Abstract

Almond (Prunus dulcis; Syn. Amygdalus communis) is one of the most widely cultivated nuts in the world. Almond has several wild types, including more than 30 species. It has been reported that these species were adapted and distributed to the increasingly xerophytic environments of Central and Southwest Asia. Iran is the world’s most important gene pool for wild almonds. So far, 23 species and 7 of their interspecies hybrids have been reported in Iran. These species are distributed in different habitats of Iran, some of which are endemic. Therefore, without any doubt, almonds originated and were probably domesticated in this area and then spread to other areas.

Keywords:Prunus; Biodiversity; Bioclimatic requirements; Phytogeographical region; Euro-siberian; Irano-anatolian; Saharo-sindian