Iranian Journal of Forest

Iranian Journal of Forest

The Nature of Vegetation Cover and Urban Biotopes in Kiashahr Port, Gilan Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Management, Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, I.R.Iran.
2 Associate Prof., Botany Research Division, Research Institute of Forests & Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization (AREEO), Tehran, I.R.Iran.
3 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Crops and Horticultural Research, Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, I.R.Iran.
Abstract
Urban plants provide multiple ecosystem services for human physical and mental well-being. Understanding these plants is crucial for biodiversity conservation and sustaining ecosystem services. This study focused on the flora of Kiashahr Port city and its various biotopes. The city is located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, situated between two important reserves: Safrabasteh Plain Forest and Bujagh National Park. According to the results, 220 species belonging to 190 genera of 76 families were identified. The richest family in terms of species was the Poaceae (26 species), followed by that of the Asteraceae (20 species). The recorded plants were classified as cultivated ornamental, remnant and spontaneous plants. The predominant life form of the cultivated ornamental plants was Phanerophytes (46 species; 56%), while the most common life forms of remnant and spontaneous plants were Therophytes (71 species; 53%). Native species were more widespread than exotic ones, with 96 exotic species (44%) identified, of which 17 species had invasive potential. . Residential or native remnant areas had a higher richness of plant species than other biotopes. Considering that spontaneous and invasive plants contribute to  the homogenization of urban vegetation, this paper proposes the conservation of remnant plants and the use of native ornamental plants in man-made green spaces.
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Volume 16, Issue 5
Winter 2025
Pages 57-70

  • Receive Date 24 January 2024
  • Revise Date 04 August 2024
  • Accept Date 27 October 2024