Scutellaria is one of the largest genera in Lamiaceae with an estimated 400–500 species a nearly worldwide distribution. Most occur N hemisphere, Caucasus and wider Irano-Turanian region housing large number taxa, many them considered endemic. We present overall phylogeny monophyletic genus based on rapidly evolving plastid regions (matK-trnK, rpl16, trnL-F). Three well-supported clades are evi...

Species identification is fundamentally important within the fields of biology, biogeography, ecology and conservation. The genus Alcea (Malvaceae) includes approximately 70 species mainly Irano-Turanian distribution considered one most challenging genera Middle East, due to its uniformity pronounced plasticity in morphological traits. In spite vast many that grow Iraq, there are not any availa...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The genus Centaurea has traditionally been considered to be a complicated taxon. No attempt at phylogenetic reconstruction has been made since recent revisions in circumscription, and previous reconstructions did not include a good representation of species. A new molecular survey is thus needed. METHODS Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using sequences of the internal ...

Numerical analysis of Saxifraga in Iran was carried out on the basis of morphological and chorological data. The cluster analysis confirmed that the genus in Iran includes two distinct groups: Group one consists of two subgroups, a) alpine Irano-Turanian endemic species (S. ramsarica, S. iranica, S. wendelboi, S. koelzii), and b) Euxino-Hyrcanian species (S. paniculata subsp. Cartilaginea, S. k...

Arasbaran protected area is located in NW Iran, is one of nine designated Biosphere Reserves in Iran. According to the literatures and the current study, 1067 plant taxa are identified in the area. Eighteen plant taxa of the area are endemic to Iran. Hemicryptophytes (42.5 %) are the most frequent life forms in the reserve followed by therophytes (25.8 %), cryptophytes (18.8 %), phanerophytes (...

Abstract Pterocarya fraxinifolia , native to the southern Caucasus and adjacent areas, has been widely introduced in Europe. In this study, we investigate following: (1) How did its current distribution form? (2) What are past, current, future suitable habitats of P. ? (3) is best conservation approach? Ecological niche modeling was applied determine climatic demands project climatically areas ...

Abstract The ancient Zoroastrian hymn of worship dedicated to the frauuaṣ̌i- s (affirmative choices) righteous mortals and divinities refers an important discourse that takes place between unnamed poet-sage his mysterious rival, named Gaōtəma. figure Gaōtəma has intrigued Avestan scholars through years, but significance implications Gaōtəma's identity, presence in hymn, date not been seriously s...