The Iranian Journal of Botany
Volume:30 Issue: 2, Autumn and Winter 2024

Polygala is a large genus within the Polygalaceae family. This study presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Polygala in Armenia, based on detailed morphological studies of living and herbarium specimens. A new identification key for the genus Polygala in Armenia has been developed. A detailed description for each taxon including full synonymy, nomenclatural notes, intrageneric relationships, geographical distribution, characteristic habitats, flowering and fruiting periods, references to type specimens, and notes on the conservation status of some species according to IUCN is given. The name Polygala supina is presented for the first time as a priority name for the flora of Armenia. According to the presented revision, the genus Polygala in the flora of Armenia is represented by 13 species, 2 of which are endemic to the country. Polygala stoksiana and Polygala pruinosa are reporting for the first time in Armenia. In addition, new floristic regions have been identified for some species.

The Hashtad Mountain, with an elevation of approximately 3770 m.a.s.l., is one of the highest peaks of the Zagros Mountains in the west of Isfahan province. The objective of the present work was to study the flora of this mountain across different altitudinal ranges. The results showed that Hashtad Mountain has a rich flora with a high plant diversity. A total of 212 taxa belonging to 39 families and 135 genera were identified. Asteraceae, represented by 27 species, was the largest family, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae with 26 and 20 species, respectively. Astragalus, with 21 species, was identified as the largest genus. The region was dominated by hemicryptophytes (59%) and chamaephytes (13.7%) in terms of life form. In terms of geographical distribution, 65.5% of the identified species belong to the Irano-Turanian region. 63 species (29.7%) were endemic to Iran, with 21 species (9.9%) specifically endemic to the Zagros, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity. However, mining, road construction, and overgrazing are significant threats to the biodiversity of this area. Protection measures, including defining protected areas and regulating human activities, are necessary to conserve the biodiversity of Hashtad Mountain.

Trifolium, with about 290 species worldwide, is a significant and the largest genus of legumes in Iran, after Astragalus and Onobrychis. The endemic rate of the genus Trifolium in Iran is low. Trifolium kurdistanicum and T. radicosum are the only endemic species, restricted to subalpine and alpine regions. This study aims to introduce T. retusum as a new record and report a rediscovery of T. sylvaticum for the Flora of Iran in Kurdistan Province. A detailed description, a distribution map, photographs, and an identification key for T. retusum from its annual related species in section Lotoidea are prepared.

Ferula huber-morathii (Apiaceae), is reported for the first time in the flora of Armenia, where it is found along the dry slopes of the Arpa River valley (Vayots Dzor province). It was previously known to be a rare Turkish endemic. Additionally, after data deficiency from the early 1970s, we report the re-discovery of two populations of F. glabrifolia in Armenia. Data on population dynamics and conservation status of both species in Armenia are provided, and a distribution map and images of the species are presented.

Eremurus alberti is introduced as a new record for the flora of Iran from the Khorasan-e-Razavi Province in northeast Iran. It grows on marl hills and rocky slopes in arid or semiarid areas and distinctly differs from the other Iranian Eremurus species by its fleshy red petals. Its remarkable features, such as impressive rosette leaves, and eye-catching inflorescence during flowering and fruiting periods, make it a sought-after choice for ornamental purposes. This species is mainly distributed in Middle Asia and Afghanistan. A detailed description, pictures, and distribution map for the species are presented.

This article presents the results of field studies (2021-2022) focusing on the diversity of the genus Iris in the Kuhitang botanical-geographical region of the Western Hissar district, as well as a critical study of specimens from the National Herbarium of Uzbekistan (TASH). Iris svetlanae a rare species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2019) is recorded as an addition to the flora of Kuhitang Ridge. Moreover, expansion in the distribution ranges of endemics I. stolonifera and I. warleyensis of the Western Pamir-Alay are also recorded. All available data were organized in MS Excel database, and analyzed in the point-to-grid analysis tool of ArcGIS 10.6.1 software, using 5 × 5 km grid maps. The grid maps of the study show the distribution of Iris species.

The systematic state of the genus Fritillaria at the subgeneric level has been the subject of long debate. The genus was classified into various subgenera ranging from two to ten in different morphological e.g., bulbs, style, nectaries, and capsule, Karyological, and molecular studies. In this study scanning electron microscopy imaging of the filament and anther was used to revise the systematics of the genus at the subgeneric level. Several quantitative and qualitative characteristics including filaments' morphology, length, color, ornaments, and anthers' length, color, and attachment were studied in 27 Fritillaria species. For the species under study, a clustering dendrogram was constructed based on these characters, and a phylogenetic tree was built using a phylogenetic backbone based on the botanical nomenclature of The Plant List in R software. The results showed some correspondence between the dendrogram and phylogenetic tree, indicating the relative usefulness of filament and anthers' ultrastructure characters in the systematics of Fritillaria at the subgeneric level. Moreover, both trees were correspondent in suggesting that the members of subgenus Fritillaria were not monophyletic, and a sister relationship between the subgenera Petilium and Theresia.

