Phytosociological Studies on the Western Sector of Saint Katherine Protectorate, South Sinai, Egypt

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com Phytosociological Studies on the Western Sector of Saint Katherine Protectorate, South Sinai, Egypt

AlBaraa ElSaied1, Om Mohammed Khafagi2, Mohamed Metwally1 and Asmaa Shehata2

1 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Boys) 2 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls) [email protected] Abstract Egypt with its apex in the South at Ras A total of 26 stands representing Muhammed, where the eastern coast of the different habitats of Saint Katherine Protected Suez Gulf meets the western coast of the area, South Sinai, Egypt have been chosen to Aqaba Gulf (Lat. 27°45′N). Its base, in the represent the most common plant communities. north extends along the Mediterranean Sea and Encountered species were collected during more than half of its area is between the gulfes spring season. Species were identified and their of Aqaba and Suez (Zahran and Willis, scientific names were updated. Vegetation 2009). parameters in ten distinct sites at different Saint Katherine Protectorate (SKP) is elevations (1770 – 1971 m a.s.l.). Five one of Egypt’s largest protected areas and quadrats were investigated at each stand. includes the country’s highest mountains. This Relative abundance, population density and arid, mountainous ecosystem supports a frequency and the relative importance value surprising biodiversity and a high proportion of and the relative importance index (I.V.I) were endemic and rare plants. The flora of the calculated for each species in each stand. A mountain area differs from the other areas, due to total of 63 plant species from 29 families were its unique geology, morphology and climatic recorded in this study. Asteraceae and aspects. The high mountains of southern Sinai Lamiaceae were the most common families. support mainly Irano-Turanian steppe vegetation. Eight plant communities were identified, Smooth faced rock outcrops supply sufficient Pulicaria undulate, Mentha longifolia, run-off water to permit the survival of the unique Verbascum sinaiticum, Achillea flora (Hatab, 2009). Vegetation of Saint fragrantissima, Diplotaxis harra, Erigeron Katherine has been studied by several authors bonariensis, Chiliadenus montanus and (Ward et al., 2002; Tan, 2005 and Zahran and Euphorbia obovata. Pulicaria undulata is the Willis, 2009). Four hundred and ten plant most dominant plant species dominating six species have been recorded as surviving and still stands, followed by Achilea fragrantissima and occurring in SKP. Compositae, Gamineae, Erigeron bonariensis dominating five stands Leguminosae, Crucifereae and Labiatae were the each. most represented families. The threatened Keywords: Saint Katherine Protectorate, species according to the IUCN Red List plant communities, vegetation. Categories are 51 species: 13 endangered 14 vulnerable, 20 rare and 4 indeterminate species. Introduction Such species should take a priority in any Sinai Peninsula is the linkage between conservation program (Shaltout et al., 2004). Asia and Africa with atotal area of 61.000 km2 Out of the 410 species, 19 species of the (about 6 % of Egypt’s area). For this reason its surviving flora are endemic and more than 115 flora combines elements from these two are with known medicinal properties used in continents: Saharo Arabian, Irano Turanian, traditional therapy and remedies. Several species Mediterranean and Sudanian elements have properties that have attracted international (McGinnies et al., 1968). It constitutes a medical interest, e.g. Cleome droserifolia is transition between the Egyptian Deserts and being investigated pharmaceutically for the those of the Middle East. It is an interesting treatment of diabetes (Khedr, 2007). phytogeographic area as it borders the Many plant species of SKP have Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo- become endangered due to increasing aridity Arabian and Sudanian regions (Zohary, 1973). and human activities. The continuous It is a triangular plateau in the northeast of overgrazing, overcutting and uprooting are

