Investigation of composition and plant diversity of Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica ‎C.A. Mey) site, Chafroud’s forest of Guilan province

The aim of this study was to identify the composition and diversity of plants in the Persian ironwood habitat in the Chefrood forest in western Guilan province. For this purpose, five one-hectare sample plots were randomly selected in less disturbed Parrotia persica stands. All tree and shrubs species were identified in each sample plot. Also, 16 micro-sample plots of four-square meters in each sample plot were executed by randomized systematic method and all herbaceous species were identified and recorded. The life form of species was determined using the Rankier method, geographical distribution of species was classified using Zohari method and total biodiversity was determined using Simpson heterogeneity, Menhenick richness and Smith-Wilson evenness. The results of the study of habitat vegetation showed 71 plant species belonging to 59 genera and 43 families. The family of Rosaceae with eight species and Cyperaceae and Poaceae each with four species were the richest plant families in this habitat. Phanrophytes with 44% and hemicryptophytes with 25% had the highest percentage of biological form. In terms of geographical distribution, the highest frequency was obtained with 52% related to Siberian European elements. Also, richness diversity and total element uniformity were calculated to be 0.86, 1.08 and 0.65, respectively. According to the results of the present study, the Persian Iron-wood habitat of West Guilan is one of the various Hyrcanian habitats.