Frequent Life Form Research Articles

Floristic diversity of the rocky habitats and plains of the coastal area of Abyan Governorate, Yemen

The present study deals with the floristic analysis of the Plain and coastal area of Abyan governorate. The present study reveals the presence of 266 species belonging to 179 genera and 68 families of vascular plants have been recorded. Based on species contribution, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Mimosaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Capparaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Asclepidiacea, were found as dominant families. Life-forms in order of importance were Hemicryptophytes (25.93%), Chamaephytes (24.81%), Therophytes (24.43%), and Phanerophytes (21.05%), while the least frequent life form class was Geophytes (3.38%), and Epiphytes (0.37%). The proportion of plant life forms in the study area is very close, indicating that the study area is predominantly desert in nature. The large spread of Acacia sp. shrubs indicates the desert climate in the study area

Wild Plant Diversity and Soil Characteristics of Desert Roadside Vegetation in the Eastern Desert

The wild vegetation of the Eastern Desert is characterized by openness and comprises perennials and ephemerals. The current study investigated the relationship between the edaphic factors of the natural vegetation along El Sheikh Fadl–Ras Gharib Road, Southwest Suez Gulf, in the northern sector of the Eastern Desert. The vegetation structure of the study area is relatively simple. The surveyed plants included 93 species from 22 families (51 perennials and 42 annuals). Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Fabaceae were the richest families, constituting the majority of plant species (53.76%). Therophytes were the most frequent life forms. About 83.87% of the total flora were pluriregional elements of different affinities. Most of the recorded taxa occupied the Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Sindian/Sudano-Zambezian chorotypes. The application of TWINSPAN classification resulted in grouping the vegetation into three main vegetation groups (A, B, and C), representing distinct microhabitats. The CCA ordination indicates diversity in vegetation group A. Group B was highly associated with Na, Mg, CaCO3, silt, clay, and C/N. Group C showed a high correlation with sand, K, and N. The differences in wild plant life forms, richness, and diversity along the studied desert roadsides, in association with the soil differences, provide a good indication of plant biodiversity.

Croatian freshwater bryoflora-diversity and distribution.

An extensive macrophyte field survey of running and standing waters was conducted from 2016 to 2021 at 786 sampling sites across Croatia as a part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. This survey is the first to present a comprehensive floristic catalogue of the freshwater bryoflora, along with an analysis of the distribution and diversity patterns on a national level. In all, 83 bryophyte species (68 mosses and 15 liverworts) were recorded in the 228 sites, with average species richness of 4.17 species per site. The most frequent species were Fontinalisantipyretica, Rhynchostegiumriparioides, Leptodictyumriparium and Cratoneuronfilicinum. The majority of the species encountered were rarely found, with over 70% of species recorded on less than 10 sampling sites and the majority of the species not being truly aquatic, rather being classified as facultative aquatics. The Dinaric Ecoregion, characterised by clean, cold, fast-flowing karstic rivers, especially in the Continental Subecoregion, supported higher freshwater bryophyte diversity than the lowland Pannonian Ecoregion, with mostly slow, eutrophic lowland watercourses with unstable sandy and gravelly alluvial sediments. Chorological comparison of Croatian eco- and subecoregions revealed the expected dominance of circumpolar and European elements, i.e. temperate chorotypes, as well as some biogeographical differences. The most frequent life forms were aquatic trailings and turfs. Amongst the recorded species, perennials and colonists were the most represented life strategies. The analysis of both the life-form and life-strategy spectra showed some differences amongst the Croatian regions, supporting the fact that the Dinaric Ecoregion provides more truly aquatic habitats and microhabitats suitable for the freshwater bryophytes, while in the Pannonian Ecoregion freshwater bryophytes dominantly inhabit the periodically submerged riparian zones, for example shaded lowland forest streams and rivulets or gently sloping margins of rivers and lakes.

The Endemic Vascular Flora of Sardinia: A Dynamic Checklist with an Overview of Biogeography and Conservation Status.

