Volume 4, Issue 2 (9-2025)
jfer 2025, 4(2): 67-87 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
soleymani N, abrarivajari K, pourreza M. (2025). Floristic Composition of the Understory Vegetation in Different Persian Oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) Stands: A Case Study of the Ghlajeh Forests, Kermanshah Province. jfer. 4(2), : 6
URL: http://yujs.yu.ac.ir/jzfr/article-1-147-en.html
URL: http://yujs.yu.ac.ir/jzfr/article-1-147-en.html
, kambiz.abrari2003@yahoo.com
Abstract: (15 Views)
Background and objectives: Background and objectives: Understory vegetation in forests directly interacts with the type and ecological conditions of forest stands and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Therefore, identifying and studying the flora of the understory is essential. This study aimed to investigate and identify the similarities and differences in plant species, their life forms, and chorological characteristics in different Persian oak stands within the protected forests of Ghalaje, Kermanshah Province.
Materials and methods: The forest stands were categorized based on their regeneration forms (high stand, coppice stand, and high–coppice stand). Subsequently, in each stand, three one-hectare sample plots were randomly established. The structural attributes of all trees and coppice groups were measured and recorded, including species identity, growth form, number of sprouts per coppice group, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, dominant height of coppice groups, and two perpendicular crown diameters. For the assessment of understory vegetation, ten 100 m² subplots were randomly selected within each main plot, and four 1 m² quadrats were established at the corners of each subplot.
Results: The results showed that a total of 146 vascular plant species belonging to 35 families and 104 genera were identified in the understory. Of these, 124 species from 33 families and 88 genera were found in coppice stands, 103 species from 31 families and 83 genera in high–coppice stands, and 108 species from 33 families and 83 genera in high stands. Analysis of life forms using Raunkiaer’s method indicated that therophytes were dominant in all three stands, while phanerophytes had the lowest representation. In all stands, dicotyledons constituted more than 75% of the plant species. Chorological analysis using Zohary’s approach showed that, in coppice, seed–coppice, and seed-origin stands, respectively 25%, 25.71%, and 30% of the species belonged to the Irano-Turanian region; 30.6%, 30.5%, and 32.7% occurred in two phytogeographical regions; 20.9%, 22.8%, and 16.8% occurred in three regions; and 22.5%, 20%, and 21.6% were multi-regional elements. Cosmopolitan species accounted for less than 1% in all three stands. Overall, the findings suggest that the Persian oak stands in the study area show no considerable differences in species richness, life-form composition, phytogeographical distribution, or family representation.
Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that the differences in floristic composition, life-form structure, and sub-canopy chorological patterns among the different oak stands in the Ghalajeh Protected Area reflect habitat homogeneity and the relative stability of ecological conditions in the region. The dominance of therophytes across all stands demonstrates the vegetation’s adaptation to dry and semi-arid climatic conditions and seasonal fluctuations. This feature can also serve as an indicator of the ecosystem’s response to environmental stress, and this dominance was higher in the coppice stands than in the other stands.
Materials and methods: The forest stands were categorized based on their regeneration forms (high stand, coppice stand, and high–coppice stand). Subsequently, in each stand, three one-hectare sample plots were randomly established. The structural attributes of all trees and coppice groups were measured and recorded, including species identity, growth form, number of sprouts per coppice group, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, dominant height of coppice groups, and two perpendicular crown diameters. For the assessment of understory vegetation, ten 100 m² subplots were randomly selected within each main plot, and four 1 m² quadrats were established at the corners of each subplot.
Results: The results showed that a total of 146 vascular plant species belonging to 35 families and 104 genera were identified in the understory. Of these, 124 species from 33 families and 88 genera were found in coppice stands, 103 species from 31 families and 83 genera in high–coppice stands, and 108 species from 33 families and 83 genera in high stands. Analysis of life forms using Raunkiaer’s method indicated that therophytes were dominant in all three stands, while phanerophytes had the lowest representation. In all stands, dicotyledons constituted more than 75% of the plant species. Chorological analysis using Zohary’s approach showed that, in coppice, seed–coppice, and seed-origin stands, respectively 25%, 25.71%, and 30% of the species belonged to the Irano-Turanian region; 30.6%, 30.5%, and 32.7% occurred in two phytogeographical regions; 20.9%, 22.8%, and 16.8% occurred in three regions; and 22.5%, 20%, and 21.6% were multi-regional elements. Cosmopolitan species accounted for less than 1% in all three stands. Overall, the findings suggest that the Persian oak stands in the study area show no considerable differences in species richness, life-form composition, phytogeographical distribution, or family representation.
Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that the differences in floristic composition, life-form structure, and sub-canopy chorological patterns among the different oak stands in the Ghalajeh Protected Area reflect habitat homogeneity and the relative stability of ecological conditions in the region. The dominance of therophytes across all stands demonstrates the vegetation’s adaptation to dry and semi-arid climatic conditions and seasonal fluctuations. This feature can also serve as an indicator of the ecosystem’s response to environmental stress, and this dominance was higher in the coppice stands than in the other stands.
Article number: 6
References
1. Akkafi, H.R., Ejtehadi, H. & Sepehry, A. 2017. Investigation of plant functional diversity based on functional groups identification within the safe areas of the Ghamishloo National Park, Isfahan province. Environmental Sciences, 15(3): 93-108. [In Persian]
2. Akbarinia, M., Zadeh, H., Hosseini, S.M.& Ejtehadi, H. 2004. Floristic, vegetative structure and chorology of birch plant communities in Sangdeh of Sari. Pazhuhesh & Sazandegi Journal, 64: 84-96. [In Persian]
3. Akhavan, R., Khanhasani, M. & Khodakarami, Y. 2018. Spatial patterns and inter-specific competition of three oak species in the Baneh forests of western Iran. Forest and Wood Products, 71(2): 149-159. [In Persian]
4. Archibold, O.W. (1995). Ecology of world vegetation, Springer Science & Business Media, 510p. [DOI:10.1007/978-94-011-0009-0]
5. Asadi, H., Kavianpour, M.S. & Tafazoli, M. 2025. Flora, Biological Form, and Geographical Distribution of Plants in the Darabkola Educational and Research Forest. Ecology of Iranian Forest, 13(1): 85-96. [In Persian] [DOI:10.61186/ifej.2024.572]
6. Asri, Y. 2006. Ecology of vegetation cover. Payame Noor University Press, Tehran, Iran, 198p. [In Persian]
7. Assadi, M., 1988-2018. Flora of Iran. Institute of Forests and Rangelands Press, Tehran, Iran, vols: 1-184. [In Persian]
8. Cheraghi, J., Heidari, M., Omidipour, R. & Mirabbalo, M. 2019. Comparison of flora, life forms and chorology of plant species under different physiographic conditions in Shalam Mountain, Ilam. Journal of Plant Ecosystem Conservation, 6(13): 269-270. [In Persian]
9. Dehshiri, M.M., Jalilian, N. & Tahmasebi, G. 2017. Floristic study in Nova (Noor) mountain, Kermanshah province. Iranian Journal of Plant Biology, 9(3): 95-108 [In Persian]
10. Eeli, M., Panahy Mirzahasanlou, J. M., Beygmohammadi, M. (2025). Preliminary study of the flora of the Ghosheh Cheshmeh forest area (Galikesh County, Golestan Province). Journal of Plant Ecosystem Conservation, 13(26), 70-87. [In Persian]
11. Ellenberg, H.& Müller-Dombois, D. 1967. A key to Raunkiaer plant life forms with revised subdivisions Berichte des Geobotanisches Institut ETH Stiftung Rübel, Zürich, 37: 56-73.
12. Esmailzadeh, O. & Hosseini, S.M. 2007. The relationship between plants ecological groups and plant biodiversity indices in Afratakhteh Yew (Taxus baccata L.) reserved area. Journal of Environmental Studies, 33(43): 21-30 [In Persian]
13. Germany, M.S., Bruelheide, H. & Erfmeier, A. 2017. Limited tree richness effects on herb layer composition, richness and productivity in experimental forest stands. Journal of Plant Ecology, 10(1): 190-200. [DOI:10.1093/jpe/rtw109]
14. Ghahreman, A. (1977-1998). Colorful flora of Iran. Research Institute of Forests & Rangelands press, Tehran, Vols: 1-24. [In Persian]
15. Gorji Bahri, Y. (2000). Classification and Typological Assessment of Forest Management Planning in the Vaz Research Forest. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, 138p.
16. Gurgin, K.M., Karami, P. & Marofii, H. 2014. Introduction to the flora, life forms and chorology of Saral of Kurdistan (Case study sub catchment Farhadabad). [In Persian]
17. Gutierrez Flores, I.R. & Becerra Osses, P.I. 2017. The effect of native forest replacement by Pinus radiata plantations on riparian plant communities in Chile. Plant Ecology & Diversity, 10(1): 65-75. [DOI:10.1080/17550874.2017.1294630]
18. Hamzeh'ee, B., Khanhasani, M.S., Khodakarami, Y. & Peykani, M.N. 2008. Floristic and phytosociological study of Chaharzebar forests in Kermanshah. Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 16(2): 211-229. [In Persian]
19. Jalilian, N., Sheikhi, A. & Dehshiri, M.M. 2014. Floristic study of the Kooh-e Bahar Ab region in the Zagros Mountains (border region of Kermanshah and Ilam provinces), Iran. Journal of Taxonomy and Biosystematics, 6(18): 65-76. [In Persian]
