مهری دیناروند

Species of Teucrim section polium are widely distributed in the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. This section contains the most diverse and taxonomically complicated taxa. Iran represents four species of section Polium including T. polium, T. stocksianum, T. capitatum, and the new species described in this paper, T. khuzistanicum sp. nov. During the floristic studies in Khuzistan province, interesting plant materials of the genus Teucrium were collected, expanding our understanding of this genus and resulting in some discoveries. Teucrium khuzestanicum is described as a new species from Iran. The new species is characterized by caespitose habit, long, dense oblong-cylindrical spike-like inflorescence, 1-3 mm long pedicles, and leaf dentations. It is closely related to T. yemenense, but differs from it in indumentum, calyx shape, and flower size and color. Teucrium capitatum, T. polium, and T. stocksianum are the other related species that differ from T. khuzestanicum in their habit, leaf shape, and inflorescence. Furthermore, Teucrium capitatum L. is reported here for the first time in the flora of Iran. In addition, illustrations of the new species, images of the herbarium specimens and living plants in their natural habitat, and an identification key to the species of section polium in Iran are presented, and a geographical distribution map of the new species and its relatives in Iran is provided.

Aquatic and semi-aquatic plants are vital components of aquatic ecosystems, contributing significantly to their ecological balance. This study focused on the analysis of marginal plants along the Arvandroud, conducting seasonal samplings with 1 x 1 square meters and 3 repetitions at each station across two periods: summer 2015 and winter 2016. The collected samples underwent pressing for herbarium studies. The survey identified 25 plant species spanning 11 families. Among these, 5 were monocotyledonous, encompassing Poaceae and Cyperaceae, while 18 were dicotyledonous, including Lamiaceae, Capparaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Apocynaceae, Amaranthaceae, Tamaricaceae, and Polygonaceae. Notably, the dominant marginal plants observed during summer were Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex. Steudel and Cyperus longus L., while in winter, it was Phragmites australis, Cyperus longus, and Senecio glaucus L. Phragmites australis emerged as the dominant species based on its density across both seasons. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the influential environmental factors affecting these plants, with sediment particles, total organic matter, salinity, and electrical conductivity identified as the most significant. Interestingly, plant density was higher in winter compared to summer, highlighting seasonal variations in plant distribution along the Arvandroud.

This research has been conducted in Khuzestan Province covering an area of approximately 64057 square kilometers, over a 28 year time (1995- 2022) period and with the aim of evaluating the spatiotemporal pattern of risk and generating a risk map for dust storms. The utilized data includes hourly measurements from the ground stations (8 time slots within 24 hours). Different models were fitted to the empirical change patterns for spatial variations, and the model with minimum RMSE was selected. Subsequently, using this selected model, interpolation was performed with various neighborhood approaches, resulting in a large number of maps. These maps were converted into a cellular grid network within a GIS environment. Each cell was considered as a zone for calculating the computations related to the risk map. Then the information related to the class of exposed elements, the vulnerability class of elements, and the hazard class were separately applied in each cell. Finally, by calculating the risk equation, a cell-based risk map was obtained. The significant difference in areas was tested using the Chi-squared test. The results of the annual study on the phenomenon of dust storms have shown that the Abadan region has the highest average frequency of 18 days per year, this is the highest number of days observed in the entire study area. 61.11% of regional dust events occur between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm local time, and 81.35% of localized dust storm events occur at 3:30 am. Furthermore, the percentage distribution of regional and extra- regional dust storms during the statistical period indicates that 78.81% of dust storm days originated from extra- regional sources, while 21.19% originated from regional sources. The spatial distribution pattern of the dust storm intensity hazard map exhibits a “moderate clustering” and follows a specific order. The area percentage of risk classes shows that more than 88% of the area in Khuzestan province is in high and very high risk classes, which is one of the reasons related to the larger population in these areas.

Mansoureh (14,000 hectares), Sharifieh (2,000 hectares), and Ghaizanieh wetlands are located in the Kopal River basin as seasonal wetlands that are usually drained in the winter due to flooding. During a field visit to these areas in 2015 and 2016, they were scorched and turned into dust centers. After the construction of the Nasr canal, a suitable opportunity for water to reach Mansoureh will be provided. Water spreading was done in the wetland on 11 occasions and periodically afterwards. At the same time, from 2016 to 2021, as part of a research project, the succession process and changes in the vegetation cover of Sharifieh and Mansoureh were monitored. It was found that after dewatering and suitable seasonal rains, the gradual increase in water spread, and the ponding of the wetland, various perennial rhizomes and dry wetland species appeared. So it can be concluded that these areas still have a good seed bank. If their water rights are secured, natural vegetation can be restored. Therefore, with some attention and management, one of the foci of the dust source can be controlled without planting saplings, which is customary.