The vascular flora of Sardinia has been investigated for more than 250 years, with particular attention to the endemic component due to their phylogeographic and conservation interest. However, continuous changes in the floristic composition through natural processes, anthropogenic drivers or modified taxonomical attributions require constant updating. We checked all available literature, web sources, field, and unpublished data from the authors and acknowledged external experts to compile an updated checklist of vascular plants endemic to Sardinia. Life and chorological forms as well as the conservation status of the updated taxa list were reported. Sardinia hosts 341 taxa (15% of the total native flora) endemic to the Tyrrhenian Islands and other limited continental territories; 195 of these (8% of the total native flora) are exclusive to Sardinia. Asteraceae (50 taxa) and Plumbaginaceae (42 taxa) are the most representative families, while the most frequent life forms are hemicryptophytes (118 taxa) and chamaephytes (106 taxa). The global conservation status, available for 201 taxa, indicates that most endemics are under the ‘Critically Endangered’ (25 taxa), ‘Endangered’ (31 taxa), or ‘Least Concern’ (90 taxa) IUCN categories. This research provides an updated basis for future biosystematics, taxonomic, biogeographical, and ecological studies and in supporting more integrated and efficient policy tools.

Spatial and temporal variation of the macrophyte assemblage in Santo Tomás, a wetland in the Caribbean Colombian

Abstract: Aim The associated flood events to floodplain of many rivers in the world affect the composition and structure of aquatic biota due the water levels variation can ensure ecological integrity of associated wetlands. This study describes the spatial and temporal variation in the macrophyte assemblage in the Santo Tomás wetland during seasonally flood-pulsed of the Magdalena River (North of Colombia). Methods For eight months, between 2017 and 2018 samplings were carried out in three stations for composition and abundance of aquatic macrophytes. Spatio-temporal pattern of richness was estimated with Chao methodology and vegetation cover was calculated using Kruskal-Wallis and U Mann-Whitney tests. A range abundance curve was used for species dominance between samplings and stations. A non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) was used to analyze the Spatio-temporal distribution, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (ACC) was performed to relate the physicochemical variables to the species composition. Results A total of 24 species of aquatic plants distributed in 23 genera and 15 families were registered in the transects. The most abundant species (% of vegetation cover) were Ipomoea aquatica (19%), followed by Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (14%) and Eichhornia azurea (13%). The most frequent life form was free-floating, followed by the emergent one. The Spatio-temporal changes and the highest values of richness and vegetation cover in the Santo Tomás wetlands occurred during the filling and high waters period. L. helminthorrhiza, E. azurea, Pistia stratiotes, Neptunia oleracea, I. aquatica, Salvinia auriculata, and Hymenachne amplexicaulis were the most dominant species. The quality water of Santo Tomás Wetlands showed spatial and temporal variations during flooding pulse and some physicochemical variables such as organic matter (COD, BOD5), pH, depth, ammonia, and fecal coliforms were related to macrophyte community composition Conclusions Spatial and temporal changes of aquatic plants in Santo Tomás wetlands were related to the flooding pulse of Magdalena River.

Flora and Phytochorology of Lahij Governorate of Yemen: 1- Systematic Revision of Wild Legumes of the Family Fabaceae

The current study presents a revision of the family Fabaceae in the flora of Lahij Governorate, South Yemen. The recorded taxa were systematically revised and life form, lifespan, and phytogeographical affinities were analyzed. 63 taxa belonging to 20 genera of three subfamilies (Caesalpinioideae, Faboideae, and Mimosoideae) were recorded. For each species, accepted name, synonyms (if any), and local distribution are given. Keys to subfamilies, genera, species, and infra-specific taxa of polymorphic species are provided. The recorded taxa consist of 76.19% perennials and 23.81% annuals. Phanerophytes, chamaephytes, and therophytes were the most frequent life forms. Phytogeographical analysis revealed that the Sudano-Zambezian elements are the most dominant, forming the major constituent (¼ of the recorded plants) of the legume floristic structure. The most diverse genera were Acacia s.l. (13 taxa), Indigofera (12 taxa), Tephrosia (7 taxa), Crotalaria, and Senna (6 taxa each), accounting for about 69.84% of the total taxa recorded. Two species (Acacia hunteri Oliv. and Zygocarpum yemenense (J.B.Gillett) Thulin & Lavin) are endemic to Yemen. Besides, six species (Acacia edgeworthii T. Anders., Acacia johnwoodii Boulos, Cadia purpurea (Picc.) Ait., Crotalaria saltiana Andrews, Indigastrum costatum subsp. goniodes (Hochst. ex Baker) Schrire, and Tephrosia heterophylla Vatke) are considered near endemics.

