Investigating some challenges in domesticating native plants of Iran-o-Turanian phytogeographical region for Iran's urban landscaping

Iran-o-Turan's phytogeographical region covers 85% of the area of Iran and includes a large number of native plant species in this arid and semi-arid climatic region of the world. They have aesthetic, medicinal, industrial and commercial potentials and are well adapted to drought conditions of the region. They are, therefore, valuable resources for native landscaping in Iran. However, there are challenges in domesticating these plant species for application in urban landscapes. Using desktop studies and based on field investigation experiences of the co-authors during the last decades, this paper first introduces Iran-o-Turanian phytogeographical region and its major vegetation forms. It will then describe some challenges on adaptation of the important plant forms and groups from this phytogeographical region for application in urban landscaping of Iran. The outcome of this study can provide a step forward introducing native plants of this important region into its adjacent urbanized landscapes. It can, therefore, provide knowledge on sustainable native urban landscaping using flora of Iran's arid and semi-arid environments.