Paeonia mascula subsp. mascula is a very rare species in Iran

Paeonia is the only genus of the family Paeoniaceae. It includes about 40 species in the world and according to the latest report three species are found in Iran. Two species under the names P. wendelboi and P. tomentosa in north and northwest of Iran and P. mascula subsp. mascula from western Iran. The latter species has a very small distribution area in the semi-dense forests of Marivan in the west of Kurdistan province and it was recorded for the first time in 2005 from Iran. It should be noted that the known habitat of this species in Iran is unique with an area of about 500 square meters. The conservation status of this species in the world has been defined as (Least Concern: LC) according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but regionally and in Iran it is a very rare species. Therefore, it is recommended to take urgent and necessary measures to protect it in its unique habitat.