Phytosociology Of Echinops Giganteus In The Western Highland Of Cameroon

Echinops giganteus (Asteraceae) is a shrub native to Cameroon, and it exists in the wild state in village territories. It is of potential interest to the perfume industry and is occasionally exploited for culinary (condiment) and medicinal uses. The poor management of the natural environment of Echinops giganteus, accompanied by uncontrolled intensive agriculture, has led to several consequences. The natural vegetation and soil has also been severely degraded. A field study was conducted to investigate the floristic composition and ecological spectrum of plants that live in association with Echinops giganteus using the phytosociology approach of BraunBlanquet. Assessment of the floristic composition was done in 45 plots of 25 m² in a savannah vegetation system. Plant species identified were characterized by floristic diversity and functional traits (growth forms, life forms, diaspores types, dispersal syndromes and phytogeography). The flora consisted of 121 plant species belonging to 91 genera and 34 families. Asteraceae (24 species), Poaceae (23 species) and Fabaceae (22 species) were classified as the richest families. The species diversity indices were: Simpson (0.06), Shannon-Weaver (6.92), and Species evenness (0.70). The most frequent life forms were chamaephytes (38.93%) and the least were therophytes (12.61%). Microphylls (26.05%) was the most dominant leaf size. Anemochory (50.42%) was the dominated dispersal syndrome while the least was zoochory (13.88%). Investigation of the geographical distribution indicated that 29.41% belonged to pantropical species. Effective conservation cannot be obtained without a thorough knowledge of the ecosystems present in an area. Consistent vegetation classifications and descriptions form the basis of conservation and monitoring exercises to maintain biodiversity.

Floristic Diversity and Phytogeography of JABAL Fayfa: A Subtropical Dry Zone, South-West Saudi Arabia

The present study surveyed the flora of the Jebel Fayfa region, South-West Saudi Arabia to analyze four elements of the vegetation: floristic diversity, life form, lifespan, and phytogeographical affinities. A total of 341 species of vascular plants were recorded belonging to 240 genera in 70 families, of which 101 species distributed among 40 families were considered as new additions to the flora of Jabal Fayfa. Six species are considered endemic to the study area while 27 are endangered. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. The flora of Jabal Fayfa exhibited a high degree of monotypism. A total of 20 families (28.57%) were represented by a single species, and 180 genera (75.00%) were monotypic. The recorded flora consists of 70.09% perennials and 29.91% annuals. Phanerophytes and therophytes were the most frequent lifeforms. Phytogeographical analysis revealed that the biregional elements of the Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambezian chorotype are the most dominant chorotypes (35.48%), forming two-thirds of the floristic structure in Jabal Fayfa. The new additions to the local flora of the region indicate that the Jabal Fayfa region and the country need further thorough botanical exploration and documentation which would help in adding several species to the flora of Saudi Arabia.

Plant Diversity and Composition Changes along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Isolated Volcano Sumaco in the Ecuadorian Amazon

The paramo is a unique and severely threatened ecosystem scattered in the high northern Andes of South America. However, several further, extra-Andean paramos exist, of which a particular case is situated on the active volcano Sumaco, in the northwestern Amazon Basin of Ecuador. We have set an elevational gradient of 600 m (3200–3800 m a.s.l.) and sampled a total of 21 vegetation plots, using the phytosociological method. All vascular plants encountered were typified by their taxonomy, life form and phytogeographic origin. In order to determine if plots may be ensembled into vegetation units and understand what the main environmental factors shaping this pattern are, a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis was performed. In addition, species turnover was quantified in order to appreciate the quantity and sort of species which are responsible for the similarity or dissimilarity between vegetation units. Therefore, a SIMPER similarity percentage analysis was conducted. We encountered 68 plant species belonging to 54 genera and 31 families, of which three are Ecuadorian endemics. The most frequent life forms were erect herbs, rosette and tussocks, whereas the least were cushions. At genus level, 44% of the Sumaco paramo flora was of tropical origin, followed by temperate (33%) and finally cosmopolitan (22%). The neotropical montane element was the most represented with 15 species, followed by the Austral-Antarctic with ten, wide temperate with another ten and cosmopolitan with seven. Regarding vegetation, four floristically distinct groups were segregated being lower gradient (3250–3500 m a.s.l.) and high altitude (3500–3800 m a.s.l.)