20. Kent, M. 2012. Vegetation description and data analysis: a practical approach. John Wiley & Sons.
21. Lavorel, S. & Garnier, E. 2002. Predicting changes in community composition and ecosystem functioning from plant traits: revisiting the Holy Grail. Functional Ecology 16: 545-556. [DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2435.2002.00664.x]
22. Mohsennezhad, F. (2018). Florestic, vegetation form and chorotypes study of Gunbruf Region, Sahand Mountains and Tabriz. Journal of Plant Research (Iranian Journal of Biology), 31(2): 396-414. [In Persian]
23. Morais, J.M. & Cianciaruso, M.V. 2014. Plant functional groups: scientometric analysis focused on removal experiments Plant functional groups: scientometric analysis focused on removal experiments. Acta Botanica Brasilica, 28(4): 502-511. [DOI:10.1590/0102-33062014abb3383]
24. Mozaffarian, V. 2008. Flora of Ilam. Tehran Farhang Moaser press, Tehran, Iran, 936p. [In Persian]
25. Motamedi, S. & Khorasani Nejad, S. 2017. Flora of the Badr and Parishan Protected Area, Qorveh County, Kurdistan Province. Plant Ecosystem Conservation Journal, 5(11): 1-15. [In Persian]
26. Nemati Paykani, M.N., Ejtehadi, H., Asri, Y. & Esmailzadeh, O. 2021. A floristic study of vascular plants in the Qalajeh Protected Area in Kermanshah Province. Taxonomy and Biosystematics, 13(3): 59-92 [In Persian]
27. Noedoost, F. & Farzam, M. 2022. Flora, life form and chorology of plants in highlands of south Mashhad. Taxonomy and Biosystematics, 14(50): 115-148. [In Persian]
28. Navarro, T., Alados, C.L. & Cabezudo, B. 2006. Changes in plant functional types in Response to goat and sheep grazing in two semi-arid shrublands of SE Spain. Journal of Arid Environments, 64: 298-322. [DOI:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.05.005]
29. Rafiei, F., Jangjou, M. & Ejtehadi, H. 2013. Plant Functional Types (PFTs) as an indicator for evaluating secondary succession in a semi-arid rangeland after fire disturbance. Applied Ecology Journal, 8: 17-27. [In Persian]
30. Raunkiaer, C. 1934. The life forms of plant and statistical plant geography. Clarendon Press Inc., Oxford, 328p.
31. Razavi, S. 2008. Life form and geographical distribution of the flora of Kouhmian region (Azadshahr, Golestan Province, Iran). Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 15(3): 98-108. [In Persian]
32. Rechinger, K.H. (1963-2005). Flora Iranica (ed.). Akademische Druk-u verlagsanstalt, Graz, vols: 1-176.
33. Smadi, B., Rezaei, A. & Valizadeh, M. 2004. Statistical Designs in Agricultural Research. Tehran University Press, Tehran, Iran, 764 p. [In Persian]
34. Shakeri, Z., Mohammadi-Samani, K., Maarofi, H., Khoonsiavashan, S. & Sharifi, K. 2021. Species diversity, life form, and chorotypes of plant species in sacred groves and surrounding silvopastoral woodlands of Northern Zagros, Iran. Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 29(2): 113-101. [In Persian]
35. Sadeghirad, A., Nasrollahi, M., Azarnivand, H. & Tavili, A. 2014. Evaluation of vegetation cover and floristic composition in Simani watershed of Kermanshah province. Journal of Plant Ecosystem Conservation, 2(4): 17-30. [In Persian]
36. Soleimanpour, S.M., Hatami, A. & Ghahari, G.R. 2021. Introduction of the flora, life form and Chorology of plants in Bardkal watershed of Shiraz. Journal of Plant Research (Iranian Journal of Biology), 34(4): 955-966. [In Persian]
37. Soleymani, N., Vajari, K.A. & Pourreza, M. 2026. Assessment of plant species diversity understory of forest in high, coppice, and coppice-with-standards stands in the Zagros forests (case study of Qalajeh forest, Kermanshah province, Iran). Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 33(4). [In Persian]
38. Tabad, M.A., Jalilian, N. & Maroofi, H. 2016. Study of flora, life form and chorology of plant Species in Zarivar Region of Marivan, Kurdistan. Taxonomy and Biosystematics, 8(29): 69-102. [In Persian]
39. Taghipour, S., Hassanzadeh, M., Hosseini Sarghein, S. 2011. Introduction of flora, life form and geographical distribution of the Ala and Rudzard regions in Khuzestan Province. Journal of Taxonomy and Biosystematics, 3(9): 15-30. [In Persian]
40. Zohary M. 1973. Geobotanical Foundations of the Middle East. Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart-Amsterdam, 765p.
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