Potamogeton and Stuckenia comprise 90 and 7 respectively accepted species worldwide. Because of a wide range of intraspecific morphological variability including extensive phenotypic plasticity and ecological diversity, Potamogeton and Stuckenia are considered notoriously difficult taxa. A total of 100 accessions representing 11 taxa of Potamogeton and three of Stuckenia were collected across Iran. An initial screening based on allele lengths of highly variable cpDNA sequences allowed considering 59 different accessions of one to eight individuals of each species for further morphological, anatomical, and molecular analyses. NrDNA ITS and three plastid regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA) were employed to reconstruct molecular phylogenies using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. Analyses of nrDNA ITS sequences generated well-resolved tree topology than plastid data. There was some incongruence between nuclear data and concatenated chloroplast marker data (P=0.001). Additional testing of ISSR and SRAP markers for 48 specimens showed higher resolution in species delimitation among linear leaved taxa, though not conclusive. Anatomical features could not separate Iranian species alone and should be used in combination with morphological characters that were highly informative. The results showed that Iranian Potamogeton species contain a rich gene pool due to the specific and diverse geographical conditions of Iran.

The chromosome number of Ferula stenocarpa (2n=22) and Ducrosia flabellifolia (2n=22) belonging to Apiaceae, Rindera lanata (2n=48) from Boraginaceae, and Ziziphus spina-christi (2n=24), Z. nummularia (2n=24) of Rhamnaceae and also a hybrid between them (Z. nummularia × Z. spina-christi 2n=24) from the Sahara Sindian Region (southern Iran) are reported. The chromosome numbers of Ferula stenocarpa and Rindera lanata are reported here for the first time and Ducrosia flabellifolia, Z. nummularia, Z. spina-christi, and Z. nummularia × Z. spina-christi are reported for the first time from the Iranian population.

Cyclotrichium depauperatum (Bunge) Manden & Scheng of the family Lamiaceae is endemic to Iran, and its type specimen was collected from Khuzestan Province, Iran. During a national research project for determining the conservation status of Iran's plants, the conservation status of C. depauperatum was evaluated and determined. This species is present in four localities in the southwest of the country. Its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is about 1915 square kilometers. Based on field observations, its Area of Occupancy (AOO) is 4.5 square kilometers. The number of individuals was 250 per population. Based on IUCN criteria B, the Extent of Occurrence of 1915 km2, this species is considered endangered (EN). Still, the species is critically endangered due to the Area of Occupancy (AOO) being less than 10 square kilometers (CR). This species' habitats are highly fragmented and isolated in 4 points. Due to various natural and artificial environmental factors, its population is declining. It is suggested that Natural Resources and Watershed Organization play an active role in the in-situ conservation of this species by protecting its natural habitat. Natural Resources Gen Bank also follows ex-situ conservation.

Mandragora is a genus of the Solanaceae family, which includes six species worldwide. M. autumnalis Bertol is the only native species of the genus growing in Iran, reported for the first time in 2013 from Khuzestan province in Shimbar Protected Area? Field observations showed that this species is present in the Shimbar Protected area only in 4 locations, its Area of Occupancy (AOO) is about 0.6 square kilometers in total, and its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is around 1.5 square kilometers. An average number of 5 to 25 individuals is observed in each population. Due to the presence of this plant in only one habitat in Iran and the Area of Occupancy, less than 10 square kilometers, and the number of adults is less than 50 individuals. The species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in Iran. Although the habitat of this species is in a protected area, it is heavily influenced by man-made destructive factors due to factors such as deforestation, fire, overgrazing, the presence of nomadic nomads, the villages on the edge of the wetland, and because many tourists to the area. Therefore, these valuable medicinal species face serious threats in Iran and need special attention from the related executive organizations. An urgent protection plan is needed for the conservation of the limited population of M. autumnalis.