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com leading to the disappearance of the pastoral 1. Density plant communities, a reduction of plant cover number of individuals in the samble plot (D): and soil erosion (Hatab, 2003). The SKP total area of sample plot (m2) contains a wide range of micro-habitats and 2. Relative Density (RD): Error! Bookmark landscapes that are a consequence of varying not microclimatic conditions, a wide range of defined. altitudes, and variable topography. The Error! x100 landscape ranges from rugged mountains, 3. Frequency which includes Mount Katherine (2642 m), (F): A Egypt’s highest peak, whose slopes are incised number of quadrats in which aspecies occurs E A by Wadi Rivers. The Wadi Rivers generally total number of quadrats in the samble slope towards the east, in the direction of the x 100 Gulf of Aqaba, or westwards towards the Gulf 4. Relative Frequency of Suez (El-Alqamy, 2002). (RF): A In general, types of communities are frequency of a species in a sample E A x distinguished mainly on the basis of features of total frequency of all species in the samble the plants, including their structure, the floristic 100 composition of the vegetation. Characteristics 5. Abundance of the habitat are, however, also taken into (A): account (Zahran and Willis, 2009). Spatial total number of individuals of species distribution of plant species and communities total number of plots in which species occured over a small geographic area in desert 6. Relative Abundance ecosystems is related to heterogeneous The abundance of one species (RA): topography and landform pattern (Kassas and all species in the samble Batanouny, 1984) 7. Importance Value (IVI): relative density + The present study aims at identifying relative abundance + relative frequency some of the plant communities growing in Saint Katherine Protectorate and species distribution along the study area.

Quadrate Quadrate Materials and methods

A total of 26 stands distributed in ten sites were surveyed using The Circular Quadrate Method (Fig. 1). At each stand, five quadrats, each of size 5 m × 5 m, one quadrate at the center of the stand and 4 at each angle of Quadrate the stand. The GPS position of each stand was recorded including altitude, latitude and longitude. In each site the floristic composition was recorded. All plant species existing in each site were listed after complete identification Quadrate Quadrate (according to Täckholm, 1974; Boulos, 1999 -

2009). Plant names were updated after (www.theplantlist.org). Voucher herbarium specimens were prepared and kept in the herbarium of the Department of Botany, Fig 1. Schematic illustration for the sampled stand. Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girl's Results Branch). A check list of all plant species is given in Table 2. Density (D), percentage of frequency (F), abundance (A), relative density A total of 26 stands representing (RD), relative frequency (RF), relative different habitats of Saint Khatherine abundance (RA), and importance value (IV) protectorate have been chosen to represent the were calculated for each species in each site. most common plant communities. A total of 63 According to Braun – Blanquet species belonging to 29 families were (1964), Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg recorded. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae with 14.29 % (1974) and Shukla, and Chandel, (1989) in and Poaceae with 7.94 % were the most each quadrate the following vegetation common families (Table 2 and Fig. 2). parameters were calculated:

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com

Table 1. GPS position of the studied 26 stands including sites, habitat types, latitude and altitude. GPS Altitute Location Habitat Stand No. N E (m asl) Wadi bed S1 28.54536 o 33.93378 o 1779 Wadi bed S2 28.53976 o 33.92829 o 1778 Wadi bed S3 28.53814 o 33.93263 o 1971 Wadi-Alshaq gorge S4 28.53673 o 33.933 o 1778 gorge S5 28.53608 o 33.93362 o 1814 runnel S6 28.53463 o 33.93422 o 1835 gorge S7 28.53256 o 33.93498 o 1836 Kharazet- ElShaq terraces S8 28.52884 o 33.9427 o 1828 Elgabal Elahmar gorge S9 28.5293 o 33.93784 o 1778 Elharezy Wadi bed S10 28.53755 o 33.92836 o 1875 gorge S11 28.53939 o 33.9257 o 1841 Elzawitin Wadi bed S12 28.54028 o 33.92353 o 1846 gorge S13 28.54918 o 33.87835 o 1867 Wadi bed S14 28.54818 o 33.87849 o 1772 Eltibk Wadi bed S15 28.54536 o 33.93378 o 1793 gorge S16 28.54709 o 33.87911 o 1776 Selebat Wadi bed S17 28.54625 o 33.87882 o 1770 Farsh S18 28.54966 o 33.88023 o 1784 Farsh S19 28.54135 o 33.88171 o 1791 Farsh Elromana Farsh S20 28.53983 o 33.88227 o 1794 Farsh S21 28.53643 o 33.886 o 1806 Farsh S22 28.53309 o 33.88412 o 1809 Wadi bed S23 28.53054 o 33.88769 o 1817 Ma‘aroffiaa Wadi bed S24 28.52878 o 33.8809 o 1821 Slope S25 28.53312 o 33.96494 o 1879 Abu Walei Runnel S26 28.53429 o 33.91142 o 1869

