Plant Diversity and Community Structure of the Main Wadis at High Altitudes of the Western Mountains at Taif, Saudi Arabia Y.M

23 Egypt. J. Bot., Vol. 60, No.2, pp. 325-346 (2020) Egyptian Journal of Botany http://ejbo.journals.ekb.eg/

Plant Diversity and Community Structure of the Main Wadis at High Altitudes of the Western Mountains at Taif, Saudi Arabia Y.M. Al-Sodany(1,2)#, S.A. BaZaid(1), H.M. Al-Yasi(1), A.A. Majrashi(1), K.F. Elharthi(1) (1)Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia; (2)Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.

HE PRESENT study aimed at surveying and identifying plant species distributed in the Tmain valleys at high altitudes in the study area, analyzing their vegetation, depicting the prevailing plant communities and assessing the role of the environmental conditions that affect the communities. Seventy-five stands were selected to represent the the vegetation physiognomy and the accompanying environmental variations. The species abundance, life forms, chorotype, and economic uses were determined. The total number of recorded species is 165 species belonging to 128 genera and 47 families. About 69.7% of these species are perennials and 30.3% were annuals. Poaceae and Asteraceae had the highest contributions to the total flora. Chamaephytes had the highest contribution, followed by therophytes, phanerophytes, hemicryptophytes and geophytes, while hydrophytes and parasites had the lowest contribution. The economic uses of the recorded species could be arranged in descending order as follows: medicinal > grazing > fuel > human food > other uses. The mono-regional and bi-regional species were the highest, while pluri-regional and cosmopolitans were the lowest. Of the monoregionals, 36 species were Sudano-Zambezian, 17 species were Irano-Turanean and 16 species were Saharo-Arabian. The application of TWINSPAN on the cover estimates of 165 species recorded in 75 stands, led to the recognition of 8 vegetation groups (communities) at 3rd level of classification I:( Mentha longifolia group, II: Salsola imbricata group, III: Cynodon dactylon group and IV: Pluchea dioscoridis groups on the wetland wadis, and V: Aerva javanica group, VI: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii group, VII: Calotropis procera group and VIII: Acacia gerrardii var. gerradii-Solanum incanum groups on multi-wadis).

Keywords: Communities, Chorotype, Economic uses, DECORANA, Taif, TWINSPAN.

Introduction independent of the precipitation regime of the area itself. The pattern of vegetation along wadi A wadi is a dried up riverbed found in the courses is determined by the nature of the drainage mountain valleys which come into their own after system, sediment grain size, groundwater level, heavy rains, when the rivers start running again frequency of overflow, distance from the wadi bed and the vegetation is restored. Some wadis have with respect to the water table and differences in year-round running water, with deep, cool pools. the catchment area. A vegetation pattern referred Wadis are green, lush oases of palm trees, grasses, to as a “wadi sequence” can be observed along and flowering shrubs. Two types of wadis can the courses of such wadis. Wadis in the central be distinguished: autochthonous wadis, which Arabian desert have been studied by long distance start and end in the same bioclimatic belt, and transects from Taif to Riyadh (Baierle & Frey, allochthonous wadis which transverse several 1986). regions. In allochthonous wadis, surface runoff, water supply and plant phenology are largely Biodiversity provides a wide range of useful

#Corresponding author email: [email protected]; T.P. No. 0020 1093534541 Received 4/12/2018; Accepted 7/11/2019 DOI : 10.21608/ejbo.2019.6512.1257 Edited by Prof. Dr. T. Galal, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. ©2020 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC) 326 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al.

biological resources. Fishing, gathering of foods The tropical regions of the Saudi Arabia and medicines from natural communities are still Kingdom, which is found in the south and important to the economy of the country (Alves southwest of the kingdom and located within & Rosa, 2007). Sustainable use of such resources Sudanian phytogeographical area, s characterized depends on conservation of the species used, their by rich plant diversity. The Sarrawat Mountains are habitats and the maintenance of the functioning distinguished by high altitudes for about 3700m ecosystems of which they are an integral part. above sea level near Abha city and decreasing Apart from individual species that we use, the gradually to north, associated with the heavy very existence of life on the planet depends on rains, high relative humidity and low temperature. biological processes. In all likelihood, loss of an Awdat et al. (1997) reported that these factors have appreciable proportion of biological diversity will contributed to the formation of a dense vegetation result in the demise of humankind. The balances of dominated by Juniperus procera associated with oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are Dodonaea viscose, Lavandula dentata, Psiadia maintained by plant life, whereas in diverse and rich arabica and Euryops arabicus, while at lower communities, microbes maintain soil formation altitudes it was dominated by Olea europaea ssp. and the balances of fertility of soils. It is likely forma dulcis and others. The present study aims that fewer organisms than are now present could at surveying and identifying plant species as well sustain all the processes that go to make the earth a as analyzing the vegetation of the main wadis functioning system. However, we do not have any in Taif region in terms of species composition, idea of just what is the limit to impoverishment diversity, abundance, life forms, economic uses of fauna and flora before function ceases. What and global distribution It aims also at depicting we do know is that if the global ecosystems the prevailing plant communities and assessing became dependent on only a few key species (in the role of the environmental conditions that other words, they came to resemble crop mono- affect the vegetation in the study area. cultures), an epidemic of some kind could render the entire system non-functional. Biodiversity is Materials and Methods therefore essential to the survival of humankind and its preservation is the responsibility of every Study area society on earth. This is especially relevant in Saudi Arabia extends over approximately 16º Saudi Arabia, where many of the ecosystems have degrees of latitude, from 16º 22՜ at the borders with small numbers of species and hence little in-built Yemen in the south; to 32 º 14՜ at the Jordanian redundancy (Wall & Nielsen, 2012). border in the north, and between longitudes 34º 29՜ E and 55º 40՜ E (Fig. 1). Taif region is located The Flora of Saudi Arabia and neighboring in the central foothills of the western mountains countries in the Peninsula has been neglected for at an altitude up to 2500m above sea level. It a long time due to inhospitable climate and other is an important place for the people due to its socio-cultural issues (Alfarhan et al., 1998). Earlier scenic views and fertile valleys, which support publications that cover this part of the world deal the growth of a favorable fruits and vegetables. with only the floras of those regions where the Agriculture had been the prime economic income vegetation is rich, or regions which have had easy in Taif. Historically the tribes of Taif grew wheat, access for exploration. Survey of annual plants, barley and fruits such as lemon, apricot, orange, that represent 60-70% of the total vegetation olive, peaches, pomegranate, watermelons, cover often results in an incomplete list of species grapes, almonds and dates. However, the due to the variation in the dormancy period of agricultural development has to pay a heavy the seeds or the fluctuating climatic conditions. price for the natural vegetation of Taif region. Migahid & Hammouda (1974) attempted to cover Over the years, vast areas of virgin lands have the flora of the entire region of Saudi Arabia for turned into agricultural lands, which resulted in the first time. Migahid (1988-1990) reported that the disappearance of many wild species including the mountainous southwestern Saudi Arabia is medicinal plants (UN-Habitat, 2016). remarkable for its comparably dense vegetation and species diversity. Floristic explorations have The climate of the study area is is typically resulted in the reporting of many new taxa and tropical and arid. The monthly mean of climatic records (Alfarhan et al. 1998; Alfarhan, 2000; Al- variables that recoded in Taif meteorological Turki et al., 2001). station (1997–2009) indicated that the monthly

