Characterization of the wild plants in Wadi Degla Protectorate, North Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the floristic characteristics of the wild plants in Wadi Degla Protectorate, including taxonomic diversity, life and sex forms, dispersal types, economic potential, threats, and national and global floristic distributions. Field visits were conducted during January and April (2021), and the study area was divided to 185 locations to comprise all the Wadi. From each location, plant and seed specimens were collected. In the present study, 161 plants belonged to 128 genera, and 43 families were recorded. They inhabited three habitats (upstream, midstream, and downstream). Therophytes were the most represented life form. Bisexuals were the most represented sex form. Sarcochores were the most represented dispersal type, followed by desmochores. For small geographic range - national habitat - non-abundant plants were the most represented rarity form. For national scales, the Mediterranean and Sinai regions were the richest wild plants. For global scales, the Saharo-Sindian and Mediterranean regions were the most represented elements. Medicinal plants were the most represented good, while solid wastes were the most represented threat.