Iran is one of the remarkable countries in terms of plant diversity and genetic resources. Although it is classified among low forest cover countries, its climatic, geological and ecological diversity has created a wide range of natural habitats. According to the forest vegetation data provided in the Organization’s documents, Iran has more than 8,000 native plant species, making its flora one of the country’s most valuable natural assets.
The diversity of Iranian flora is reflected in five major forest vegetation zones: the Hyrcanian, Arasbaran, Zagros, Iran-o-Tourani, and Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman zones. Each of these regions has distinct ecological characteristics, plant communities and indicator species. Together, they form a diverse national vegetation system ranging from humid broadleaf forests in the north to arid and semi-arid forests, shrublands, mangroves and semi-savanna ecosystems in other parts of the country.
The Hyrcanian forests are among the richest forest ecosystems in the world in terms of flora. They contain more than 80 native woody species and include valuable species such as Oriental beech, Persian ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian alder, Hyrcanian boxwood, wild cherry and English yew. The Arasbaran forest zone is also one of Iran’s important genetic reserves, with around 1,072 plant species and 97 woody species identified in a relatively limited area.
The Zagros forests are another major component of Iran’s flora, hosting more than 180 tree and shrub species and playing a key role in water supply, soil conservation, climate regulation and biodiversity preservation. The Iran-o-Tourani region includes drought-resistant plant communities such as juniper, wild pistachio, almond, saxaul, tamarisk and calligonum, which contribute to soil stabilization and desertification control. In the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman zone, subtropical and mangrove vegetation, including grey mangrove and loop-root mangrove, forms important coastal ecosystems with high ecological value.
The Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization contributes to the protection and restoration of Iranian flora through forest and rangeland conservation, rehabilitation of degraded forests, planting of native species, production and supply of standard forest seedlings, protection of genetic reserves, establishment of seed collection areas and forest reserves, and restoration of degraded natural ecosystems. Through these measures, the Organization seeks to safeguard Iran’s plant heritage and ensure the sustainable conservation of its valuable flora for present and future generations.