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 327

average of minimum and maximum ambient air 1974), and 3- the human disturbance occurred temperatures ranged from 7.9±1.2 to 23.4±0.8°C in each stand (e.g., grazing, cutting and firing, and 22.9±1.1 to 36.3±0.8°C, respectively with a etc.). Nomenclature of the recorded species was total monthly mean of 23.2±5.1°C (Table 1). The according to Migahid (1978), Chaudhary (1999, mean maximum temperature (± SD) was 30.6 2000), Collenette (1999) and Boulos (1999, ± 4.8°C, while the average values of minimum 2000, 2002, 2005, 2009). Voucher specimens temperature was 15.8 ± 5.5°C. The mean monthly were deposited at the Herbarium of Biology humidity was 40.6±14.8%. The data from the Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University. last 10 years showed considerable inter-annual variation in the monthly amount (range 4.3±5.7- Vegetation measurements 294.1±383.8mm mo-1) and timing of rainfall. The Plant species abundance was measured using monthly amount of rainfall ranges from 4.3±5.7 visual cover estimates and presence/absence mm mo-1 in December to 294.1±383.8 mm mo-1 measurements (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, in September. 1974). Life forms of the recorded species were identified according to the Raunkiaer scheme Sampling (Raunkiaer, 1937). The Chorotypes of the Seventy five stands were selected randomly recorded species was gathered from Zohary in Taif region and its adjacent area (Fig. 1) to (1966, 1987), Feinbrun-Dothan (1978, 1986), and represent the vegetation physiognomy along Boulos (1999, 2000, 2002, 2005). The potential the environmental variations in 10 main wadis and actual economic uses of wild species were (El-Shakrah, Liyah, Al-Wahatt and Al-Waheitt, assessed on three bases of field observations, Wakdan, El-Qeim, Al-Maharam, El-Gadireen, information collected from local inhabitants and Masarrah, El-Arg and Ghadeer El-Banat). the literature (Allred, 1968; Truax et al., 1972; The stand size was 20x20m (approximates the Täckholm, 1974; Haslam, 1978; Feinbrun- minimal area of the plant communities). In each Dothan, 1978, 1986; FAO, 1979; El-Kady, 1980; stand, the following data were recorded: 1- list of Danin, 1983; Boulos, 1983, 1989; Mossa et al., species, 2- a visual estimate of the total cover (%) 1987; Zohary, 1987; Mandaville, 1990; Ayyad, and the cover of each species according to Braun- 1992; Belal & Springuel, 1996; Shaltout, 1997). Blanquet scale (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg,

Fig. 1. Distribution of 75 stands in Taif region (red point) by using Google Earth and their coordinates (GPS).

Egypt. J. Bot. 60, No. 2 (2020) 328 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al.

TABLE 1. Monthly variation in air temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS) and rainfall (RF) as recorded at Taif meteorological station.

Temperature ( ºC) RH WS RF Month -1 -1 Max. Min. Mean (%) (km hr ) (mm mo ) Jan. 22.9±1.1 7.9±1.2 15.4±1.0 58.7±5.6 5.5±0.5 12.1±12.0 Feb. 25.8±1.3 10.1±1.4 17.9±1.1 52.2±4.7 6.7±0.6 283.0±392.2 Mar. 27.5±0.9 12.0±1.2 19.8±0.7 46.5±7.1 7.2±0.9 22.5±23.7 Apr. 30.8±1.0 15.3±0.9 23.0±0.7 43.2±4.5 6.7±0.6 93.5±227.8 May 34.1±1.2 18.4±0.7 26.3±1.2 33.1±7.4 6.2±0.8 97.9±227.9 Jun. 36.3±0.8 22.2±0.9 29.4±0.6 19.6±4.2 8.3±0.6 141.8±314.4 Jul. 35.6±1.0 23.2±0.9 29.1±0.9 21.8±4.6 10.6±1.2 73.7±233.5 Aug. 36.3±0.5 23.4±0.8 29.5±0.4 27.5±4.4 9.7±0.9 92.8±229.2 Sep. 35.3±0.6 20.3±0.9 28.0±0.4 29.6±4.1 6.2±0.4 294.1±383.8 Oct. 31.2±0.7 15.3±0.6 23.5±0.6 39.7±7.9 5.0±0.4 88.0±231.8 Nov. 27.2±1.0 12.0±1.1 19.6±0.5 55.5±8.4 5.1±0.3 155.6±308.1 Dec. 24.4±1.4 9.3±1.0 16.7±1.1 60.0±6.0 5.1±0.7 4.3±5.7 Total mean 30.6±4.8 15.8±5.5 23.2±5.1 40.6±14.8 6.9±1.9 113.3±257.4 - The data are long term averages from Climatological Normals for KSA from 1997 to 2007 (Anonymous, 2008). - The F-value for each variable are calculated (ANOVA), ***:P≤0.001.

Soil analysis the heterogeneity of samples around their means Three soil samples (composite samples) were according to SPSS software (SPSS, 2012). collected and mixed from each stand as a profile at a depth of 0-50cm below the soil surface. The Results soil samples were brought to the laboratory in plastic bags shortly after collection, spread over The recorded species in the study area, their paper sheets, air dried, passed through 2mm sieve families, vernacular names, life forms, habits, to remove gravel and debris, and then packed chorotypes, abundance and their uses are listed in in paper bags ready for physical and chemical (Table 2). The total number of recorded species in analysis. Soil water extracts (1:5w/v) were the study area was 165 species belonging to 128 prepared for the determination of soil reaction genera and 47 families. About 69.7% of the recoded (pH) using a glass electrode pH-meter, salinity by species (115 species)were perennials and 30.3% a direct indicating conductivity bridge (mmhos (50 species) were annuals. The families Poaceae cm-1). Chlorides were estimated by direct titration and Asteraceae have the highest contribution to against silver nitrate using 5% potassium chromate the total flora (each 12.7% of the total species), as indicator. Carbonates and bicarbonates were followed by Fabaceae (6.7%), Solanaceae and evaluated by direct titration against 1N HCl using Chenopodiaceae (4.9% each), and Euphorbiaceae phenolphthalein and methyl orange as indicators. and Zygophyllaceae (4.2%). Twenty one families All these methods are discussed by Allen et al. were represented only by one species; 6 families (1974). were represented by two species; and 4 families were represented by three species. On the other Data analysis hand, 95 species (57.6% of the total species) Two-way indicator species analysis were common, 61 species (37%) were rare and (TWINSPAN) and detrended correspondence 9 species (5.5%) were very common. Five species analysis (DECORANA) were applied to the were recorded in all wadis: Acacia gerrardii var. cover estimates of 165 species in 75 stands to gerradii, Aerva javanica, Argemone ochraleuca, recognize the plant communities in the study area Echinops spinosuss and Solanum incanum and 37 (Hill, 1979 a,b; Hill & Gauch, 1980; Gauch & species were recorded in more than 50% of the Whittaker, 1981). One-way analysis of variance wadis (e.g. Solanum incanum, Pulicaria undulate (ANOVA) was calculated for the means of the soil subsp. undulata, Belpharis ciliaris, Calotropis samples in relation to vegetation groups to assess procera and Ricinus communis).