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com Map 1. Shows GPS position of the studied 26 stands.

Table (2) List of species and their families recorded in the 26 stands of the study area

No. Species name Family Arabic name ﻗﯿﺼﻮم Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. Asteraceae 1 ﺧﻄﻤﯿﺔ Alcea rosea L. Malvaceae 2 ﻋﻘﻮل Alhagi graecorum Boiss. Fabaceae 3 اﻟﻠﺒﯿﺪ Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss. Boraginaceae 4 أرﻓﯿﺠﮫ, رﻓﯿﻌﺔ Anarrhinum pubescens Fresen. Scrophulariaceae 5 ﺣﺮﺟﻞ ﺑﺮى Gomphocarpus sinaicus Boiss Apocynaceae 6 ﻋﻘﻮل ﺑﺮي, ھﻠﯿﻮن Asparagus stipularis Forssk. Liliaceae 7 اﻟﻐﺎﺻﺔ , زﻓﺮة Ballota undulata (Sieber ex Fresen.) Benth. Lamiaceae 8 ﻋﺪﻣﮫ Bufonia multiceps Decne. Caryophyllaceae 9 ﺑﺴﯿﺴﺔ Callipeltis cucullaris (L.) DC. Rubiaceae 10 ﯾﻤﺮار Centaurea aegyptiaca L. Asteraceae 11 ھﻨﯿﺪه، ﻧﮭﯿﺪة Chiliadenus montanus (Vahl) Brullo. Asteraceae 12 ﯾﺴﺮ، ﺷﻮﺣﻂ Colutea istria Mill. Fabaceae 13 ﺣﺸﯿﺶ اﻟﺠﺒﻞ Erigeron bonariensis L. Asteraceae 14 زﻋﺮور Crataegus x sinaica Boiss. Rosaceae 15 ﻣﺪﯾﺪ – ﻧﺠﯿﻼ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae 16 زﺟﻮح - ﻋﻠﯿﺠﺎن – ﻗﺼﻮخ Deverra triradiata Hochst. ex Boiss Apiaceae 17 ﺣﺎره Diplotaxis harra. (Forssk.) Boiss Brassicaceae 18 ﺧﺸﯿﺮ Echinops glaberrimus DC. Asteraceae 19 ودﯾﻨﮫ ، زﻏﻠﻨﺘﺔ Euphorbia obovata Decne. Euphorbaiceae 20 اﻟﺸﻜﺎﻋﺔ ، ورﻗﺔ Fagonia mollis Delile. Zygophyllaceae 21 ﺟﻠﺦ ، ﺷﻤﺮ اﻟﺠﺒﻞ ، اﻟﻜﻠﺦ Ferula sinaica Boiss. Apiaceae 22 ﺗﯿﻦ Ficus carica L. Moraceae 23 ﺷﻤﺮ Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Apiaceae 24 ﻋﺜﻤﮫ Galium sinaicum (Delile ex Decne.) Boiss. Rubiaceae 25 ﺣﻨﺪﺟﻮج ، ﺣﻨﺪﻗﻮق ، زرﯾﻘﺔ Globularia arabica Jaub. & Spach. Plantaginaceae 26 رﻋﻞ ، ﺟﺜﻮم Helianthemum kahiricum Delile. Cistaceae 27 ﺳﻔﺴﻮف ، ﺣﻤﯿﺮة Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf. Poaceae 28 رﻛﯿﺢ ، ﻟﺒﺦ ، ﺷﺎي اﻟﺠﺒﻞ Hypericum sinaicum Hochst. ex Boiss. Hypericacea 29 ﺣﻠﻔﺎ ، ذﯾﻞ اﻟﻘﻂ Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Poaceae 30 ﺳﻤﺎرﻣﺮ Juncus acutus L. Juncaceae 31 ﺳﻤﺎر ،ﺳﻤﺎر ﻣﺮ Juncus rigidus Desf. Juncaceae 32 ودﯾﻦ اﻟﻔﺎر Kickxia acerbiana (Boiss.) Täckh. & Boulos. Scrophulariaceae 33 رﻗﻤﺔ ، ﺧﺒﯿﺰة Malva parviflora L. Malvaceae 34 ﺧﻤﺨﻢ Matthiola arabica Boiss. Brassieaceae 35 ﺣﺒﻚ ، ﺣﺒﻖ Mentha longifolia (L.) L. Lamiaceae 36 زﯾﺘﯿﮫ ، ﻣﺴﯿﺴﺔ Nepeta septemcrenata Ehrenb. ex Benth. Lamiaceae 37 ﺧﺮﺷﻒ Onopordum ambiguum Fresen. Asteraceae 38 زﻋﺘﺮ ، ﺑﺮدﻗﻮش Origanum syriacum L. Lamiaceae 39 ﺣﺮﻣﻼن ، ﺣﺮﻣﻞ Peganum harmala L. Nitrariaceae 40 ﻋﻠﺠﮫ , ﻣﺠﻠﯿﻨﺔ , ﻋﺴﯿﻞ Pterocephalus sanctus Decne. Dipsacaceae 41 ﻋﻮرور , زھﯿﺮة Phlomis aurea Decne. Lamiaceae 42 ﻧﺨﻠﺔ , ﻧﺨﻞ اﻟﺒﻠﺢ Phoenix dactylifera L. Arecaceae 43 ﺑﻮص ، ﺣﺠﻨﺔ ، ﻏﺎب Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud. Poaceae 44 ﻗﻄﻮﻧﺔ Plantago afra L. Plantaginaceae 45 ھﯿﻜﻞ , ﺻﺮ Polygala sinaica Botsch. Polygalaceae 46 دﺛﺎث , دﺛﺪاث , ﺳﺒﺪ Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey Asteraceae 47 ﻋﺮﯾﻦ , زﻋﺮور , ﻋﺮﻧﺘﻞ Rhamnus dispermus Boiss. Rhamnaceae 48 اﻟﻮرد اﻟﺒﺮي Rosa arabica Crep. Rosaceae 49 زﯾﺘﯿﮫ , رﻋﻠﺔ Salvia aegyptiaca L. Lamiaceae 50