Floristic features and vegetation classification of the Hulun Buir Steppe in North China: Geography and climate-driven steppe diversification

This study aims to present a comprehensive description of the plant communities of the Hulun Buir Steppe based on floristically complete vegetation records as a baseline reference for future ecological and palaeoecological studies. We identify the main vegetation types in the Hulun Buir Steppe, provide their formal definitions and describe their species composition, habitat affinities and distributions. Floristic features (including floristic composition, life form and plant water ecotypes, floristic geographical elements) were also assessed. We recorded a total of 765 vascular plant taxa belonging to 68 families and 327 genera. The Hulun Buir Steppe indicates typical temperate steppe vegetation where the most frequent life form is hemicryptophytes with the maximum number of species. The most frequent water ecotype of Hulun Buir Steppe is typical-mesophytes. And the most frequent geographical element is the East Paleo-Arctic element. According to China vegetation classification system (China-VCS), the classification of 371 relevés resulted in assignment into 31 formations (Form.) grouped into threeVegetation-types and eleven Vegetation-subtypes. Hulun Buir Steppe vegetation classifications were described for the first time based on complete floristic data and community survey data. Our conclusions show that among the 765 vascular plant taxa, the main plant group among all vascular plants in terms of species numbers comprises dicotyledons, followed by monocotyledons and pteridophyta, with gymnosperms demonstrating the lowest numbers. The life forms are dominated by hemicryptophytes, the water ecological type is dominated by typical-mesophytes, and the floristic geographical element is dominated by the East Palaeo-Arctic element. Plant community types are diverse and can be conceptualized as meadow steppe, typical steppe and desert steppe. The vegetation types of the Hulun Buir Steppe are mainly affected by geographic variables and climatic factors: the geographic variables are mainly affected by the change in precipitation caused by the longitude gradient, while the climatic factors are mainly affected by the East Asian winter monsoon caused by the Siberian High and the East Asian Summer Monsoon caused by the Western Pacific Subtropical High. In addition, the surface runoff caused by forest snowmelt and seasonal rainfall, as well as the distance from the Greater Khingan Mountains, also affect the distribution of the Hulun Buir Steppe vegetation.

Checklist of Wadi Hassan flora, Northeastern Badia, Jordan

In this study, we survey the plant diversity of Wadi Hassan, which is located in the Northeastern Badia of Jordan, about 120 km east of Amman. All plant species were collected and herbarium specimens have been prepared, identified and deposited at the University of Jordan herbarium (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science). The final plant checklist includes 206 species belonging to 138 genera and 35 families. The most diverse families are Compositae (20.5%), Cruciferae (10.2%), Leguminosae (8.3%) and Boraginaceae (6.8%), followed by Caryophyllaceae and Gramineae (5.4%). These six families represent 60% of the total families recognized in the study area, while nine families each are represented by only one species. Most plants recorded are annual plants (61%), some plants are hemicryptophtes (18%) and camaephytes (15%), while the least frequent life form class was the phanerophyte shrub and perennial (0.5%). Chorological characteristics of the recorded flora show that Saharo-Arabian Region elements, Irano-Turanian elements and Mediterranean elements constitute (58%) of the total flora. This research shows that even small portion of the Jordan Badia such as the Wadi Hassan plant community has high species diversity. Thus, we recommended further of the unexplored Wadi plants communities of the Jordan Badia.

