Floristic studies, life forms and chorology of plants in Kouh-payeh area, Isfahan Province, Iran

The Kouh-payeh with an area of 3000 km2 is located at 70 km east of Isfahan on the edge of central Kavir at longitude 52° 26ʹE and latitude 32° 43ʹN. In this study, the floristic richness, life form, geographical distribution and conservation status were assessed. All plant species were collected from Kouh-payeh area during 2014-2016. The collected species were identified, then life forms and chorology of each species were estimated. By examining a total of 200 collected plant species, 38 families and 137 genera were found. The dominant life forms were mainly identified as therophytes (45%) and hemicryptophytes (34%). Based on chorotype information, an Irano-Touranian distribution (60%) was generally observed in this area. Other chorotypes such as Irano-Touranian/Saharo-Sindian (6%) and Irano-Touranian/ Euro-Siberian (6%) were present in lower quantities. Among the identified species, 43 endemic species were also recognized. In terms of conservation status, there were Low Risk (77%), Vulnerable (15%) and Data Deficient (8%) needed some conservation policies. This study was performed for the first time in this area.