
          -11-

by a variety of forbs and grasses.  Some of the better plant communties
noted as the following,  named here for convenience and not in
accordance with any established ecologic terms, which, if they exist,
are unknown to me.

An Amygdalus-Pistacia association occupies much of the mountain
slopes in the area around Shiraz.  The scattered Pistachio trees and
wild Almond shrubs are accompanied by several species of thorny bush
Astagali and Artemisia with a thin ground cover of annual herbs and
grasses.  Among the latter Aegylops and several species of Bromis are
very common.  Both of the wild almonds are true xerophytes, one of
tall broom-like habit has green branches, ephemeral leaves, becomes a 
polypodial tree in size, is used as grafting stock, and will be discussed 
later.  The wild pistacio trees are very old, have been repeatedly
topped for firewood, and bear small edible nuts.  This community
occupies the rocky almost soilless slopes between 6000 and 8000 feet
on limy sedimentaries.

An Artemisia-Stipa association exists upon a wide pateau
between Shiraz and Isfahan, occupying elevations between 7500 and
8500 feet. The bushes are evenly dispersed, about knee-high, and are
accompanied by sparsely spaced grasses and other herbs.  A scattering 
of an ornamental species of Eremurus is present, but it becomes more
abundant at slighly lower elevations and just south of Abadeh formed
broad patches of white and pink over the alluvial valley flats.  The
life form of this association greatly resembles some of the pure
extensive stands of burr sage (Franseria species) of southern Arizonia,
as does the following.
        