Introduction to the Flora of Plant Species in the Center of the Wind Erosion Crisis in Isfahan

Abstract

Plants, as vital and fundamental components of natural ecosystems, play a crucial role in determining the current vegetation and environmental conditions. Research on plant species in a country, in addition to the importance of habitats, is considered an essential infrastructure for ecological studies, rangeland management, plant gene banks, agriculture, and medical studies. The Sajzi Desert Plain, covering an area of 4,300 hectares, is situated in the east of Isfahan city and is recognized as one of the active centers of wind erosion crisis in the Central Plateau. This research was conducted with the aim of identifying plant species, their edibility classes, growth forms, and growth period length in this region. The results of the study showed that there are 104 plant species from 25 families in this area. Among the families with high diversity in this region, mention can be made of Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae. Native plants in this region have diverse capabilities in adapting to drought and challenging environmental conditions. Regarding growth forms, shrubby plants from the Chenopodiaceae family have the highest number, along with the families Fabaceae and Polygonaceae. On the other hand, for herbaceous species, the highest abundance was observed for plants in the Asteraceae family. Additionally, the growth period length for most species indicated perennial plants with low edibility class (Class III). Overall, the results of this research can contribute to improving environmental management and biodiversity conservation in dry and desert areas.