Endemism patterns of the vascular flora of Lebanon: A dynamic checklist.

ABSTRACT: Given its high concentration of rare and endangered plant species, Lebanon is recognized as a biodiversity meso-hotspot within the Levant. This study presents a list of vascular plants endemic to Lebanon, detailing their taxonomic diversity, comparing them with the floras of Egypt, Iran and Turkey, and examining their life forms, spatial distribution across key geomorphological features, and conservation status. The list, comprising 169 taxa belonging to 37 families and 99 genera, was compiled through a comprehensive review of published literature, examination of herbarium specimens, and insights from field observations. The five most endemic-rich families are Asteraceae (18.9%), Lamiaceae (14.2%), Fabaceae (11.2%), Caryophyllaceae (5.9%), and Iridaceae (5.9%). The most endemic-rich genus

SUBMITTER: El Zein H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12322683 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature