Study of autecology of tulip (Tulipa spp.) in Ark and Gorong protected area in Khorasan Jonoobi province

Tulip (Tulipa spp.) belongs to the Liliaceae family, a bulbous and ornamental plant that grows wild in different parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to find out the habitat characteristics and behavior of tulips in the ecosystem of Ark and Gorong protected area in Khorasan Jonoobi province for two consecutive years. In order to determine the frequency and density, a random-systematic method was used. Climatic characteristics, soil, phenology, morphological traits and method of reproduction were studied. The results showed that tulips grow in Ark and Gorong habitats with an average annual rainfall of 175 mm and an average annual temperature of 14.2° C. T. lehmanniana and T. biflora were observed in the plain region and T. undulatifolia subsp. micheliana in the mountainous region of the habitat. According to the results, the frequency and density of tulips in the plain region were 39% and 1120 plants per hectare, respectively. Twenty seven percent belonged to T. biflora and 73% to T. lehmanniana. Frequency and density of T. undulatifolia subsp. micheliana in mountainous area was 15% and 1451 plants per hectare. Phenological study showed that the time of onset of tulip growth in different years is affected by rainfall and enters the dormancy period with increasing temperature from mid to late May. Bulblets were not observed around the main bulb, and the seeds germinated after moist chilling. Therefore, tulip propagation in the habitat is most likely via seed.