PLANT BIODIVERSITY OF THE RUTBA- DAM REGION IN WEST OF IRAQ.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the plant biodiversity of the Rutba – Dam region in Western Desert District, Twelve surveys field trips were conducted during 2013 and 2014, In addition to 3 trips were done during 2017. 475 plant samples were Collected during, they were diagnosed with the Flora of Iraq and neighboring countries(Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt). The study showed the distribution of 103 plant species belonging to 85 genera belonging to 32 plant families, A list of plant species that included some important traits and characteristic were prepared, Astragalus L. genus has shown its sovereignty as a principle of numbers, which are 6 species. The study of the geographical affiliation for plant species resulted in recording of 26 species (Dual geographical region) belonging to Irano – Turanian / Saharo – Sindian Region , Other regions came in close proporation and decreasing number of species . The case study of distribution indicates that there are 52 common species, Followed by 29 species medium – distribution, Then 18 species rarely, Finaly 4 species very rare, They may be on their way to extinction. The results of this study are recording of the distribution of 12 plant species recently to the study region (After the construction of the Dam), In addition to the distribution of two new species to the western desert district , namely Cousinia wesheni Post and Geranium tuberosam L., The study also recorded a new species of Iraq is Telephium spharospermum Boiss. Plant samples were deposited for all species in Herbatium of Anbar university, as well as deposit of some sample of the new species in the Iraqi National Herbarium in 59286.