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com ﺻﻔﺼﺎف Salix mucronata Thunb Salicaceae 51 ﯾﺤﻜﯿﺲ- ﺟﺨﯿﺺ Lactuca orientalies(Bioss) Bioss Asteraceae 52 ﺷﯿﺢ Artemisia herba-alba Asso. Asteraceae 53 ﻟﺼﯿﻖ Silene schimperiana Boiss. Caryophyllaceae 54 اﻟﺴﻠﯿﺢ , ﺳﻠﯿﺦ Sisymbrium irio L. Brassieaceae 55 ﻋﻨﺐ اﻟﺬﺋﺐ , ﻋﻨﺐ اﻟﺪﯾﺐ Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae 56 ﺟﺮطﻢ - رﻏﺎت – رﻏﻞ Stachys aegyptiaca Pers. Lamiaceae 57 اﺑﻮﻧﺎ ﺧﻮر - ﺳﻔﺴﻮف Stipa capensis Thunb. Poaceae 58 ﺟﻌﺪة Teucrium polium L. Lamiaceae 59 زﻋﺘﺮان – زﻋﯿﺘﺮ Thymus decussatus Benth. Lamiaceae 60 ﺧﺮﻣﺎع – ﺧﺮﻣﺔ Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. Scrophulariaceae 61 ﻋﻨﺐ Vitis Sp. Vitaceae 62 زﻟﮫ - ﺳﻠﺔ – ﺑﺴﻠﺔ Zilla spinosa (L.) Prrantl. Brassieaceae 63

