On the ecology and phytosociology of el-Omayed Area, Egypt

Abstract EN

The average of density for 62 perennial species in five types of habitats was recorded.

The highest density in coastal sand dune habitat was contributed by Lacunae resedifolia while, in saline depression, inland plateau and ridge the highest account was recorded for Salsola tetrandra, L.

resedifolia, Scorzonera undulata.

The ridge habitat contributed the highest number of species (32 species) while the lowest number was attained in the non-saline depression (20 species).

Sixty-two species belonging to 24 families were recorded.

The highest contribution was presented by members belonging to family Compositae followed by Gramineae and Chenopodiaceous (15, 13 and 13%, respectively).

On the community levels, the plant of inland ridge exhibited the highest abundance in terms of absolute density while plant community of the non-saline depression exhibited the lowest value.

Most perennial species exhibit their greatest phonological activity during winter and spring and were less active or dormant during autumn.

However, some species particularly most shrubs and sub-shrubs, continue to be active throughout the whole year (e.g.

Deverra tortuosa, Helianthemum lippii, and Artemisia herba alba).

The most common life-forms were of the woody species (76%) which include 41% non-succulent leaves and 5% succulent leaves, while the contribution of herbs represented 25%, of which 5% were non-succulent leaves.

The tallest plants recorded during the growing season in the whole area were those of Thymelaea hirsuta, Lycium shawii and Anabasis articulate were among shrubby species and Asphodel us ramosus of the perennial herbs and the grass Ammophila arenaria.

On the other hand, the sub-shrubs Helianthemum lippii and H.

kahiricum were the shortest.

Some other human activities have more impact on the vegetation than the over grazing by livestock.

The various