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 329 ------+ + + O ------+ + + + + + + + + + + F ------+ + + + E - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + M 9 9 6 9 3 9 7 3 5 10 2.3 9.10 9.10 9.10 9.10 2.4.9 Wadis 1,4,6,9 2.4.8.9 2.3. 6.7.10 1.2.3.4.5.9.10 1.2. 4.5.6. 9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 III VI VII VII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII II, III VI, VII groups I, III, IV VII, VIII III, V, VI III, V, II, III, VII Vegetation Vegetation I, II, III, IV III, VII,VIII I, II, III, IV,V I, III, V, VI, VII I, III, V, IV, VI, VII, VIII IV, VI, VII, VIII IV, II,V, VI, VII, VIII II,V, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, V, II, III, IV, VI, VII, V, II, III, IV, I, II, IV, VI, VII, VIII I, II, IV, C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C R R R CC Abundance IT TR TR TR TR TR TR SU SU SU SU SU SU SU SA SA SU SA ME ME PAL IT+IN IT+SA COSM Chorotype Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per. Per. Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Habit G Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th He Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Life form Family Poaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Aloaceae Fabaceae Aizoaceae Malvaceae Asteraceae Brassicaceae Papaveraceae Plantaginaceae Asphodelaceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae Asclepiadaceae Asclepiadaceae Chenopodiaceae (Moq) Brot. Laver. &Collen. Laver. turcomanica L. L . Sweet L. (Forssk) Muschl A. Rich Var. Var. L. L. L. L. aestivus L Roem (Boiss.) Muschl. (L) Pennell Benth.var.gerrdii (Burm.f.) juss.ex schult Schweinf (Forssk) Hayne (L.) Juss. ex Schult. (Forssk) willd Delile sp.aff sp.aff Species Abutilon bidentatum Acacia asak Acacia etbaica Acacia gerrardii Acacia seyal Acacia tortolis Aerva javanica Aerva lanata Aizoon canariense Aloe pseudorubroviolacea Ined. Amaranthus albus Amaranthus graecizans Amaranthus hybridus Amaranthus lividus maritima Ambrosia Anastatica hierochuntica ochraleuca Argemone Arsetida congesta Asclepisa fruticosus Asclipias sinaica Asphodelus Astragallus spinosus Atriplex leucoclada Zohory Bacopa monnieri TABLE 2. Floristic composition of the main wadis at Taif region. Taif 2. Floristic composition of the main wadis at TABLE

Egypt. J. Bot. 60, No. 2 (2020) 330 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al. ------O ------+ + + + + + + + + F ------+ + + + + + E - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + M 9 9 5 9 2 9 9 9 3 3 3.4 3.8 1.4 9.10 3.4.6 3.4.9 2. 8.9 Wadis 4. 9.10 2. 4.5. 9 2.3.4.9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8 2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9 1.2.3.4.5. 8. 10 1.2.3.4.5. 8.9.10 I V V III VI VII VII VII VII VIII VIII VIII VIII III, VII groups I, III, IV V, VI, VII V, Vegetation Vegetation V, VII, VIII V, III, VII, VIII VI, VII, VIII VI, VII, VIII VI, VII, VIII I, IV, VII, VIII I, IV, II, III, IV, VI, VII II, III, IV, I, II, III, IV,V, VI, VII, VI, I, II, III, IV,V, I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII I, II, III, V, C R C C R R R C C C R R C C C R R C C C R R R C Abundance TR SU SU SU SA SU SU SU SU ME PAN Pluri SA+IT COSM COSM COSM COSM SA +IT SA IT+ME ME+IT SA+SU Chorotype ME+IT+EU SA+ME+EU Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Habit Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th He He He He He Ch Ch Ch Life form Family Poaceae Poaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Acanthaceae Capparaceae Capparaceae Brassicaceae Crassulaceae Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitaceae Nyctaginaceae Nyctaginaceae Nyctaginaceae Nyctaginaceae Euphorbiaceae Asclepiadaceae Convolvulaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Aiton . T . L. W Meikle ) Schrad. (Delili) Spreng (vahl) Cope (L). Medik. (Stocks) Hook.f. Sch.-Bip. Meikle L. L. L. (L) Schrad Aiton (L.) Cronquist ( Fisch L. (Thunb).Mast. (L) veill Sw. ruepellii L. sp. aff. sp. aff. Commicarpus ambiguous Species Belpharis ciliaris Bidens pilosa procera Calotropis Capparis sinaica Capparis spinosa Capsella bursa-pastoris forsskaolii Centropodia Chenopodium album Chenopodium ambrosioides Chenopodium murale Chenopodium opulifolium Chloris barbata oblongifolia Chrozophora Citrullus lanatus Citrullus colocynthis Commicarpus mistus Commicarpus plumbagineus Commicarpus sinuatus Convolvulus arvensis Conyza bonariensis Crassula shimperi Crepis Ctenolepis cerasiformis TABLE 2. Cont. TABLE

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 331 ------+ O ------+ + + + + + + + F ------+ + + + E ------+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + M 9 9 9 3 9 1 3 8 2 3.4 4.5 3.4 9.10 9.10 6.7.9 3.4.6 Wadis 2.3.4. 6.7 3.4.5. 8.10 1. 4.5.8.10 4. 6.7.8.9.10 2.3.4.5.8.9.10 2.3.4. 6.7. 9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6. 8.9. 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 I VI VI VI VII I, II VIII VIII VIII I, III I, III V, VIII V, groups I, II, IV VI, VIII VII, VIII VII, VIII Vegetation Vegetation VI, VII, VIII , VI, VII, VIII I, II, III, V, VII I, II, III, V, II, VI, VII, VIII IV, VI, VII, VIII IV, I, IV, VI, VII, VIII I, IV, I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VI, I, II, III, IV, I, III,V, VI, VII, VIII I, III,V, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII II, III, V, C C R C R C C R C C C R R R C R R R C C C C C C Abundance TR TR TR TR SU SA SU SU SU PAN PLuri IT+SA COSM COSM IT +SA IT SA+SU SA+SU ME +IT SA +SU SA SA+ME endemic Chorotype SA+ME+IT TR+EU+PAN per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Habit P G Ph Ph Ph Th Th Th Th Th Th Th He He He He Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Life form Family Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Moraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Solanaceae Myritaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Sapindaceae Brassicaceae Boraginaceae Cucurbitaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Euphorbiaceae Asclepiadaceae Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllaceae Convolvulaceae (Naudin) (Vahl) Berg. (Vahl) . dissectus (L) Wild . Wild (L) (Lavr). Schweinf. L.f. (N.l.Burm.) Labill L.var L.var Forssk. Daveau. Ledeb. L. Decne. L. Kunth L. ammak DC. Steud. Ehrenb. salicifolia (L) Pers. Parl. Mill. Burm.f. ssp. (L.) Hassk. sp.aff. sp.aff. Species prophetarum Cucumis C. Jeffrey. Cuscuta pedicellata Cylindrilluma solenophora Cynodon dactylon Cyperus articulates Cyperus laevigatus Dactyloctenium aegyptium Datura innoxia Digitaria nodosa Dodonaea angustifolia Echinops spinosus Echiochilon persicum Eclipta alba barrelieri Eragrostis Eucalyptus globulush Euphorbia cactus Euphorbia Euphorbia serpens Euphorbia granulata Euryops arabicus Fagonia bruguieri Fagonia indica Farsetia longisilqua Ficus cordata TABLE 2. Cont. TABLE

