Document Type : Scientific Letters
Authors
1
ssociate Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
2
Senior Research Expert, Research institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.
3
Assistant Prof., Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Qom Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Qom, Iran
4
Researcher, Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Qom Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Old trees, as one of the most important genetic reservoirs, have high value for all countries. During their long life (sometimes up to several thousand years), these trees have witnessed numerous natural changes and environmental stresses and can be studied as a living history. In this research, in the framework of the national project for identifying and introducing Iranian old trees, a database of old trees of Qom province was prepared. After gathering the necessary information about the old trees from provincial colleagues and local sources during several field visits, a total of 21 tree species over 200 years old were identified that met the criteria for entry into the country's old trees database. In terms of geographical distribution, these trees were in the range of Kahak (9), Qom (3) and Dastgerd (9). Plane-tree with 10 trees was the most abundant species, followed by Berry with eight trees, and Caucasian hackberry, Willow and Cypress each with one tree. The trunk perimeter of trees recorded ranged between 3.1 to 12.5 m and their height ranged between 5.5 to 21.2 m.
The oldest tree in the province was Aphine juniper with approximately 810 to 860 years old. According to the description made for each tree, the process of recording the selected trees was carried out by the supervisor of national project, and consultation with the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization was undertaken to register the selected trees in the form of national natural heritage.
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