More than 8,500 plant species identified in Iran

Some 8,660 plant species have been identified across Iran,
Tarahom Behzad, deputy director of the Forests, Ranges, and Watershed
Management Organization, said

Behzad added that of the 8,660 species of plants discovered
in the country, over 2,300 are herbs and have medicinal properties.

“Of the total species of plants
found on the planet, 2,760 species are endemic to Iran which are used directly
and indirectly for medicinal, aromatic, cosmetic, and industrial purposes,” he
said. 

Many plants, including Mentha, Rheum, Rhus, and Crocus, and
a variety of shrub fruits, including Crataegus, Mespilus, and Berberis, are raw
or cooked or they are used as a spice in all kinds of food. Since ancient
times, these plants have been used in cooking various native and local dishes.

In the pharmaceutical industry and traditional medicine,
different parts of each plant, including roots, leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds,
and plant oils are used in various forms such as poultices, infusions, syrups,
and herbal extracts.

The effects of these plants can be seen in various ways,
such as soothing against anti-inflammation, anti-flatulence, anti-nausea,
anti-arteriosclerosis, anti-cough, anti-asthma, anti-parasitic, anti-blood
pressure, blood purifier, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, and tonic.

There are plants that are used to decorate green spaces or
as houseplants. These plants are kept for display or because of their special aroma.
Sometimes, the unusual characteristics of these plants make them classified as
ornamental plants. Nowadays, the cultivation of ornamental flowers and their
export and import has become one of the most important incomes of countries.

There are plants that are used in different industries or
their modified varieties or their compounds and products are used as raw
materials in different sectors of industry, cultivation, etc. Starch products,
sugar products, oil products, essential oil products, colored products, and
textile products are manufactured using industrial plants.