Egypt. J. Bot. 60, No. 2 (2020) 332 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al. ------+ + + + + + O - - - - - + + + + + + + F ------+ + + + + + E - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - + + + + + + + + + + + + + M 4 4 2 9 9 9 1 9 9 9 2 4.9 6.7 9.10 9.10 9.10 2.3.6 Wadis 3.4.5.7 1.2.3.4. 9 1. 3.4. 9.10 1.2. 4.5. 9.10 1.2.3.4.5. 8.9 2.3. 5.6.7.8.9.10 1.2.3.4. 6.7. 9.10 1.2.3. 5.6.7.8. 10 I II V V V III VI VI VII VII VII VIII III, IV III, VII groups VI, VIII I, V, VII I, V, II, III, IV V, VI, VIII V, Vegetation Vegetation IV,V, VI, VII IV,V, I,V, VII, VIII I,V, I, II, III, IV,V III,VI, VII, VIII IV, VI, VII, VIII IV, I, II, VI, VII, VIII I, III, IV, VII, VIII I, III, IV, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII II, III, V, C C R C C R R R C R C C C R R C R R C C C C C R CC CC Abundance TR TR SU SA SA SU ME ME PAN COSM COSM ME+IT ME+IT IT+ME SA+SU SA+SU SA +SU SA +SU SA Chorotype ME+SU+IT ME+IT+EU IT +SA +SU +SA IT Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Habit G Ph Ph Ph Ph Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th He He He Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch HH Life form Family Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Fabaceae Moraceae Urticaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Malvaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Lemnaceae Capparaceae Sterculiaceae Boraginaceae Boraginaceae Cuprassaceae Molluginaceae Convolvulaceae Convolvulaceae Caryophyllaceae . (Rich.) K. Serm . Pic L. ) . L. L. abyssinica Viv Fresen. Hoschst ( ( Cass. ) N. Kilian. & schult Decne (L.) Raeusch. Forssk. L. Hochst. Forssk. Henarad L. (L) Huds . (Vent.) Vis. (Vent.) (spreng) mohr L. var. var. (L.) Sweet. L. Roem. Forssk. L. sp Schum. Species Ficus palmata Flaveria trinerva Forsskaolea tenacissima Glinus lotoides arbainse Heliotropium curassavicum Heliotropium Holosteum umbellatum Hyoscyamus Imperata cylindrica Indigofera spinosa Ipomoea aquatica Ipomoea cairica Juniperus procera Lasiurus scindicus Lathyrus saxatilis Launaea sonchoides Lavandula dentata Lavandula pubescens Lemna gibba Leptochloa obtusiflora Lotononis platycarpa shawii Lycium Malva parviflora crassifolia Maurea Melhania ovata Mentha longifolia TABLE 2. Cont. TABLE

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 333 ------+ + + O ------+ + + + + + + + + F ------+ + + + + + + + E - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + M 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 3.4 3.6 8.9 9.10 9.10 3.6.7 4.5.9 Wadis 1.2.4.5 1.2.5.9 3.4. 6.7 2.3.4.5.10 3.4.6.9.10 3.4.6.9.10 3.4.5.8. 10 2.3.4.5.6.8.9.10 2.3.4.5.6. 8.9.10 I I V I, II I, II VIII VIII VIII VIII I, IV II, VII I, III,V groups I, II, VII III,V, VI III,V, VII, VIII Vegetation Vegetation I, II, III, IV VI, VII, VIII VI, VII, VIII VI, VII, VIII I, III,V, VI, VIII I, III,V, IV, VI, VII, VIII IV, IV,V, VI, VII, VIII IV,V, II, III, IV,V, VI, VII, II, III, IV,V, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII II, III, V, III, IV,V, VI, VII, VIII III, IV,V, C R C C C R C R C C R C C R C C C C C R R R CC CC Abundance IT IT TR TR TR SU SA SU SU SU SA ME PAL PAN PAN PAN Pluri COSM SA+SU SA +SU SA Chorotype SA+SU+IT ME+SU+IT ME+IT+EU Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Ann Ann Ann Habit G G Ph Ph Ph Ph Th Th He He He He Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Life form Palmae Family Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Oleaceae Fabaceae Cactaceae Lamiaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Resedaceae Brassicaceae Brassicaceae Apocynaceae Euphorbiaceae Plantaginaceae Plantaginaceae Zygophyllaceae (Wall. ex G. (Wall. C.A. (Forssk) (Decne.) Norl. (Forssk) Hilu. . L. Delile. (Vatke) K. Schum. (Vatke) (Forssk.) Chiov. cuspidata R. BR. L. .(L.) Mill. L. (DC.) Oliv. & Hiern ex (DC.) Oliv. L. L. Boiss. (Forssk). Penz. Forssk. L. Desf Desf. L. L.ssp. L. Species parviflora Morettia Nasturtium officinale Ochradenus baccatus Ochthochloa compreesa Olea europaea Don) heteracanthum Onopordon Opuntia ficus-indica Oryza sativa Osteospermum vaillantii Otostegia fruticosa Panicum miliaceum Panicum turgidum Parkinsonia acueata Pasidia puncutulata Vatke. Paspalidium geminatum Paspalum distichum Peganum harmala Pennisetem setaceum tomentosa Pergularia Periploca visciformis Phoenix dactylifera Pistacia atlantica Plantago ciliata Plantago major TABLE 2. Cont. TABLE

Egypt. J. Bot. 60, No. 2 (2020) 334 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al. ------+ + + + + O - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + F ------+ + + + + + E - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + M 9 1 4 3 9 1 9 5 9 3 10 6.7 3.4 9.10 9.10 Wadis 1.2.4.5 3.4.5.6 3.6.7.9 2..4. 9.10 3.4.5. 8.9.10 2.3.4.6.7.8.9 2. 4.5.6 8.9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6. 8.9.10 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 I I I V VI VI VII VII VII VIII VIII VIII VIII groups I, II, IV VI, VIII VI, VIII II, III, VII II, VI, VIII Vegetation Vegetation VI, VII, VIII V, VI, VII, VIII V, I, II, III, IV,V, VII I, II, III, IV,V, II, III, IV,V, VI, VII, II, III, IV,V, II, III,V, VI, VII, VIII II, III,V, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII II, III, IV, I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII I, II, III, V, R R R C R R R C C C R R R C R C C R R C R CC CC CC Abundance IT TR SU SU SU SU SA SA SU SU SU SU PAN Pluri COSM ME+IT SA+SU SA+SU ME +IT Chorotype SA+ME+IT ME+IT+EU ME+IT+EU per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Habit Ph Ph Ph Ph Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th He He Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Life form Family Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Fabaceae Rosaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Rhamnaceae Brassicaceae Polygalaceae Polygalaceae Loranthaceae portulacaceae Polygonaceae Euphorbiaceae Zygophyllaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Caryophyllaceae (Dunal) Andr. (L.) Desf. (Benth.) sepicula Paiva L. steudneri barbatus (Forssk). Asch. & (Forssk). L. DC . (L.) C.A.Mey. subsp. (L.) C.A.Mey. L. Forssk. L. var. var. L. (Gouan) Breistr. (Willd). Bullock. (Willd). Lindley L. (Osbeck) M.C.Johnston. L. P.Beauv. Decne. Mill. sp.aff. sp.aff. L. sp.off. sp.c sp.off. Species Plectranthus Plicosepalus curviflorus Pluchea dioscoridis Polycarpaea repens Sehweinf Polygala Schwartziana Polygala Polygonum aviculare Polypogon monspliensis Polypogon viridis Portulaca oleracea Pulicaria undulata undulata Ricinus communis Rosa abyssinica thea Sageretia Salsola imbricata Salsola kali Salvia deserti Seetzenia lanata Senna italica Setaria viridis Sisymbrium irio Solanum glabrata Wood J.R.I. Solanum incanum Solanum lycopersicon TABLE 2. Cont. TABLE

