Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran

Plant colonization on archaeological structures is limited by the substrate conditions of stone surfaces. Despite its relevance for ecological studies and management plans sites, knowledge monuments (e.g., stones, microhabitats, microsites), which could be suitable sites plant establishment, an underestimated topic. Here, we aim to identify preference plants in colonizing surfaces as a first step evaluating biodeterioration risk. We selected Pasargadae World Heritage Site (WHS) variety different conditions, assessed 142 ruderal occurring nine monuments, two types eight microsites. Our data indicated that typology microsite affected species composition, diversity, richness. The porosity limestone progressive weathering phenomena resulted relevant factors colonization. Significantly, microsites junction blocks (M1a) big fractures covered soil (M3) hosted most favorable needed periodic monitoring during maintenance activities site. Evaluating can contribute identification high-risk areas colonization, need considered sites.