Current situation of the raudha's woody plant populations in the Central Saudi Arabia With 3 Figures and 3 Tables

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluates the size‐frequency distribution of six trees and shrubs (Tamarix aphylla, Ziziphus spina‐christi, Calotropis procera, Ricinus communis, Lagonychium farctum , and Lycium shawii) in two raudhas in the Central Saudi Arabia, in order to diagnose their current situation in relation to the prevailing environmental factors. The populations of five species had positively skewed size distributions which may represent rapidly growing populations with high reproductive capacity, and hence the long term stability. On the other hand, the population of Lycium shawii had a bell‐shaped distribution, therefore if its current situation continues, a reduction in its size is expected in the future. However, all the examined populations except those of Tamarix aphylla and Ziziphus spina‐christi seem to be under environmental stress.