Identifying suitable plant species to create green belts around cities in arid and desert areas, in order to reduce air pollution is very important. Air pollution tolerance index is one of the known indicators to determine the tolerance of plant species to air pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dust on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of two halophyte species of Haloxylon aphyllum and Nitraria schoberi and to determine the appropriate species for green belt. The experiment was done in a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (no dust and dust) in three replications for 5 months in greenhouse conditions. In order to investigate the effect of dust, dusting was performed on the samples with a time interval of one week (1.5 g/m2/month) using a dust simulator. Finally, the parameters of ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, relative water content and pH of leaf extract and finally the air pollution tolerance index of the two species were measured. The results showed that the total chlorophyll parameter of H. aphyllum and N. schoberi decreased by 8 and 19%, respectively, compared to the control, while relative water content increased by 3 and 8%, respectively. The pH of N. schoberi leaf extract increased by 29% compared to the control. The highest APTI value of 8.15 was related to H. aphyllum and the lowest APTI value of 7.41 was related to N. schoberi species. According to the obtained results, despite the small differences between the air pollution tolerance index of the two species, H. aphyllum species can be a suitable option for planting a green belt to reduce air pollution due to its higher tolerance index and plant height than N. schoberi.

During the study of the vegetation of Khuzestan Province and plant collection from high mountain areas, a small population of Myopordon aucheri Boiss. was observed in the summer of 2022 on the ridge of Mt. Keyno, located in the southwest of Iran. The new collection is far from the original collection in Zardkoh Bakhtiari from about 176 years ago and extends the distribution of species to Khuzestan.

Iran covers an area of 1.65 m km2 in the SW Asia. Based on climatic variation and geobotanical structure, Iran has the most variation and with about 7864 vascular plant species, is the second richest country after Turkey in SW Asia. Aquatic vascular plants with 23 families contain about 1% of Iran's flora. To prepare the aquatic Flora of Iran and review of its vegetation, as a national project of the Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands (Tehran, Iran), 20 aquatic plant families were studied by the authors. Sampling of specimens was carried out from 238 localities of the aquatic plants during 2008–20 from rivers, wetlands, and other aquatic ecosystems of Iran. In recent years including the present project, 14 taxa have been recorded or described from Iran by the authors and their colleagues. In this research, new identification keys to all aquatic taxa in Iran with descriptions of all species based on morphological studies following the APG IV classification system have been presented. Finally, 33 genera, 66 species, one subspecies, two varieties, and two hybrids belonging to 20 families of three classes including floating, submerged, and emerged plants are described from Iran.

Regional dust storm events are the prime concern of many countries located within the arid belt of the world. Nowadays, dust is a serious challenge in the world, especially in the Middle East. In recent decades, dust storms is known as the most damaging and inclusive environmental crisis in Iran due to the impacts of climate and land use changes. The aim of this study is to detect and simulation of dust storms in southwest regions of Iran. For this purpose, changes in dust were analyzed during a 22-year period (1995-2016) for six provinces southwest of Iran including Khozestan, Ilam, Kermanshah, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Lorestan and Kohgiluyeh, and Boyerahmad with an area of about 169266 square kilometers. For this study were using the HYSPLIT model. The data used covered and include GDAS data, view field, velocity and direction of a wind, temperature, and geopotential height in the atmosphere, which are different at various levels. GDAS data for tracking the winding path in the HYSPLIT model were used. Simulation studies of dust particle movement paths have shown that most of the tracks are from the northern and central parts of Iraq and Syria and the source of dust storms are deserts and dry regions of the northern and central parts of Iraq and Syria.

Measuring the diversity and identifying plant vegetation traits and functional groups and classifying them, in addition to helping to accurately identify the vegetative capacity of the area, helps us to understand the vegetation response of the area to disturbances and presence. Potentially resistant species with similar or invasive traits help. The purpose of this study was to investigate and evaluate the vegetative status of the region, the trend of changes and evaluation of the second sequence of dust centers in Khuzestan after planting seedlings in different ways. Functional groups (PFTs) were used. To evaluate the changes in the vegetation of the area by field survey, 15 transects of 100 meters with distances of 50 meters were systematically randomly selected (the first transect was randomly selected and the rest with a defined distance of 50 meters). Due to the uniformity of plant species composition and the absence of environmental effects, a total of 180 fixed plots with dimensions of 1 square meter (location recording with GPS device) were installed. The results of a recent study in three areas of the dust center in the southeast of Ahvaz showed that in selected areas, various irrigation methods along with rainfall will cause significant changes in the percentage of cover (frequency) and the number of species from 2017 to 2020. Functional groups in the Tovayel region with surface irrigation (Faro) In 2020, nine groups were identified, in Bagan region with tanker irrigation and hole digging with seven excavators, and in Hanitieh region with tanker irrigation and hole digging seven functional groups. The results of T-test analysis also showed that there is a significant difference between the average of the two values of all indicators, including the diversity of Shannon and Simpson in March 2017 and March 2020 for all three regions so diversity indicators raised since number of species and cover increased.