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 335 ------+ O var. var. ------+ + + + + F - - - - + + + + + + + E Saharo- Arabian ; - Acacia gerrardii Acacia + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + G Economic uses - - - - + + + + + + + + + + M group; VI, 3 9 9 4.5 1.4 4.9 2.4 4.8 9.10 6.7.9 4.5.9 5.9.10 Wadis 1.3.4.9 6. 8.9.10 1.2.3.4. 8 2. 4.5.6.7.8. 1.2. 4.5 9.10 Aervajavanica 1.2.3.4.5.6.9.10 group; V, group; V, I I, II VIII VIII V, VI V, VI, VII VI, VII groups I, III, IV VII, VIII I,VI, VIII Vegetation Vegetation I, II, III,VII I, IIVII, VIII I, II, VII, VIII V, VI, VII, VIII V, V, VI, VII, VIII V, I, II, III, IV, VIII I, II, III, IV, I, II, VI, VII, VIII II, IV,V, VI, VII, VIII II, IV,V, I, II, III, IV,V, VI, VII, VI, I, II, III, IV,V, Plucheadiosocoridis C R R C C C C R C R C C C C R C R CC group; IV, group; IV, Abundance group. SA SA SU SU SA SU PAL PAN Pluri Cynodondactylon COSM COSM ME+IT ME+IT SA + IN SA Chorotype ES+IT+ME ES+IT+ME IT+ME+TR ME+IT+EU group; III, Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per Per. Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Habit gerrardii-Solanumincanum Ph Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th Th var. var. He He He He Ch Ch Ch Ch Life form Salsolaimbricata Acacia gerrardii Acacia gerrardii Family group; II, Poaceae Aizoaceae Typhaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Solanaceae Solanaceae Rhamnaceae Tamaricaceae Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllaceae Chenopodiaceae Scrophulariaceae group and VIII, group and Menthalogifolia (Murb.) Hub.- terrestris (Cav.) Benth. & (L.) F.W. Schmidt. (L.) F.W. (L) Desf. (Desf) De Winter in Boiss. L. Forssk. ex. J.F. Gmel. Forssk. ex. J.F. Calotropisprocera L. L. Lam. (L.) Dunal. deserticola Roxb. Wallr. L. L..var. (L) Mill. (Linn.) Jeffrey in Kew Bull. Kew in Jeffrey (Linn.) (Ehrenb). Bumge. sp.aff. sp.aff. group; VII, group; Species Solanum villosum Sonchus oleraceus Sonchus tenerrimus ciliata Stipagrostis Kirkia. Suaeda vermiculata nilotica Tamarix macropterus Tribulus terrestris Tribulus elephantina Typha picroides Urospermum Verbascum Mor. encelioides Verbesina Hook.F.exA.Gray somnifera Withania Xanthium pungens Xanthium spinosum Zaleya pentandra Ziziphus spina-christi Zygophyllum simplex TABLE 2. Cont. TABLE Life forms: Ch, chamaephytes; G,geophytes; parasites; P, Ph, phanerophytes; Th, therophytes. Ghadeer 10, Habit: and Per, El-Arg Perennial; Ann, 9, Annual; Masarrah; 8, Bi, El-Gadireen; 7, Biannual. Al-Maharam; Panotropic; COSM, IN, cosmopolitan; The India. Tropical; TR, EU, uses: Chorotypes: Med- Europian; 6, M, Turanian; Irano- PAN, medicinal; ME, G, Mediterranean; El-Qeim; Turanian; Irano- MIT, SU, Sudano- SA, 5, Zambezian; IT, Wakdan; 4, Al-Waheitt; and Al-Wahatt 3, Liyah; 2, El-Shakrah; 1, are: wadis The uses. other O, fuel; F, edible; E, grazing; El-Banat.The vegetation groups are: I, gerrardii

Egypt. J. Bot. 60, No. 2 (2020) 336 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al.

The life form spectra of the recorded species in the highest (90 species = 54.6%), followed by bi- the study area indicated that chamaephytes had the regionals (30 species = 18.2%), while the pluri- highest contribution (32.7% of the total recorded regional (22 species = 13.3%) and cosmopolitans species), followed by therophytes (31.5%), (13 species = 7.9%) were the lowest (Fig. 4a). phanerophytes (17.6%), hemicryptophytes Thirty six (21.8%) of the mono-regional species (13.9%) and geophytes (3.3%). While hydrophytes were Sudano-Zambezian elements, 17 species and parasites were the lowest with a total relative (10.3%) were Irano-Turanean and 16 species value of 0.6% (Fig. 2). Regarding the economic (9.7%) were Saharo-Arabian (Fig. 4b). uses, 158 species (95.8% of the total species) have at least one aspect of the potential or actual The application of TWINSPAN on the cover economic uses (Table 2). Sixty three species have estimates of 165 species recorded in 75 stands ≥ 3 (out of 5) economic aspects, of them 7 species during the study period, led to the recognition of have 5 economic aspects. These species are: Ficus 20 groups at the 6th level of classification and 8 palmata, Senna italica, Typha elephantine, Phoenix vegetation groups (communities) at the 3th level dactylifer , Peganum harmala, Lycium shawii and (Fig. 5). The application of DECORANA on the Maurea crassifolia. Ninety six species (58.2% of same set of data indicates a reasonable segregation total recorded species) were medicinal, 76 species among these groups along the ordination axes 1 (46.1%) were grazing, 41 species (24.9%) were and 2 (Fig. 6). The vegetation groups are named edible by man, 61 species (37%) were used as after the species that have the highest presence fuel and 19 species (11.5%) had other economic percentage (Table 3). uses (Fig. 3). The economic uses of the recorded species could be arranged in a descending order as It was indicated that four vegetation groups follows: medicinal > grazing > fuel > human food (communities) represent the wetland wadis (I: > other uses. Mentha longifolia, II: Salsola imbricata, III: 60 Cynodon dactylon, and IV: Pluchea diosocoridis) 50 and the other four groups represent the multi- 40 wadis V: Aerva javanica, VI: Acacia gerrardii 30 var. gerrardii, VII: Calotropis procera and VIII: 20 Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii-Solanum incanum). Number of species 10 0 I: Mentha longifolia group: It represents the wetland wadis (Wadi Al-Arg: 100% of its stands) and includes 52 species (31.5% of the total species). The most dominant species were: Ricinus Fig. 2. Life form spectra of the recorded species in communis, Tamarix nilotica. Mentha longifolia, Fig. 2. Life theform mainwadis spectra of the of recorded Taif region. species in the main wadis of Digitaria nodosa, Cuscuta pedicillata, Nasturtium Taif region. officinale and Ochthochloa compreesa. 100

II: Salsola imbricata group: It represents 80 wetland wadis (Wadi El-Arg: 100% of its stands) and includes 47 species (28.5% of the total 60 species). The most dominant species are : Tamarix nilotica, Polypogon monspliensis, Commicrapus 40 plumbagineus, Cynodon dactylon, Typha

Number of species 20 elephantine, Lycium shawii, Salsola imbricata, Solanum incanum and Atriplex leucoclada. 0 III: Cynodon dactylon group: It also Medicinal Grazing Fuel Edible Other uses represents wetland wadis (Wadi El-Arg: 100%

Fig. 3. Descending arrangement of the economic uses of its stands) and includes 49 species (29.7% of Fig. 3. Descendingof the recorded arrangement species of the in the economic mainwadis uses of of the recordedthe total species). The most dominant species Taif region. species species in the main wadis of Taif region.. are: Tamarix nilotica, Cynodon dactylon, Mentha Regarding the global phytogeographical longifolia, Xanthium pungens and Acacia asak. distribution, the mono-regionals elements were

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 337

a- 9% 14% Monoregional Bi-regional Pluri-regional 58% Cosmopolitan 19%

40 b- 35

30 25 20 15

Number of species 10 5 0

SU TR SA PAN ME IT PAL EU

Fig. 4. Chorotype spectra the recorded species recorded species species in the mainwadis of Taif region.EU: European, IT: Irano-Turanean,Fig. 4. Chorotype ME:spectra Mediterranean, the recorded species PAL: rec Paleotropic, orded species PAN: species Pantropic, SA: Saharo- Arabian, SU: Sudano-Zambezianin the main and wadis TR: Tropicalregionsof Taif region. EU: European, IT: Irano- Turanean, ME: Mediterranean, PAL: Paleotropic, PAN: Pantropic, SA: Saharo-Arabian, SU: Sudano-Zambezian and TR:

Tropical regions . VIII

VII

III

Fig 5. Dendrogram of the 8 vegetation groups derived after application of Fig. 5. Dendrogram of the 8 vegetation groups derived after application of TWINSPAN classification technique on TWINSPAN classification technique on the sampled 75 stands species in the main the sampledwadis 75 stands of Taif species region. in The the vegetation main wadis groups of are:. Taif I: regionMentha [Thelogifolia vegetation group, II:groups are: I: Menthalogifolia group, II: SalsolaimbricatSalsola imbricataa group, group, III: III: CynodondactylonCynodon dactylon group,group, IV:IV: PlucheaPlucheadiosocoridis diosocoridis group, V: Aerva javanica group, VI: Acaciagerrardiigroup, V:Aerva var. javanica gerrardii group, group, VI: VII: Acaciagerrardii Calotropisprocera var. gerrardii group andgroup, VIII: VII: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii -SolanumincanumCalotropis group]. procera group and VIII: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii - Solanum incanum group.

