Vegetation analysis of some wadis in the Egyptian Mediterranean desert With 2 Figures and 3 Tables

Abstract

Abstract The present study determines the variation in the phytosociological structure of wadi Washka and wadi Nethely in the western Mediterranean region of Egypt. Four vegetation groups were recognized in wadi Washka (A: Hammada scoparia‐Plantago albicans , B: Scorzonera alexandrina‐Hammada scoparia , C. Scorzonera alexandrina‐Launaea resedifolia , D: Suaeda pruinosa‐Salsola tetrandra ) and five in wadi Nethely (I: Gymnocarpos decandrum‐Helianthemum stipulatum , II. Scorzonera alexandrina‐Plantago albicans , III: Arisarum vulgare‐Thymelaea hirsuta , IV: Anabasis oropediorum‐Scorzonera alexandrina , V: Salsola tetragona‐Pancratium maritimum ). Two phytosociological groups were recognized in addition to those identified in the previous studies. The first is codominated by Anabasis oropediorum and Scorzonera alexandrina and characterizes the plateau of wadi Nethely and the second is codominated by Arisarum vulgare and Thymelaea hirsuta and characterize the lower position near the cultivated bed of the wadi. Among soil factors affecting the distribution of vegetation groups are moisture content, Clay, CaCO 3 %, Ca ++ and K + . Nomenclature follows Täckholm (1974).