| Abstrakt: |
This study was conducted in Khorasan Razavi Province with the aim to understand the habitat conditions of Prunus chorassanica (Pojark.) A.E.Murray as an endemic shrub species of Iran. Three transects of 100 meters were established to measure the canopy coverage percentage and density of plant species in the three studied sites located in Dargaz County. A 5 m2 plot was established every ten meters along each transect, followed by a systematic random sampling. In addition, the ecological conditions of the species growth and distribution including climate, topography and edaphic characteristics of the sites were investigated. The canopy cover of P. chorassanica in the three studied sites were 7.87 to 11.7%, while the densities were between 50 to 75 trees per ha. In the shrub sites, 34, 38.5 and 27.5% of the soil comprised sand, silt and clay, with the dominance of silty loam soil texture. The average pH and electrical conductivity of the soil were equal to 7.73 and 0.8 dSm, respectively. This species grows and spreads in altitudes above 2000 meters and on slopes between 30 and 55%, generally in the northern slopes. Considering the value of this species within its conservation outside the main site, it is essential to collect the seeds and store them in the Iran's Natural Resources Gene Bank. In addition, it should be planted in the National Botanical Garden of Iran, in order to guarantee reviving its population in nature if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
