Study about an Inventory of Flora in Um Dom Island (Khartoum State), Sudan

Abstract

This study documents and updates the flora information of Um Dom Island, Khartoum State, Sudan, as one of the partly stabilized islands. Collection, preparation and identification were made. Herbarium specimens were prepared and deposited in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum. Identified species were compared with specimens from the same Herbarium. This study showed that the area is rich in flora. Seventy four flowering plant species were identified belonging to thirty three different families. Thirty families of which were Dicotyledons and three Monocotyledons. Sixty six species were weedy and native flora to Um Dom Island. Eight species were cultivated species. A total of 89.2% of plant are spontaneous species and 10.8% are cultivated e.g. Tamarix nilotica is an indigenous plant to the island while Calotropis procera has been introduced from the surrounding semi desert area. There were no non-floral varieties identified. In the studied region, three layers of flora have been found. The upper most, tree layer is dominated by Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Faidherbia albida, and Prosopis juliflora. The second, shrub layer, is occupied mainly by Calotropis procera, Tamarix nilotica, and the third, herb layer, is dominated by Cyperus sp. Cenchrus prieurii. Families with high diversity are Poaceae which is represented by (11 species), Cyperaceae represented by (6 species) and Amaranthaceae, represented by (4 species). Human interference by overgrazing and cultivation are the most important factors that affect the vegetation of the area. This research will serve as a starting point and reference for future research in order to help and demonstrate how changes in plant cover can contribute to land degradation and an arid environment.