THE GENUS MEDICAGO IN IRAN: BIODIVERSITY AND VARIATION CENTERS

Biodiversity of the genus Medicago in Iran was studied. Distribution of two perennial species M. sativa and M. lupulina mainly conforms to the mountainous regions of Iran. Among the other annual species of this genus, M. rigidula has the most similar distribution to the distribution of perrenial species in mountainous regions. Most species of Medicago (apart from M. sativa and M. lupulina) are distributed in regions with Mediterranean climates. One major and two minor variation centers for the genus Medicago in Iran were identified. The most possible route for species to enter Iran is from the West via North Iraq.