Lebanon is part of the Mediterranean basin, which is one of the 34 “hot spots” on the planet. This region holds unique and rare bio-geographic zones characterized by a high level of biodiversity and endemism. Lebanon’s flora is a result of the congruence of many floristic-geographic elements that live today in many diversified landscapes.

According to the latest assessment of Lebanese flora (Tohmé and Tohmé 2006); more than 2600 plant species are recorded, of which 103 species are endemic to Lebanon (Leb), 336 endemic to Lebanon and other regional countries (Syria, Palestine and/or Turkey) and 745 endemic to the east Mediterranean region (EMR). Unfortunately, as in other circum-Mediterranean countries, the plant biodiversity is weakened by the strong impact of human activities.

Many species are considered to be vulnerable, while others have completely disappeared. Conservation efforts are a must in order to preserve this unique natural heritage. Conservation efforts for Lebanon flora start with a better knowledge of its flora with various approaches: botany, genomics, ecology and biogeography.

The main objectives of Lebanon e-flora are:

  1. To provide easy access to species information for amateurs, botanists, ecologists and plant geneticists.
  2. To share all the recent data and research work on Lebanon plant species from all national and international sources in order to update our knowledge on Lebanon plant species (taxonomic identity, conservation status, geographic distribution, genomic research).
  3. To create a discussion platform between all the experts in this field.