.