Pattern of geographical distribution and diversity of vascular plants: A case study of South Waziristan, Pakistan

A comprehensive plant survey in the district of South Waziristan for three consecutive years (2021–2023) was conducted to document the plant’s diversity and distribution patterns of plant communities. The study revealed the floristic compositions, habitats, biological spectra, climatic preferences, and chorological and phenological aspects of the plant resources. A very diverse flora comprising 295 species from 220 genera belonging to 75 families were found. Of them, Euphorbia talaina, Sulaimania otostegioides, and Scutellaria chamaedrifolia were recorded as endemics. Based on diversity the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae were leading families with respectively 47, 23, and 19 species. All other families possessed 5 or fewer species. The study uncovered a significant presence of 178 perennial and 216 herbaceous species. The region was dominated by Therophyte with 123 species, indicating the prevailing dry and harsh climate. Similarly, the leaf size spectrum showed 119 species to be microphyllous. One hundred ninety-four plant species were adapted to temperate climate, hence dominated by Irano-Turanian elements. The present investigation confirmed the diverse habitats of these plants due to prevailing diverse climatic conditions, variations in altitude, and landscapes features. This research marks the initial documentation of the area, offering fundamental data for prospective assessments concerning botanical resources.