Egypt. J. Bot. 60, No. 2 (2020)

338 Y.M. AL-SODANY et al.

VI V III II

VIII

IV I C VII B A Fig.Fig 6. Cluster 6. Cluster centroids centroids of the 8 vegetation of the groups 8 vegetation derived after application groups derived of DECORANA after ordination application technique of on the sampled 75 stands in the main wadis of Taif region [The vegetation groups are:. I: Menthalogifolia DECORANAgroup, II: Salsolaimbricata ordination group, technique III: Cynodondactylon on the sampled group, IV:75 Plucheadiosocoridis stands in the group, main V: wadisAervajavanica of Taifgroup, region VI: Acaciagerrardii The vegetation var. gerrardii groups group, VII: are: Calotropisprocera. I: Mentha group logifolia and VIII: Acaciagroup, gerrardii II: var.Salsola gerrardii- Solanumincanum group]. imbricata group, III: Cynodon dactylon group, IV: Pluchea diosocoridis group, V:IV:Aerva Pluchea javanica dioscoridis group, group. VI: Acaciagerrardii It also Argemone var. gerrardii ochraleuca group, and CitrullusVII: Calotropis colocynthis. representsprocera wetland group and wadis VIII: (Wadi Acacia Ghadeer gerrardii El- var. gerrardii - Solanum incanum group. Banat: 100% of its stands) and includes 37 VIII: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii- D species (22.4% of the total species). The most Solanum incanum group: It represents multi- dominant species are: Cynodon dactylon, Mentha wadis and includes 82 species (49.7% of the total longifolia, Pluchea dioscoridis, Calotropis species). The most dominant species were Acacia procera, Bacopa monnieri, Solanum incanum, gerrardii var. gerrardii, Solanum incanum, Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii, Pennisetum Echinops spinosus, Argemone ochraleuca, setaceum and Imperata cylindrica. Lavandula pubescens, Belpharis ciliaris, Heliotropium arabainense and Sisymbrium irio. V: Aerva javanica group: It represents 3 wadis (Wadi Liyah, Wadi Wakdan and Wadi El- The soil analysis according to vegetation Arg) and includes 44 species (26.7% of the total groups (communities) was indicated in Table 4. It species). The most dominant species are: Acacia was indicated that the soils of Pluchea dioscoridis gerrardii var. gerrardii, Aerva javanica and group (IV) had the highest of pH (7.73±0.07), Ctenolepis cerasiformiis. chlorides (0.19±0.00%), organic carbon (2.05±0.98%), organic matter (3.53±1.70%) and VI: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii group: It bicarbonates (0.92±0.00%). The soils of Aerva represents multi-wadis and includes 67 species javanica group (V) had the highest of salinity (40.6% of the total species). The most dominant (EC=407.90±207.70 µmhos/cm) and the lowest species are: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii, of organic carbon (1.16±0.54%) and organic Lycium shawii, Acacia tortilis and Peganum matter (2.00±0.93%). On the other hand, the soils harmala. of Calotropis procera group (VII) had the lowest of pH, chlorides and bicarbonates (7.49±0.14, VII: Calotropis procera group: It represents 0.08±0.06% and 0.37±0.29% , respectively). The multi-wadis and includes 84 species (50.9% of soils of Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii-Solanum the total species). The most dominant species incanum group (VIII) had the lowest of salinity are: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii, Calotropis (57.19±161.12 µmhos/cm). procera, Echinops spinosuss, Fagonia indica,

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020) PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF THE MAIN WADIS AT HIGH ... 339 var. var. 84 84 81 100 100 100 100 100 P (%) P (%) Acacia gerrardii gerrardii Acacia HCO3 5.71*** 0.81±0.02 0.86±0.01 0.81±0.07 0.92±0.00 0.50±0.27 0.40±0.19 0.37±0.29 0.56±0.18 0.49±0.27 Acacia gerrardii Acacia gerrardii group; VI, group; group; VI, Aervajavanica OM 0.56 (%) Aervajavanica 2.41±2.28 2.13±0.97 2.20±0.97 3.53±1.70 2.00±0.93 2.83±1.73 2.10±1.57 2.44±1.28 2.41±1.50 Second dominant Nasturtium officinale Typhaelephantina Menthalogifolia Menthalogifolia var. Acacia gerrardii gerrardii Acacia tortolis var. Acacia gerrardii gerrardii Solanumincanum group; V, V, group; group; V, group; V, 95 84 100 100 100 100 100 100 P (%) P Plucheadiosocoridis OC (%) 0.56 1.40±1.32 1.24±0.56 1.27±0.56 2.05±0.98 1.16±0.54 1.64±1.00 1.22±0.91 1.42±0.74 1.40±0.87 Plucheadiosocoridis group; IV, IV, group; group; IV, group; IV, group. group. The wadis are: W1, El-Shakrah; W2, Liyah; W3, Al-Wahatt and Al-Waheitt; W4, Wakdan; Wakdan; W4, Al-Waheitt; and The group. wadis Al-Wahatt W1, are: W2, El-Shakrah; W3, Liyah; First dominant Menthalogifolia Salsolaimbricata Cynodondactylon Plucheadiosocoridis Aervajavanica gerrardii var. Acacia gerrardii Calotropisprocera gerradii Acacia gerradii var. Cynodondactylon Cl (%) 5.31*** 0.11±0.03 0.17±0.00 0.18±0.00 0.17±0.01 0.19±0.00 0.10±0.06 0.09±0.04 0.08±0.06 0.10±0.06 Cynodondactylon 12 100 W10 group; III, group; 4 33 W9 100 100 100 gerrardii-Solanumincanum group, and III, 5 4 gerrardii-Solanumincanum gerrardii-Solanumincanum ) 13 var. var. W8 -1 Salsolaimbricata var. var. EC 25 1.27 W7 group; II, group; 86.70±13.15 Salsolaimbricata 116.68±78.75 155.33±85.60 203.90±65.31 57.19±161.12 (mmhos cm 199.20±148.49 407.90±207.70 225.83±312.31 172.16±193.81 Acacia gerrardii 5 4 19 W6 Acacia gerrardii Acacia Wadis group; II, 4 6 21 W5 Menthalogifolia group and VIII, group and 33 32 12 W4 group and VIII, pH 1.49 Menthalogifolia 7.58±0.12 7.58±0.13 7.58±0.04 7.73±0.07 7.58±0.08 7.55±0.21 7.49±0.14 7.64±0.19 7.56±0.17 31 W3 Calotropisprocera 33 21 35 W2 Calotropisprocera Calotropisprocera 6 16 27 W1 group; VII, group; VII, group; gerrardii gerrardii VG. I II III IV V VI VII VIII VG I II III IV V VI VII VIII Mean F-Value TABLE 3. Characteristics of 8 vegetation groups derived after the application of TWINSPA. the application of derived after 3. Characteristics of 8 vegetation groups TABLE The groups are named as follows: I, gerrardii W10: Ghadeer El-Banat. and W9, El-Arg W8, Masarrah; W7, El-Gadireen; Al-Maharam; W6, W5, El-Qeim; in the study area. to vegetation groups 4. Mean ± standard deviation of the soil variables in relation TABLE I, follows: as named are groups vegetation The - var. <0.001 < 0.01, ***: P < 0.05, **: P - *: P