Fig 2. Shows the recorded families of the 26 studied stands.

The selected 26 stands were located in ten sites, each site may contain one or more Stand 1. ‘‘Verbascum sinaiticum Community’’ stands. The description of the ten sites and the In this stand, 19 species were 26 stands is as follows. recorded, the characteristic species of this community are V. sinaiticum (I.V.I = 60.35), Site 1: Wadi -Alshaq Pulicaria undulata (I.V.I. = 40.66), Phlomis Wadi -Alshaq is a valley about 1.5 - aurea (I.V.I. = 27.27). The other associated 2 Km. in length and is located between species have lower importance value. Here, 28.54536 to 28.53976 N, and 33.93378 to V.sinaiticum is the dominant species Pulicaria 33.93240 E. It is a short narrow gorge lead to undulata is the codominant species. Zilla ascent to El-Gabal al-Ahmar. It is consists of a spinosa, Salix mucronata, Tanacetum fine sand to silt substrate with some large rocks sinaicum are rare plants species. Phlomis with pink granite geology. Topography of the aurea is endemic plant species. wadi is undulating with a variable slope exposure. The wadi consists of several water Stand 2. ‘‘Mentha longifolia Community’’ channels; it appears that there has been recent In this stand, 19 species were water action. There is a high plant cover. There recorded, the characteristic species of this is a moderate amount of human disturbance community are M.longifolia (I.V.I =56.62), from litter and an established footpath along Stachys aegyptiaca (I.V.I. = 32.72), Phlomis with moderate disturbance from grazing aurea and Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = animals. Six stands were selected to represent 27.02). The other associated species have Wadi-Alshaq (Stand 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) lower importance value. Here, M.longifolia is