Ecological studies of Commiphora genus (myrrha) in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia

Commiphora, myrrha, is a pantropical genus and perform well in arid and semi-arid environments. This genus has economic importance. Distribution of Commiphora species and their associated species in Saudi Arabia has not been studied to date. The current study report on (a) characterization and distribution of plant communities including Commiphora species and (b) assessment of factors influencing ecological preferences of these species. Five species of Commiphora are recorded inhabiting mountain slopes, steep escarpments or hills consisting of igneous rocks, either granites or basalt with drought prone shallow soil. One hundred and twenty-six plant species belonging to 95 genera and 35 families were found associated with different Commiphora species. Therophytes showed the most frequent life form class and Sudanian region elements recorded the highest phytogeographical units (28%) followed by Tropical elements. Field study showed that Commiphora gileadensis and C. quadricincta preferred granite and basalt rocks exposed to erosion, while C. myrrah, C. kataf and C. habessinica grow on resistant coarse pink granite. The analysis of 240 sampling stands with TWINSPAN revealed the vegetation of Commiphora habitats into eight vegetation groups; each group represented a distinct microhabitat. Dendrogram obtained from a hierarchical classification showed that habitats of C. gileadinsis and C. quadricincta are more similar than those of other species. This similarity was confirmed by Jaccard and Sorenson similarity indices and by Pearson correlation coefficient. This investigation compiled the information/data to facilitate future range management of Commiphora species.

Diversity and life-forms of a woody-herbaceous community on the quartzite rocky complexes in the Brazilian Iron Quadrangle

Although campos rupestres are iconic rock outcrops with a high biogeographic value in Brazilian highlands, little is known about the drivers responsible for the plant community pattern. We studied the diversity and life forms of the woody and herbaceous components occurring along different phytophysiognomies of the quartzite rocky complexes in highlands of the Quadrangle, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A total of 130 plots were allocated in three phytophysiognomies along the pedogeomorphological gradient: i) herbaceous campo rupestre; ii) upper and lower strata of montane forest (capao florestal) and iii) scrub. Overall, 4 446 individuals were sampled, distributed among 218 species, especially from families: Asteraceae, in general; Myrtaceae, in the woody community; and Poaceae and Cyperaceae, in the herbaceous community. Species diversity, life forms, and abundance showed differences between phytophysiognomies. The most frequent life form was phanerophyte (montane forest and scrub), followed by hemicryptophyte (herbaceous campo rupestre). Our study reveals marked differences in the floristic composition, species richness, and life form spectrum among phytophysiognomies on a local scale. Such differences probably indicate that there is a high environmental heterogeneity at a small spatial scale.

Ecological significance of floristic composition and life forms of Riyadh region, Central Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh region is one of the hardest habitats in Saudi Arabia with a hyper-arid climate. This study was conducted to investigate floristic composition and plant life forms of Riyadh region and their ecological significance. Work aimed to determine the prevailing plant families and biological spectrum of their components that reflects the phytoclimate and adaptation to hyper-arid conditions of the region. Work involved field surveys of different locations in Riyadh region where plant specimens were collected and identified. Collected plant species were then listed according to their families and data were used to assess the contribution of different plant families to the flora of the region. Study of life forms was conducted to classify recorded floristic elements into categories that reflect environmental conditions prevailing in the region. Prevailing plant families were Asteraceae (17.4%), Poaceae (11%), Brassicaceae (9.9%), and Fabaceae (7%). These percentages reflect wide ecological ranges especially for Asteraceae and Poaceae. High presence of species belonging to Astreaceae and Poaceae can be attributed to their adaptation to harsh conditions as well as to effective wind dispersal strategies of their diaspores. While the most frequent life form classes were therophytes with 52%, and chamaephytes with 30%, phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes represented 9% and 8%, respectively. Predominance of therophytes and chamaephytes over other life forms is a response to hyper arid climate with insufficient rainfall and the nature of region of few available microhabitats that can support high percentage of perennials.

The Invasive Species Commelina benghalensis L.: A Step Towards The Biological Flora of Egypt

