Distribution patterns of Iranian species of Saxifraga with their phytogeographical significance

Abstract

Numerical analysis of <em>Saxifraga</em> in Iran was carried out on the basis of morphological and chorological data. The cluster analysis confirmed that the genus in Iran includes two distinct groups: Group one consists of two subgroups, a) alpine Irano-Turanian endemic species (<em>S. ramsarica</em>, <em>S. iranica</em>, <em>S. wendelboi</em>, <em>S. koelzii</em>), and b) Euxino-Hyrcanian species (<em>S. paniculata</em> subsp. <em>Cartilaginea</em>, <em>S. kotschyi</em>). Group two comprises <em>S. cymbalaria</em>, <br /><em>S. sibirica</em>, <em>S. tridactylites</em>, and <em>S. exarata</em> subsp. <em>moschata</em>. The original distribution maps for all species are provided. <br />