Autecology of Dorema aucheri in Rangeland Ecosystems of Kohgiloye and Boyerahmad Province

Autecology consederd as study a plant species behaviour and function and also determining its relationship with other biotic and abiotic components includes an important part of ecological studies in natural resources science. In the current research, autecology of Dorema aucheri, a perennial plant from Apiaceae family, was studied in range ecosystems of Kohgiloye and Boyerahmad. First of all vegetation map was provided using 1:50000 topographic maps and all characteristics including topography, climate, soil, and also companion species, root system, phenology, regenerarion, preference value, chemical compounds and frequency were studied. According to the results, Dorema aucheri grows in an elevation range of 1600 to 3400 m above sea level and in semi arid and moderate mediterian climates. The highest density of Dorema aucheri was recorded at 2300 to 3000 m above sea level. Soil texture in the study area was silty clay loam, silty clay, clay, silty loam and loam. Soil EC differed from 0.21 to 0.5 ds/m and a pH range of 7.5 to 8.2 was obtained. Average annual precipitation is 750 mm and temperature differed from -11 to 35 centigrade degree. Vegetative growth starts in early March and ends in early April. Its flowering stage is from mid April to May. Seed ripening stage is in mid July and no autumn growth was recorded. Root spreads in vertical (>200cm) and horizontal (>150cm) dieractions. Despite this plant is not palatable, it is used by livestock in absence of other palatable species. Human also utilizes this species as food or medicinal purposes.