Invasive species Commelina benghalensis L. was investigated for its morphological, anatomical aspects. Ecological studies were carried out to explore the floristic composition of its community type and assess the factors that affect its invasion to the study area. Furthermore, proximate analysis, mineral composition, phytochemical screening and GC/MS analysis of secondary metabolites were studied to explore the nature of compounds present and evaluate its potential uses. Forty-seven weed species related to 21 families were recorded in C. benghalensis community type. Poaceae, Asteraceae and Brassicaceae were the most important families. Portulaca oleracea, Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Euphorbia heterophylla were the common associates. Therophytes were the most frequent life-form (78.7%). The chorological analysis showed the prevalence of paleotropical, cosmopolitan and Mediterranean taxa. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that pH, cations (calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium), anions (bicarbonates, sulphates and chlorides), soil texture (sand, silt and clay) and organic matter were the most effective soil variables for the distribution of C. benghalensis and its associated species in the study area. The highest values of succulence and mean leaf surface area were recorded in mango orchards, while the highest shoot length and phytomass were registered in the habitats of crop fields. The results also indicated that this plant is a valuable source of nutritional, mineral and phytochemical compounds; hence it can be used as potential source of relatively low-cost, palatable forage for livestock and might be of a very important medicinal value and should be explored further to extract new drugs. It should not be included in the harmful weeds.

THE SLOPE DOES NOT INFLUENCE UNDERSTORY COMMUNITY ON A BRAZILIAN MONTANE ATLANTIC FOREST

The understory is a component of great relevance to the flora and structure of tropical forests. Mountain environments, through physical factors, can show differences in the structure and composition of this stratum. We aimed to analyze whether there is a correlation between the slope and the understory plant community. A transition area between the Montane Dense Ombrophilous Forest and the Araucaria Forest in the Atlantic Forest in South of Brazil was analyzed. 63 plots of 1 m² were made, being equally subdivided into three slope classes (0-25%, 40-60%, and >80%). 93 species, 63 genera and 42 families were recorded. The richest families were Myrtaceae (15 species), followed by Lauraceae (7), Dryopteridaceae (6), and Rubiaceae (5). The most frequent life forms were arboreal (43 species), followed by herbaceous (24) and shrubby (11). 58 species were transient and 35 were resident. The richness and diversity indices showed no significant differences between the structure and composition of the slope classes. The ordination analysis could not distinguish any slope class grouping. This is possibly justified by the environmental homogeneity of the sampled area created by the density and regularity of the canopy, climatic stability, high organic matter and shallow soil.

The vascular plant flora of Hustai National Park, Mongolia: Composition, life forms, ecological groups and geographical elements

The present study gives an overview of the flora of Hustai National Park, which hosts southern outposts of boreal forests embedded in a matrix of typical steppes. We address floristic composition, life forms, ecological groups and geographical elements, and compare our data against studies from broadly similar regions. A total of 493 vascular plant species belonging to 246 genera and 65 families were recorded. The biggest plant families are Asteraceae (67 species) followed by Poaceae (56 species), Fabaceae (51 species), and Rosaceae (33 species), while 21 families were represented by only one species each. Mesophytes (32.5%) and xerophytes (25.4%) were the most frequent ecological groups, indicating a typical mountain steppe environment. Most species were hemicryptophytes (56.8%), followed by therophytes (18.7%) and cryptophytes (geophytes 10.5%), while the least frequent life form classes were chamaephytes (5.1%) and helophytes (0.2%). Asian chorological elements constituted 52.3% of the total flora, while Eurasian account for 30%, Holarctic for 14.8%, Asian‐American for 1.4% and Cosmopolitan for 1.4%. The Hustai mountain range thus represents a key example of the transition zone between the relatively moist Taiga forests and the drier steppe grasslands. These climate transitional zones are very sensitive to changing climate and land use.

Habitat heterogeneity and diversity of bryophytes in campos rupestres

Campos rupestres (rupestrian grasslands) are characterized by the presence of rock outcrops associated with an herbaceous-shrub physiognomy typically growing on quartzitic soils; they occur a wide variety of habitats. Bryophytes respond rapidly and efficiently to variation in microclimate. The present work aimed to study bryophyte species richness, diversity and composition, their life forms, and the substrates they colonize in exposed and shaded habitats in campos rupestres of Chapada Diamantina. Collections were made in 25 x 25 m sampling plots. One hundred and nine species were recorded and included a predominance of mosses (78 spp.) over liverworts (31 spp.). Most species (79 %) were restricted to one of the two types of habitat (exposed versus shaded). While the genera Campylopus, Polytrichum, Schlotheimia, Macromitrium and Syrrhopodon were prevalent in exposed habitats, Sphagnum, Lepidozia, Micropterygium, Bazzania and Odontoschisma prevailed in shaded habitats. The rupicolous community was more prominent than the other communities in both types of habitat. “Weft” was the most frequent life form in shaded areas, while “turf” predominated in exposed sites. The high number of rare, and exclusive, species illustrates the high degree of heterogeneity among bryophyte communities in campos rupestres, and demonstrates the importance of habitat heterogeneity for the high diversity.