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Discussion Most of these species grow in high altitudes and associated with Juniperus species (Al-Yasi, 2011). The recorded species in the present study (165 species) represented about 7.6% of the whole flora It is evident that the Asteraceae) and Poaceae of Saudi Arabia; their genera represent 15.2%; and have the highest contribution, followed by their families represent 30.2%. From the floristic Fabaceae. These results similar to the whole flora viewpoint, the present study can conclude that the of Saudi Arabia where the highest families in the study area seems to be one of the richest flora of whole flora are Poaceae (262 species= 12.1%), the Saudi Arabia taking into account its relatively Asteraceae (233 species= 10.7%), and Fabaceae small area comparing with the area of Kingdom (210 species= 9.7%) which represented by 705 where it represent about 0.05% of the total area species or 32.5% of the total plant species in the of Saudi Arabia. One of the main characteristics Kingdom. Also, similar trend to the flora of other of the vegetation cover of Saudi Arabia is its low similar studied region in the kingdom such as Al- floristic diversity. The number of plant species Sodany et al. (2014, 2016) on the same study area; that recorded in the country was 2172 species, Mosallm (2007) on his comparative study on the many of which were in the wetter areas of its vegetation of protected and non-protected areas, south-western part. Which include Sarrawat Sudera, Taif, Saudi Arabia; Abdel-Fattah & Ali Mountains these species belong to 840 genera (2005) on the study of vegetation-environment and 149 families (Al-Nafie, 2004). The number of relations in Taif, Saudi Arabia; Al-Turki (2004) on species increased to 2250 by adding subspecies, his study of the flora of Jabal Fayfa in the south extinct and species that have not been identified western Saudi Arabia; Al-Turki & Al-Olayan yet (Collenette, 1999). Numbers of families, (2003) on the study of flora of Hail region; Al- genera, and species were very low compared to Zahrani (2003) on his study on the vegetation and Saudi Arabia’s vast land area, which is probably, ecosystem of Bani Saad Mountains, south of Taif the result of the harsh environmental conditions city. As in most tropical and subtropical deserts, that prevail in the Saharo-Arabian region which the most plant species of Saudi Arabia belong to covers vast area of the country. The mountains of a limited number of plant families, for example, the western area of Saudi Arabia which includes 1586 species belong to 23 families or 15.4% of the study area have the greatest plant diversity, the total families. These plant species represent approximately 74% of the total plant species of 73% of the total species in the Kingdom (Al- Saudi Arabia. This may be due mainly to a greater Nafie, 2008). 46 families or 30% of the families rainfall (Al-Nafie, 2008). in the country such as Aloaceae, Celastraceae, Commelinaceae, and Burseraceae are found only Comparing the results with that of the related in Sarrawat Mountains (Al-Nafie, 2004). studies in the same study area, it was indicated that about 78% of the recoded species were The following is a comparison between some recorded by the study of Al-Sodany et al. (2014). floristic variables in the present study and the Some species were recorded in the present study previous studies: and not recorded by another study such as: Zaleya pentandra, Amaranthus albus, Amaranthus An outstanding feature of floristic composition graecizans, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus of the flora of the study area is that about half of viridis, Periploca visciformis, Ambrosia maritima, the families are floristically important. Among 46 Conyza bonariensis, Eclipta alba, Capsella families, 21 families or 45.7% of the total number of bursa-pastoris , Chenopodium ambrosioides and families are represented by one species per family Lemna gibba. We can conclude that most of these (Examples: Aizoaceae, Aloaceae, Apocynaceae, species are related with wetlands that characterize Cactaceae, Crassulaceae, and Loranthaceae). Six some wadis distributed in the study area. Other families, or 13.0% of the total number of families species were recorded by Al-Sodany et al. (2014) are represented by two species per family. and not recorded in the present study such as: Comparing to the whole flora of Saudi Arabia Ecbolium gymnostachyum, Aloe vacillans, Nerium where among 149 families, 68 families or 45.6% oleander, Caralluma plicatiloba, Scorzonera of the total number of families are represented by schweinfurthia, Cupressus horizontalis, Clutia single genus per family. 36 families, or 24.2% of myricoides, Tarchonanthus camphorates, the total number of families, are represented by Terminalia cadabba and Azadirachta indica. one species per family. The number of genera

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appears to be very high compared to the number these deserts could support Sudanian species as a of species. This is a common feature of desert result of their hot climate, but are too dry to support flora. It is an indication that only a few of the large such vegetation. In addition, many of the Saharo- number of species that belong to these old plant Arabian elements are derived and developed from families have adapted and survived in this harsh the neighboring regions, mainly the Sudanian environment. Other species that could not survive region in the south, and the Mediterranean and have become extinct (Al-Nafie, 2008). Irano-Turanian regions in the north and north- west, respectively they are developed gradually The life form spectrum indicated that but discontinuously under the increase of aridity chamaephytes were the most represented followed since the Middle Miocene, which is believed to by therophytes. These results agree with that of be a transitional period climatically between the Al-Yasi (2011) on the same study area; Heneidy & humid early Tertiary and the arid Late Tertiary Bidak (2001) on Bisha, As irregion in southwestern and Quaternary environments (Anton, 1984). of Saudi Arabia and El-Demerdash et al. (1994) The most dominant Saharo-Arabian and Sudano- in the southern region. They concluded that the Zambezian elements in the flora of study area dominance of chamaephytes and therophytes over include: pluchea dioscoridis, Salsola imbricata, other life forms in that region would seem to be the Cuscuta pedicellata, Ctenolepis cerasiformis, hot dry climate, topography variations and biotic Cucumis prophetarum var. dissectus, Lotononis influence. Also, Chamaephyte life form is able to platycarpa, Lasiurus scindicus, Ochradenus withstand water logging, high salinity levels and baccatus, Blepharis ciliaris, Euphorbia a wide range of temperature variability (Beeftink, granulata, Forsskaolea tenacissima, Lavandula 1977; Zahran, 1982). On the other hand, the results pubescens, Lotononis platycarpa, Lycium shawii, of the present study disagree with other studies in Osteospermum vaillantii, Panicum turgidum, the same region (Mosallm, 2007) which indicated Pluchea dioscoridis Salsola imbricata, and that therophytes had the highest contribution. Plantago ciliata. This may be due to the sampling in the present study was during season in which many annuals On the other hand, the present study recorded are dead. Moreover, he indicated that the loss of 21 species are Pluriregional, 13 of them are chamaephytes was due to overgrazing in that area. cosmopolitan species. According to Al-Nafie (2008), Pluriregional species that grow in many From the phytogeographical viewpoint, the regions and widely spread all over the world present study indicated that the Sudano-Zambezian such as: Himalayan Mountain, Deccan plateau, elements (17 species of monoregionals) are the Canary Islands, Namib Desert, and South Africa most represented chorotype, followed by the are represented in the Saudi Arabian flora. The Irano-Turanean (17 species of monoregionals) presence of these plant species from different and Saharo-Arabian elements (16 species of regions is an indication on the relationship between monoregionals), while the other elements had a the Arabian Peninsula and these regions. Some of minor representation. Comparing with the other these species might reached the Arabian Peninsula related studies, Al-Nafie (2008) reported 180 as a result of the climatic changes which the world species in the flora of Saudi Arabia are belongs to witnessed a long time ago, or as a result of the Saharo-Arabian Region and 88 ones to Sudanian distribution by human and animals specially birds Region. Unfortunately, the boundaries of these which carry seeds for a long distances. Examples two regions in Saudi Arabia are still debatable, found in the present study include: Aizoon ill-defined and very difficult to delimit. The canariense, Amaranthus graecizans, Capparis delimitation of the frontier between the two spinosa, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium regions in the Arabian Peninsula in its southern murale, Convolvulus arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, part has always created some difficulties for a few Datura innoxia, Datura stramonium, Juniperus biogeographers as well as phytogeographers who procera, Peganum harmala, Poa annua, have studied the region. These difficulties arise Portulaca oleracea, Xanthium strumarium, and from the fact that the southern parts of the Saharo- Ziziphus spina-christi. Arabian region are occupied by very dry, hot and bare deserts such as Al Rub Al- Khali, as well as Today many medicinal plants face extinction the much more vegetated sand dunes of the Dahna or severe genetic loss, but detailed information and the Great Nafud. Zohary (1973) suggested that is lacking. Little work has been done in Taif

