Plant diversity of the Lut Desert natural world heritage site: the hottest place on earth

Contrary to its harsh reputation, the Lut Desert—UNESCO's first Natural World Heritage Site in Iran and one of Earth's hottest places—hosts significant plant diversity. A 2021 study revealed that species richness and phylogenetic diversity increase monotonically with elevation, peaking at mid-high elevations (764–1386 m) due to milder temperatures and better soil conditions. The survey identified 76 plant species across five subregions, dominated by perennial shrubs and grasses adapted to extreme aridity, with the Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Sindian chorotype being most prevalent. Notably, one threatened species, Haloxylon persicum, was discovered, highlighting the desert's conservation importance. This challenges the perception of barrenness and underscores its role as a biological refuge vulnerable to climate change.

Hamidreza Keshtkar, Hassan Yeganeh, Mehran Maghsoudi, Winfried Voigt. (2026). Plant diversity of the Lut Desert natural world heritage site: the hottest place on earth. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.20237789