According to the classification of the Ramsar Convention, Khuzestan province is the home of various aquatic habitats, seasonal and permanent wetlands and rivers, and dozens of springs and reservoirs in mountainous and plain parts. The Hur al-Azim wetland is one of the largest permanent freshwater wetlands in Mesopotamia located on the border between Iran and Iraq and is of great importance in terms of hydrology and biology. Vegetation of the area includes drought-tolerant annual and perennial shrubs, halophytes, damp shrubs, marginal plants, submerged, floating, and a type of algae (Nitella flexilis). Hur al-Azim wetland is home to 17 species of fish and 53 species of birds, 60% of which are migratory birds and 5.6% of which are on the IUCN Red List. During several trips to the region to implement research projects and study programs for fine dust and study of scientific resources, Hur al-Azim wetland is introduced from various aspects. The purpose of this article is to recognize the biological features, potentials, and importance of the Hur al-Azim wetland to be more aware of its location and hope to plan for the protection and preservation of this unique ecosystem.

Due to the proximity to the water supply canal (Karun to Mahshahr) called Kut-Amir Canal and the availability of suitable water for irrigating the seedlings, the cultivated area was irrigated by surface irrigation and Furrow. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the trend of vegetation changes in during four consecutive years (2018-2021) and in two seasons in seedling cultivation areas was investigated. A total of five 100-meter transects, each 50 meters apart, were systematically established in the three selected areas. Around 30 fixed plots were installed along transects. In the two growing seasons of spring and autumn, the coverage of native species was recorded. The Simpson and Shannon, dominance, uniformity, and diversity indices were estimated using the PAST software. The results of one-way analysis of variance for the spring of 2018 to 2021 showed that there is a significant difference between the mean indices of coverage percentage, dominance, uniformity, Simpson and Shannon and Ghana diversity indices in consecutive years of harvest. The results of the Wilcoxon test showed that the indexes of species number, Simpson, Shannon, Evennnes, Manhinink and Margalf increased in the second year compared to the first year. Also, due to the fact that the sig rate is less than 0.05, there is a significant difference between the dominance indices, Simpson index and Shannon during July 2020 compared to 2019, but between changes in coverage percentage in the two there was no significant difference for consecutive years. The results of Duncan test showed that there is a significant difference between vegetation percentage and dominance index, Simpson and Shannon in spring (2018 and 2019) compared to (2020 and 2021) and is in two separate categories. Take. From the above observations and results, it can be concluded that in general, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices in the last year (2021) compared to the beginning year (2018) have increased significantly and this change is the result of increasing the uniformity and species richness in the area has been. The best options for improving the desert area above are Seidlitzia rosmarinus and Tamarix passerinoides. Also, the construction of Furrow along with seedling cultivation holes causes the accumulation of rainwater and the gradual emergence of other native species.

The Mishdagh protected area, with an area of ca. 34000 ha. is located in 15 km of Bostan city, Om-Al Dobase and Dashte Azadegan area. The area belongs to the Saharo - Sindian region. Study of richness will help to accurate understanding of ecosystem function, conservation of gen sources, controle of environment change and success or un success of management programes. The data of species coverage, density and biomass were obtained from 60 plots in fencing area, by using systematic - random sampling method too. In this research, 139 species belong to 35 families were determined. Most of the species belonged to Asteraceae Chenopodiaceae each with 20, and then Poaceae with 16 and Fabaceae and Brassicaceae with 10 and 9 species respectively. The results showed if the area is reserved, production capacity woulde be about 755 kg/ha. For this area numerical value of Shannon and Simpson indices respectively were 2.87 and 0.92. This is because of gen resources and species evenness. Most of species are therophytes so, they will growth stagnation or elimination in end of spring. So, species richness in this area belonged to time and from spring to autom it will reach to minimum value.

