ENDEMIC PLANTS IN TWO PHYTOGEOGRAPHIC SUB-REGIONS: MIDDLE SAHARO-SINDIAN AND MESOPOTAMIA IN IRAQ

Abstract

The study aims to update the records of endemic plant species within two phytogeographic sub-regions of Iraq, the Middle Saharo-Sindian and Mesopotamia regions. The update was conducted through a comprehensive review of scientific name validity, endemic status, and recently described species reported in previous studies, which collectively recorded 89 endemic taxa across these regions. The current results identify only 29 endemic taxa belonging to 22 genera and 15 families. The family Asteraceae and the genus Anthemis exhibited the highest number of endemic taxa. In terms of distribution, eight taxa were restricted to the Middle Saharo-Sindian region, thirteen to Mesopotamia, and eight were shared between both sub-regions. Additionally, the study provides an updated account of the distribution of endemic species across Iraq's physiographic districts. It discusses possible causes underlying the differences in the number of endemic taxa compared with previous reports. This information will help to provide a framework for research and focus conservation efforts for these endemic taxa.