Summary | This search was conducted during 2014 – 2017 in order to determine the distribution area of Iris unguicularis cretensis in the coastal region of Syria, to evaluate the current situation of its habitats, and to determine the best method to reproduce this plant and evaluate its nutritive value as forage. The distribution area was identified through 12 field trips at various types of parent rocks, expositions, and altitudes along the western versant of the coastal mountains in Syria. The properties of natural habitat was examined in 37 samples distributed along a gradient extending from 300 to 1000 m above sea level. Habitat data concerning topography, soil surface characteristics, accompanist plants, habitat type, characteristics of colonies, was collected. Seed germination of four treatments each contain six replicates (36 seeds) and vegetative propagation by rhizomes, have been tested. Nutritive value as forage was estimated by analyzing the chemical composition of its leaves in ACSAD laboratories. The results showed that Iris unguicularis cretensis occurs in abundance in the coastal region of Syria within diverse conditions of habitats, mainly at the edges of conifer and oak degraded forests, accompanied by degraded vegetation of Cistus salviifolius and Genista acanthoclada . Concerning the germination tests, results showed that soaking Iris seeds in water for 24 hours before planting, was significantly the best treatment. The study showed also the possibility of propagating Iris successfully with rhizomes. Leaves have a good nutritive value as a forage, and animals feed on it in late summer what generally mitigates the impact of overgrazing. This study provides important information about the ecology of this plant. |