The study of vegetation and the measurement of diversity indices are suitable tools for studying the status of forests and rangelands and evaluating them. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the trend of vegetation changes during four consecutive years and in two seasons in the Bagan region. For this purpose, 5 transects of 100 meters with distances of 50 meters in the study area were considered systematically randomly. A total of 30 plots of one fixed square meter were installed along the transects. In two growing seasons, spring and fall, from 2017 to 2020, the type and percentage of cover of native species were harvested. Dominance, uniformity and diversity of Simpson, Shannon and Hill species were measured using PAST and R software. The results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there is a significant difference between the mean of dominance, Shannon and Simpson indices, percentage of cover, and the number of species in the spring of different harvest years. In fall, except for the dominance index in other indices during July 2019 compared to 2018, there was a significant difference. From the results, it can be concluded that despite the return of some annual or short-lived species such as Bienertia cycloptera Bunge and Salsola jordanicola Eig. following irrigation of cultivated seedlings and rainfall, the study area is still sensitive and fragile and needs to be managed and confined until proper rehabilitation.

Measurement of diversity indices and the local vegetation study are often suitable tools for studying the status of forests and rangelands and evaluating them. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the trend of vegetation changes in the dust center of Khuzestan province. In this study, the effect of rainfall fluctuations and irrigation of seedlings cultivated in the region on the percentage of cover and the type of native species during four consecutive years and in two seasons in the Hanitiah region was investigated. For this purpose, 5 transects with a length of 100 meters with 50-meter intervals were constructed in a systematic random manner in the study area. A total of 30 fixed plots were installed along transects. In two growing seasons, spring and autumn, from 2017 to 2020, the type and percentage of coverage of native species were recorded. Indices of dominance, uniformity, and species diversity of Simpson and Shannon were measured using PAST software. The results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there is a significant difference between the mean of dominance, Shannon and Simpson indices, percentage of cover, and the number of species in the spring of different harvest years. But in comparing Shannon and Simpson indices and summer coverage, there is no significant difference between July 2019 and 2018. The species in the plots were all short-lived and the measured variability was time-dependent. From the above observations and results from the Hanitiah region, it can be concluded that despite the return of many short-lived species following the irrigation of cultivated seedlings and recent rains, the area is still very sensitive and fragile. Therefore, for complete revival, it still needs complete management, planning, and exclusion.

Convolvulus L. (Convolvulaceae) is represented with 57 species in the Iranian plateau. Convolvulus koieanus Bornm. is an endemic species of Iran, distributed in the Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces.  Based on the research method of the national research project, entitled defining the conservation status of the plant species in Iran and the IUCN guidelines, three criteria related to the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and the number of mature individuals in the populations were considered to evaluate the conservation status of C. koieanus. GeoCAT software calculated its Extent of Occurrence (EOO), 24377.917, recognized as the Near Threat (NT), and the Area of Occupancy (AOO) was calculated to be 24 square kilometers, recognized as endangered (EN). Based on field observations, the Area of Occupancy (AOO) of this species was calculated to be 0.19 Km2 for Khuzestan and Lorestan Provinces. According to the IUCN classification, it is in the group of Critically Endangered (CR); however, it does not qualify for this status, considering the number of habitats, sub-populations, and the number of individuals in each subpopulation. Based on the current data, we determine it as endangered (EN). This species is affected by human activities. The field observation indicated that road construction and grazing are the main threats for this species. The conservation of this valuable species as a natural genetic reserve is necessary. We suggest one habitat in each of the Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces be defined as protected by the Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Organization. The ex-situ conservation needs to be planned. This species is easily propagated by seeds, and if its habitat is protected, it will regenerate and expand in the area.

This study was conducted in the aeolian dust sources of the southeast of Ahvaz to determine the best survival method for planted seedlings. Full calipering method (%100 inventory) used for 16.2 hectares planted seedling. Sampling sample-line methods were performed with a fixed number of trees (in intensities of 10 and 13%) and a sample plot with a fixed area in five sampling networks with different dimensions of the sample plot and three intensities of 5, 10, and 13%. Then, a one-sample t-test was used to compare the mean of each method with the percentage of survival in the %100 sampled method at a significance level of %95. According to the results of %100 statistics, the survival rate of seedlings planted in the field was %72.9. The results indicated that the sample-line method with an intensity of 13% (average of 80 holes per sample line) had the closest estimate (71.8%) to the percentage of real survival. Also, the 30×30 m sample plot method with 13% intensity and 70×100 m network dimensions showed the closest estimate (72.1%) to the real survival percentage. Results of the single sample t-test showed that the sample-line method with sampling intensity below 13% was not significantly different from the control. Among the studied methods, only methods E (10% fixed area with 90 ×100 grid dimensions) and G (13% fixed area with 90×100 grid dimensions) differed from the control. The lowest percentage of standard errors belonged to H (13% fixed area with 70×100 grid dimensions) and I (13% fixed area with 35×100 grid dimensions). The lowest percentage of standard errors belonged to H (13% fixed area with 70×100 grid dimensions) and I (13% fixed area with 35×100 grid dimensions). Totally, this study showed, the area sampling method is superior to the sample-line methods estimate the percentage of survival in the planted areas, and in general. It is suggested to use the H method (fixed area 13% with 70×100 grid dimensions) in forestry areas.

