Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff., a green jewel in Zagros' rich floral treasure: Conservation status, threats, and opportunities

Kelussia odoratissima is a valuable edible species endemic to the central Zagros highlands, recently introduced to science. It is valuable for its food importance. Although this plant was recently discovered, it has deep roots in the culture of the Bakhtiari people. From the past to the present, a substantial part of the local population's income is provided through it. In this paper, the conservation status of K. odoratissima is evaluated based on criterion B (geographical range) of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. This study shows that this plant's status has reached an alarming level. It is now in the "Endangered/EN" category of the IUCN Red List. Even though a significant part of the distribution area of this plant is protected with the help of the local community and the country's Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, every year, illegal and official harvesting occurs in this area. Therefore, it is necessary to protect a part of its distribution range, including many other endemic species, in the form of an enclosure or protected habitat. Also, due to the complete isolation of the known populations of this plant, it is strongly recommended to keep the seeds of these populations in the Gene Bank of Natural Resources and the National Gene Bank of Iran. Therefore, considering the food and medicinal value of Kelussia odoratissima, there is great potential for its commercialization. Overall, it is essential to promote its cultivation in fields by the Research, Education, and Extension Organization. This is to support and protect it in its natural habitats. This will lead to the survival of this plant and a stable economic and currency source for the country.