Identifying the most important habitats of Tamarix sp. in Markazi province and studying their morphological diversity

Tamarix sp. Shrub species are extended in steppe and salt marsh areas. These species have adapted to the most hard climatic conditions. Therefore, it is distributed in the driest regions of Iran. The native plants are rarely used for landscape in Iran. So, identifying native plants that has the potential to be ornamental, in addition to the attractiveness of landscape can prevent soil erosion. In this study, 60 Tamarix genotypes from 11 regions in Markazi province were studied during spring and summer and subsequently morphological characteristics were evaluated based on quantitative and qualitative (as codding) traits. Inflorescence length on current shoots, number of flower clusters per shoot, flower cluster length, current shoot color, annual shoot diameter, flower color, tree growth habit, main branch diameter, main branch length, branch density, leaves density, branch flexibility, etc. were studied. The best time for measurement of traits was in late April to early June. Based on the results, there was an excessive diversity between the quantitative and qualitative studied characteristics, which reflected the rich germplasm of this province. In order to choosing native plants in the urban landscape, one should look for species with low water requirements, less maintenance and high ornamental potential. The maximum positive correlation was obtained between tree growth vigor and tree density and the maximum negative correlation was observed between flower cluster diameter and annual stem color. Khosbijan genotype could be introduced as a shrub with ornamental use in landscape due to their appropriate morphological traits such as the longest inflorescence, upright tree form, high density of foliage and brunches.