About the genus Dionysia
Between 40 and 50 species are known up
to now, most of which are found in
Iran and Afghanistan. Most species grow on limestone, usually vertically under
overhanging rocks in crevices in a southeast to southwest position.
The altitudes where most of these plants are found varies between 1500 and
3500m.
Most species in Iran grow in the Zagros Mountains, this mountain chain runs
from the northwest of Iran in a southeast direction towards the
city of Shiraz.
Also further east in some isolated mountain ranges, some dionysia species can
be found. Some more species can be found in the Alborz mountains in the north
of Iran.
All species shown on this site were found in Iran, except Dionysia mira which
was found, and only grows, in Oman.
If you want more information about this fascinating genus, we recommend
the
book: The Genus Dionysia, written by Chris Grey-Wilson and published by the
Alpine
Garden Society in the UK.
