Plant life along the Saudi Red Sea coast islands : 2. Jabal Sabaya, Um alQamari, alAghtam and sequala

Abstract EN

The present study concerns with Jabal Sabaya & Um Al Qamari Islands, in addition to Al Aghtham and Sequala islets.

The studied area lies southwest Al Qunfida town, between the coordinates: Latitudes 18º35′-18º59′N, Longitudes 41º03′-41º40′E, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.

The investigated habitats have in common high values of readily soluble salts.

Five different varieties of plant habitats were recognized in Jabal Sabaya Island.

These are: 1.

coastal plains, 2.

wadis, 3.

hills, 4.

plateau with rocky substratum, 5.

runnels and drainage systems.

Meanwhile a dense thicket rings both Um Al Qamari Islands, whereas the centers are nearly barren.

The vegetation of Al Agtham and Sequala show a mosaic pattern.

Seventy-one species representing 33 families of vascular plants was recorded (2 trees, 11 shrubs, 18 frutescents, 12 perennial herbs & 28 annual herbs).

From these 48 species are confined to Jabal Sabaya Island.

Climatic aridity, edaphic characteristics, elevation above sea level, sea currents, birds, all contribute to the composition, structure and the pattern of vegetation.