Leaf trichomes are essential for plant physiology, defense mechanisms, and ecological interactions. In this research, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine the leaf trichomes of 11 species in the family Heliotropiaceae, including the representative species of the genera Euploca, Heliotropium, Ixorhea, and Myriopus. Six species from Heliotropium, three from Euploca, one from Ixorhea, and one from Myriopus were examined. Our detailed results revealed various trichome types, both glandular and non-glandular, across the studied species. The results demonstrated differences in trichome morphology, density, and distribution within and across the genera. The distribution of trichomes on the leaf surface of some species is dense and sparse in others. Also, leaf trichomes vary in size and both short and long types of trichomes were observed in some species. Most trichomes have decorations on their surface and variation can be seen in their shape. Furthermore, the distribution maps of the studied species were obtained and inferred with the trichome type. This study enhances our understanding of the anatomical diversity and ecological importance of leaf trichomes in the family, providing a basis for future studies in plant biology and ecology. Furthermore, the findings underscore trichomes' diversity and potential applications in taxonomic treatments.

In this study, the micromorphological characteristics of the leaf epidermis of 14 species (28 samples) of the genus Saxifraga (Saxifragaceae) were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Leaf samples were examined on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Based on the results, micromorphological traits such as the presence or absence of simple and glandular hairs, the presence or absence of verruca and granules on the hair surface, the position of hairs relative to the epidermis, the shape of epidermal cells, the anticlinal wall, the outer periclinal layer, epidermal surface pattern, wax ornamentation on the cuticle, the shape of the stomata and the distribution of wax on the cuticle, and stomata showed the most diversity. The result showed that micromorphological characters are taxonomically informative and can be used to identify species. Multivariate analysis was used to estimate the potential contribution of micromorphology data to inter- and intraspecific relationships using R software. The cluster and principal component analysis results showed that leaf morphological characters are useful for determining species boundaries.

Oxalis L. is a widespread genus in the family Oxalidaceae, comprising 500 species, with notable species diversity in tropical regions such as Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, and represented by ten species in India. The present study investigated the stem, petiole, leaf, and root anatomical features of five different species of the genus Oxalis. The taxa selected for the present study are O. corniculata, O. latifolia, O. pes-caprae, O. spiralis, and O. triangularis from South India. Out of these five species, two of them are acaulescent. The samples collected were studied anatomically using the conventional method. The results of anatomical studies showed small but significant differences that helped to differentiate these five species. Among these, the pericycle characteristics of the stem emerge as a crucial distinguishing feature, particularly for the caulescent species. The number of cells in the cortex and the number of vascular bundles can also be used to identify species. This study aims to examine the internal characteristics of the species, with a focus on identifying subtle anatomical variations that may be linked to the morphological differences.

Medicinal plants are crucial sources of bioactive compounds and serve as essential medicines for many people worldwide. Many species quickly disappear despite their growing popularity, and climate change worsens this issue. This study used the MaxEnt model to predict the impact of climate change on the distribution of Tetrataenium lasiopetalum in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The CCSM4 general circulation model and two climate scenarios, RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, for the 2050s and 2070s, were applied to predict the potential effects of climate on the species' distribution. According to the research findings, the model performed excellently in terms of prediction accuracy (AUC ≥ 0.9). The key environmental variables affecting species distribution were pH (59/1%), soil organic carbon (10/4%), slope (5/8%), sand (4/4%), altitude (4%), and precipitation of wettest month (Bio13) (4%). The MaxEnt model predicts that fewer than ten percent of potential suitable habitats of this species are located within environmental protection areas. The projected distribution of the species is expected to increase in the 2050s and decrease in the 2070s due to climate change. This study is the first to use a species distribution modeling approach to predict suitable habitats for T. lasiopetalum. The results offer valuable insights into the protection, management, and future research efforts needed to preserve this valuable species in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.

The Kashkan River, situated in western Iran, is a significant waterway, primarily utilized for drinking water supply and agricultural purposes. Consequently, rigorous monitoring of the river’s water quality is imperative. Diatom’s teratological forms, and ecological stress indicators, play a crucial role in water quality assessment programs. Understanding the correlation between environmental factors and these teratological forms is crucial for accurate water quality indices. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the diatom teratological communities in the Kashkan River and explore their correlation with heavy metals, aiming to elucidate water quality dynamics. In spring 2019, 48 epipelic and epilithic samples were collected along the Kashkan River, considering the impact of anthropogenic activities on the river. Three distinct teratological forms were identified comprising type 1) deformities in valve outlines, type 2) deformities in striations, and type 3) mixed deformities. Notably, valve deformities in Achnanthidium minutissimum and Diatoma moniliformis were the most prevalent. Furthermore, the concentrations of Cd, Fe, and Cr in the sediments emerged as significant environmental variables associated with elevated heavy metal levels in the Kashkan River. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that sedimentary Fe, Cu, and Cr concentrations were key factors influencing the composition of diatom teratological forms. Consequently, implementing a water quality management program is vital to enhance the overall water quality in the Kashkan River.