Mansourieh and Sharifieh are two recently dried wetlands in Khuzestan province, that have become important dust sources. This study was carried out in Sharifieh and Mansourieh wetlands to assess the vegetation condition and trend, following the implementation of water spreading and artificial recharge in recent years. To evaluate changes in vegetation, five transects of 100 meters, 50 meters apart, were established in the water spreading site in a random systematic manner, and data was collected from 30 permanent plots for six times between 2017-2019. Species richness and diversity indices were measured using the coverage percentage factor. The results obtained in Mansourieh showed a significant difference between the water spreading site and the non-irrigated site. Simpson and Shannon indices showed a gradual increase in species diversity following the implementation of flood spreading by means of Shahid Poursharifi Channel. Likewise, in Sharifieh wetland, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices improved in response to the enhancement of species richness and decreasing dominance (from two dominant species to over 20 species). In Sharifieh, we obtained a significant difference between the years 2017 and 2018 in terms of diversity indices. In general, the flood spreading areas will experience an improvement in native vegetation, which will be translated into reduced dusts storm frequency and severity.

Aquatic plants are the main elements of wetland ecosystems, and they have an extensive ecological role in the structure, function, and production of the aqua environment. Unfortunately, since many wetlands have dried up, some species have been observed in a particular wetland or even part of it. For example, Nuphar luteum in Sarabe Nilofar, Kermanshah province, and Nymphaea alba in Zarivar lakeof Kurdestan province.Nine new records of wetland plants were introduced for Iran recently:  Ruppia cirrhosa from Hassanlo wetland in West Azerbaijan and Andica, Potamogeton filiformis from Shadegan, Potamogeton trichoides from Neoor in Ardebil, Potamogeton alpinus from Gahar in Lorestan, Nagas gracillima in Abdolkhn of Khuzestan, Utricularia ochroleuca from Chalus and Utricularia vulgaris from Zaribar lake and Potamogeton friesii from Hamid Abad river of Khuzestan. In this research, 64 species from 23 families are introduced, belonging to four classes, Floating, Submersed, Emersed, and Marginal Plants.

The Shaloo and Mongasht protected area with an area about 12553 ha is located in Irano-Turanian region (Zagros region) between the longitudes 50° 15´ to 50° 40´ E and latitudes 31° 35´ to 31° 45′ N. So far, about 300 species belonging to 50 families have been collected and identified in this region. The forest cover of the region, dominated by Quercus brantii along with Crataegus aronia, Pistacia atlantica, Acer monspessulanum, and Cotoneaster nummularius form the physiognomy of Shaloo and Mongasht protected area. Nine endemic species were found in this area. Overexploitation of natural resources, specially grazing, change in land use, hunting of birds, extension of gardening and agriculture, and construction of villas and residential houses on the margin of protected area can pose a serious threat to the region in the long run. There are many medicinal and edible plants in the Shaloo and Mongasht protected area. Unfortunately, the population of species such as Ferulago angulata, Prangosspp., Myrtus communis, and Allium spp. is declining.

During the working on vegetation of the Khuzestan province, and recently plant collection the author found a small community of Clematis L. in Shalo and Mongasht protected area, beside Shivand seasonal river, this species with special characters, introduced as new species, Clematis khuzestanica from Iran.

Dionysia khuzistanica Jamzad is an endemic species in Khuzestan province. Its type habitat is around Dehdez, Sarsahra region, and Karoon River basin. Dionysia khuzistanica Jamzad is present in one location with an area of about 0.5 km2. We aim to define the conservation status of this species and to understand the geographical and ecological conditions of its habitats. Based on IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Dionysia khuzistanica Jamzad is defined as a Critically Endangered species. This species has been affected by human activities. The field observation indicated that road construction and grazing were the main threatening factors for this species. Thus, the conservation of the habitat of this valuable species as a natural genetic reserve is necessary. This species regenerates by seed and will be easily established in the area if the habitat is protected.