The conservation status of Phlomis herba-venti subsp. urmiensis, an endemic subspecies of Iran

Phlomis herba-venti subsp. urmiensis Jamzad is an endemic, perennial plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) in Iran, which is distributed in the mountainous areas of Urmia lake, in the altitude range of 1470 to 1793 m.s.l, in the West Azerbaijan. The conservation status of this taxon was assessed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ph. herba-venti subsp. urmiensis occupies an area of 24 km2, and the extent of occupace is estimated to be 1927.145 sq. km. This taxon is endangered (Endangered / EN) due to its occupancy level, extent of occurrence, population isolation, regeneration and habitat quality. Field observations showed that the habitats of the populations of this taxon due to low slope and relatively deep soil are considered as dryland and due to lack of management, their area is increased every year. On the other hand, consecutive droughts have reduced the reproduction of this plant. Collecting the seed and storing it in the gene bank and providing the possibility of its regeneration as a medicinal and ornamental plant is essential to protect this endemic taxon.