Natural Hyrcanian Populations of Persian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Iran

Most current populations of Persian walnut located in the Hyrcanian forest are small in size, consisting of only 20-30 trees each, and it is very difficult to distinguish natural populations from cultivated ones. The origin of Persian walnut communities in the Hyrcanian forest is very complex. Often local people collect nuts from these trees and plant them in other locations. Nuts can also be transferred or planted by animals including crows (Corvus spp.) and the fat dormouse (Glis glis). Persian walnut is present in two types of stands within these forests. At some locations walnut is found only as a rare species or as a mixed component associated with other forest species. At other locations walnut is the dominant or near dominant forest species. Under good ecological conditions, particularly deep soils and adequate water, it can become the dominant species of the Hyrcanian forest. Although there is currently a ban on cutting these stands, additional efforts to ensure conservation of the diverse populations of this valuable genetic resource are needed.