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SALT MARSHES AND SALT DESERTS OF S.W. IRAN

EBRAHIM ALAIE*

Abstract: Using the Braun-Blanquet approach, 13 plant communities of the Persian Gulf salt marshes were distinguished on the S.W. Iran. Vegetation types have been defined by physiognomic-floristic system. These have been assigned to the following five main groups of communities: (1) Woody shrub and perennial halophytic communities (Class Suaedetea fruticosae) including 3 association, (2) Semi-woody shrub and perennial halophytic communities (Class Halocnemetea strobilacei) including 4 associations and 1 subassociation, (3) Hydrophilous halotolerant communities (Class Phragmitetea) including 1 association, (4) Salt marsh brushwood communities (Class Tamaricetea) including 3 associations, (5) Woody shrub and perennial halotolerant communities (Class Anabasetea articulatae) including 1 association. The soil of these communities was analysed and their habitats described and discussed.

N.I.O.C Research Institute of Petroleum Industry. P.O. Box: 18745-4163, Tehran, Iran.
Corresponding Author: alaiee@nioc-ripi.org