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region. Consequently little data is available about studies in the same area (Al-Sodany et al., 2014, the medicinal plants and their status as natural 2016; Abdel Fattah & Ali, 2005; Mosallm, resources for potential use by local inhabitants in 2007). This may due to the differences in habitat this region (Al-Sodany et al., 2013). Ninety six types and the methods of identification of plant percent of the total recorded species by the present communities in both studies. This is the first study have at least one aspect of the potential or study that identify the vegetation groups (plant actual economic uses. Ninety six species (58.2% communities) by using the multivariate analysis of total recorded species) are medicinal, 76 species for classification (TWINSPAN) and ordination (46.1% of total recorded species) are grazing, (DECORANA) in this area of the kingdom. Also, 41 species (24.9% of total recorded species) are the high altitudes in the study of Al-Yasi (2011) edible by man, 61 species (37% of total recorded may conclude these differences (about 2500m species) used as fuel and 19 species (11.5% of total above sea level). recorded species) used as other economic uses. So, the economic uses of the recorded species On the other hand, there are a complete could be arranged descendingly as follows: differences between plant communities recognized medicinal → grazing → fuel → human food → by the present study and other related studies in other uses. This trend similar to that recorded by the different areas of the Kingdom (Abulfatih Al-Sodany et al. (2014) and Heneidy & Bidak 1991; El-Karemy & Zayed, 1992; Hegazy et al., (2001) in Bisha, Asir region who recorded 75% 1998; Alyemeni, 2000; 2001; Alwadie, 2007) as medicinal, 83% as grazing, 17% as edible except Juniperus procera group that recognized by human and animals, 40% as fuel wood and by Hegazy et al. (1998) in altitude belt of c. 2500 72% of them as other uses. However, there is a m above sea level in Asir and Sarrawat highlands. shortage of information about the multipurpose They concluded that, on the Asir highlands (above uses of natural species. Many substances that we 2500m) discontinuous plant communities exist on use in our daily lives are plant products, although discrete habitat types. This appears to represent there are a lot of uses of plant species still slope and exposure effects at the high elevation. unknown. Numerous medicines, many industrial In contrast, the transitional range between 500– products are derived of plant products. Most of 2500m is characterized by continuity in vegetation all are edible plant products that form the food change from one altitudinal belt to the next, with base of human culture (Heneidy & Bidak, 2004). broad transitional areas and overlap between low On the other hand, Mossa et al. (1987) recorded and high altitude vegetation. Similar results and 149 plant species as medicinal plants in the Saudi observations were described by Kassas (1955) in Arabia. Generally, the various activities have Sudan, Vesey-Fitzgerald (1955) in Saudi Arabia, different impacts s (e.g. telecom, crop expansion, Kassas (1957) in Egypt, Beals (1969) in Ethiopia, overgrazing, and overcutting). There are direct Brooks & Mandil (1983) in Saudi Arabia and and indirect causes for ecosystem degradation Ghazanfar (1991) in Oman. Moreover, Moustafa and species impoverishment in the study area. (1990) in St. Catherin (Sinai Peninsula area) The direct causes are related to mainly to the ways found that the organization of community types in which man has used and misused the natural or associations is the net result of the behavior of resources since its early history. More recent, species in response to environmental conditions. land use activities are even more devastating. Ayyad et al. (2000) in Sinai Peninsula recorded Evaluation of the effects of the environmental that the extent of species replacement or biotic factors threatening the wild life should be taken change between different land forms reveals that in consideration. So it is important to construct the high values between habitats may reflect rapid a representative reserve (protected natural areas) and ecologically significant change and may also for conservation of the natural. reflect the large extent of biotic change of different habitats. The application of TWINSPAN and DECORANA techniques (Hill, 1979 a, b) to the References vegetation data of the present study led to the recognition of 8 vegetation groups (communities) Abdel-Fattah, R.T., Ali, A.A. (2005) Vegetation- at 3rd level of classification. These groups are Environment relation in Taif, Saudi Arabia. completely differed than that recorded by other International Journal of Botany, 4, 1-6. communities recorded by other related previous

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التنوع النباتي وتركيب المجتمعات النباتية للوديان الرئيسية على مرتفعات الجبال الغربية بالطائف، المملكة العربية السعودية

يس السودانى)2،1(، صالح بازيد)1( ، حاتم الياسي)1( ، علي مجرشي)1( ، خلف الحارثي)1( )1( قسم األحياء – كلية العلوم – جامعة الطائف – الطائف – المملكة العربية السعودية، )2( قسم النبات والميكروبيولوجي – كلية العلوم – جامعة كفر الشيخ – كفر الشيخ – مصر.

تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى: مسح وتحديد األنواع النباتية المنتشرة في الوديان الرئيسية على مرتفعات الجبال الغربية بالطائف بالمملكة العربية السعودية ، وتحليل الغطاء النباتي، وتحديد المجتمعات النباتية السائدة وباإلضافة إلى تقييم تأثير العوامل البيئية التي تؤثر على المجتمعات. تم اختيار خمسة وسبعين موقع لتمثيل التنوع النباتي والتغيرات البيئية المصاحبة. تم تحديد وفرة األنواع، وأشكال الحياة، والتوزيع الجغرافي، واالستخدامات االقتصادية للنباتات المسجلة. وتم تسجيل 165 نو ًعا تنتمي إلى 128 جن ًسا و 47 عائلة، منهم حوالي 69.7% نباتات معمرة و 30.3 % نباتات حولية. وكانت الفصيلة النجيلية والفصيلة المركبة أعلى الفصائل من حيث عدد األنواع. وأظهرت النباتات فوق السطحية أعلى نسبة، تليها النباتات الحولية، ثم النباتات الظاهرة، بينما كانت النباتات المائية والمتطفلة هي األقل. يمكن ترتيب االستخدامات االقتصادية لألنواع المسجلة بترتيب تنازلي على النحو التالي: طبية< رعوية< وقود< غذاء اإلنسان< االستخدامات األخرى. وأظهرت النتائج أن األنواع أحادية اإلقليم وثنائية األقاليم اإلقليمية هي األعلى ، في حين كانت األنواع متعددة األقاليم والكونية هي األقل. من بين أحاديات اإلقليم ، ينتمي 36 نو ًعا الى المنطقة السودانية الزامبيزية، و 17 نو ًعا الي المنطقة اإليرانية التورانية و16 نو ًعا الى منطقة الصحراء العربية. أدى نتائج التحليل العددي )TWINSPAN( على تقديرات الغطاء لـ 165 نو ًعا مسجلة في 75 موقع، إلىتحديد 8 مجموعات نباتية )مجتمعات( في المستوى الثالث من التصنيف وهي مجموعات الحبق والقرضى والنجيل على الوديان ذات األراضي الرطبة، ومجموعات الطرفة والسلم والعشار والسمر في الوديان متعددة البيئات.

Egypt. J. Bot. 60 , No. 2 (2020)