Document Type : Over looking Iranian Nature
Authors
1
Associate Prof., Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran.
2
Assistant Prof., Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran.
3
M.Sc., Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran.
10.22092/irn.2026.369504.1652
Abstract
Sheyrez Canyon (Tang‑e Shirz) of Kohdasht is located 55 kilometers from the city of Kohdasht, at the junction of three provinces—Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan—and positioned adjacent to the Seymareh River, which is a major branch of the Karkheh. The area features a remarkable stone minaret measuring 80 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter, along with towering canyon walls that in some places rise to nearly 200 meters. Geologists believe that this valley was shaped through the erosion of limestone and dolomite formations with thin to medium layers dating back to the tertiary period. Due to the biodiversity present in the region, a mosaic of diverse habitats has developed. The oaks (Quercus brantii) of the area predominantly occur in the foothill zones. Species commonly associated with oak include Acer monspessulanum, Amygdalus scoparia, Cotoneaster lurestanica, Crataegus azarolus, Fraxinus rotundifolia, Lonicera nummularifolia, Pistacia atlantica, P. khinjuk, Pyrus glabra, P. syriaca, and Vitis vinifera, all of which are abundant and enhance the unique beauty and freshness of the landscape. Moisture‑dependent riparian trees such as Platanus orientalis, Populus euphratica, and Salix spp. grow along the Seymareh River, forming long‑lived stands of trees and shrubs. Bulbous species—including Allium jesdianum, Allium tripedale, Eremurus spectabilis, Fritillaria imperialis, Fritillaria persica, Rheum ribes, and Smyrnium cordifolium—also appear among the rocky outcrops. In higher mountainous zones, shrub‑like thorny and cushion‑shaped taxa such as Acantholimon, Acanthophyllum, Astragalus, and Onobrychis represent the region’s perennial, long‑lived vegetation. Below the mountainous belt, plant species like Ficus johannis, Pistacia atlantica, Prunus arabica, and Rhammus pallasii occupy crevices within cliffs and rocky surfaces. In habitats dominated by bushy vegetation, the perennial species Dendrostellera lessertii is present. Additional representatives of the mint family (Lamiaceae) found in the region include Eremostachys laevigata, Marrubium astracanicum, Marrubium persicum, Marrubium vulgare, Phlomis kurdica, Phlomis lurestanica, Phlomis olivieri, Salvia sclarea, Salvia sclareopsis, Stachys inflata, Stachys lavandulifolia, Teucrium polium, Thymbra spicata, and Thymus pubescens.
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