Floristic diversity and vegetation structure of Al-Dissah area northwestern Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted on wadi Al-Dissah; a part of Jabal Qaraqir and its surrounding area in the Northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Jabal Qaraqir in Saudi Arabia is the first site to be assessed for the Important Plant Area (IPA) programme in the Arabian Peninsula. This paper has the objective of determining the floristic composition, species diversity and the vegetation structure of the plant communities, including a breakdown of its different life forms and chorology of the recorded species. A total of 63 species belonging to 61 genera and 31 families were recorded. One family; Adiantaceae belongs to Pteridophyta, while the other 30 families are angiospermae. About 35% of the recorded species in the study area are belonging to four families: Asteraceae and Poaceae had the highest contribution (each had 9.5% of the total species followed by Boraginaceae and Fabaceae (7.9% each). The data also reflect the high taxonomic diversity in the study area. The life form spectrum of the recorded species showed the prevalence of theorphytes (49.2%) followed by chamaephytes (17.5%), phanerphytes (14.3%), geophytes (9.5%), while the least frequent life form class was hemicryptophytes (7.9%). The chorological analysis of the recorded species in the study area showed the predominance of biregional taxa (50.8%) over the other phytogeographical elements followed by the monoregional (25.4%). The present study findings showed that most species belonged to Saharo-Arabian – Sudanian (15.9%) followed by Sudanian elements (11.1%). Only one endemic species is recorded in the study area; Dolichorhynchus arabicus I.C.Hedge & KitTan (syn Douepea arabica). It is a rare threatened endemic plant species in Saudi Arabia. It was locally in Wadi Qaraqir. Other rare species were Ficus palmata which is a small tree with edible fruits, belonging to family Moraceae, and Parietaria umbricola which is an annual species belonging to family Urticaceae. Plant species of Al-Dissah area were checked with international IUCN list. Eight of the recorded species in the study area are globally threatened and incorporated into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 3.1: Cyperus laevigatus, Mentha longifolia, Nerium oleander, Phragmites australis, Tamarix nilotica, Typha domingensis, Chrozophora tinctoria, Adiantum capillus-veneris. All of them are included in the least concern category. Five plant communities were recognized in the study area. The highest plant diversity was reported in plant communities which occupy the wet wadi bed where the perennial stream flows together with the nearby areas between palm trees; Phragmites australis and Mentha longifolia communities. As floristic analyses are the prerequisites for conservation of plant species, therefore, it is critical to examine the current status of floristic and species diversity to provide appropriate guidelines for developing effective system of conservation and management. Information from this study may provide a valuable reference for appropriate conservation and management of the study area.

Contribution to the knowledge of plant diversity and habitat types of non-forest vegetation in the subalpine belt of Mt Troglav and its surroundings (Mt Dinara sensu lato)

Mt Troglav, the largest mountain of the Dinara massif, is located on the border area between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the highest peak Veliki Troglav on the Bosnian side. A short floristic observation of the non-forest habitats of the subalpine belt, with some vegetation remarks, was conducted during July, 2011. In total, 151 taxa from 48 families were recorded. The most abundant families are Poaceae (9, 9%), Asteraceae (9, 3%), Rosaceae (8, 6%) and Fabaceae (7, 9%). The most frequent life form is hemicryptophyta and the predominant chorological type is Euro-Asian. Eleven taxa are endemic. Five EU habitat types from Annex I of the Habitats Directive were analysed: 6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands, 62A0 Eastern sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands (Scorzoneratalia villosae), 6230 *Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas in Continental Europe), 4070 *Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron hirsutum, 4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths. Also, some habitats that are not listed on the Habitats Directive, like the orders Atropetalia, Lamio albi-Chenopodietalia boni henrici and Adenostyletalia are shortly discussed. Those habitats on Mt Troglav are the result of human impact, which is today barely noticeable. Therefore, although the natural succession has been slow, seasonal grazing and mowing should be encouraged in those areas.