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com the dominant species Stachys aegyptiaca is the species; Pulicaria undulata is the codominant codominant species.Tanacetum sinaicum, species. Stachys aegyptiaca, Achilea Euphorbia obovata, Salix mucronata are rare fragrantissima are rare plants species. plants species. Phlomis aurea, Ballota Anarrhinum pubescens is endemic species. undulata are endemic plants species. Site 2: Kharazet- Elshaq Stand 3. ‘‘Erigeron bonariensis Community’’ Kharazet- Elshaq is a valley about 1.5 In this stand, 19 species were - 2 Km in length and is located between recorded, the characteristic species of this 28.53463 to 28.53256 N, and 33.93422 to community are E. bonariensis (I.V.I =66.32), 33.93498 E. It is a short narrow gorge lead to Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 53.61), ascent to El-Gabal al-Ahmar. It is consists of a Achillea fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 22.12). The fine sand to silt substrate with some large rocks other associated species have lower importance with pink granite geology. Topography of the value. Here, E. bonariensis is the dominant wadi is undulating with a variable slope species Verbascum sinaiticum is the exposure. The wadi consists of several water codominant species. Gomphocarpus sinaicus, channels; it appears that there has been recent Euphorbia obovata, Salix mucronata are rare water action. There is a high plant cover. There plants species. Phlomis aurea, Anarrhinum is a moderate amount of human disturbance pubescens are endemic plants species. from litter and an established footpath along with moderate disturbance from grazing Stand 4. ‘‘Pulicaria undulata Community’’ animals. Two stands were selected to represent In this stand, 16 species were Kharazet- Elshaq (Stands 7 and 8) recorded, the characteristic species of this community are P.undulata (I.V.I =59.06), Stand 7. ‘‘Diplotaxis harra Community’’ Anarrhinum pubescens and Centaurea In this stand, 23 species were eryngioides (I.V.I. = 31.61), Achilla recorded, the characteristic species of this fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 27.61). The other community are D.harra (I.V.I = 54.81), associated species have lower importance Erigeron bonariensis (I.V.I. = 47.63), value. Here, P.undulata is the dominant Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 33.26). The species Anarrhinum pubescens and Centaurea other associated species have lower importance eryngioides is the codominant species. value. Here, D. harra is the dominant species Teucrium polium, Artemisia herba-alba are Erigeron bonariensis is the codominant rare plants species. Anarrhinum pubescens is species. Centaurea aegyptiaca, Ficus carica, endemic plant species. Kickxia acerbiana, Zilla spinosa are rare plants species. Origanum syriacum, Ballota Stand 5. ‘‘Erigeron bonariensis Community’’ undulata Anarrhinum pubescens are endemic In this stand, 24 species were plants species. recorded, the characteristic species of this community are E.bonariensis (I.V.I =42.70), Stand 8. ‘‘Mentha longifolia Community’’ Achillea fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 32.98), In this stand, 20 species were Chiliadenus montanus (I.V.I. = 30.48). The recorded, the characteristic species of this other associated species have lower importance community are M.longifolia (I.V.I =59.97), value. Here, E.bonariensis is the dominant Achillea fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 36.06), species; Achillea fragrantissima is the Phlomis aurea and Chiliadenus montanus codominant species. Kickxia acerbiana, (I.V.I. = 27.04). The other associated species Echinops glaberrrimus, Salix mucronata are have lower importance value. Here, rare plants species. Phlomis aurea, M.longifolia is the dominant species; Achillea Anarrhinum pubescens and Euphorbia fragrantissima is the codominant species. obovata are endemic plants species. Pulicaria undulata, Onopordum ambiguum, Hypericum sinaicum are rare plants species. Stand 6. ‘‘Erigeron bonariensis Community’’ Phlomis aurea, Anarrhinum pubescens are In this stand, 17 species were endemic plants species. recorded, the characteristic species of this community are E.bonariensis (I.V.I =102.14), Site 3: Elgabal Elahmar Pulicaria undulata (I.V.I. = 40.17), Mentha Elgabal Elahmar is located at longifolia (I.V.I. = 31.43). The other 28.52884°N 33.94270°E with altitude of 1778 associated species have lower importance m asl. Soil texture of Elgabal Elahmar consists value. Here, E.bonariensis is the dominant of 50 % bolder, 30 % rocks, 15 % gravel and 5

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com % sand. It has a high human activity and high grazing pressure. The site is a gorge consists of boulder and rocks with granitic geology. The Site 5: Elzawitin topography of gorge is concave and the slope Elzawitin is located at 28.53755°N exposure varies from northeast to northwest. 33.92836°E, 28.54028°N 33.92353°E with There is a high diversity and cover of species altitude range of 1841 – 1867 m asl. Soil in this gorge. One stand was selected to texture of the wadi Elzawitin consists of 15 % represent Elgabal Elahmar (Stand 9). bolder, 25 % rocks, 45 % gravel and 15 % sand. It has a high human activity and high Stand 9. ‘‘Erigeron bonariensis Community’’ grazing pressure. The site is a wadi bed In this stand, 23 species were consists of a course sand substrate with granite recorded, the characteristic species of this geology. The Wadi has a concave topography community are C.bonariensis (I.V.I =52.73), with a southwestern slope exposure. The Anarrhinum pubescens (I.V.I. = 32.47), distance from Saint Kathreine city is about 3.3 Tanacetum sinaicum (I.V.I. = 29.73). The km. There is a high diversity and cover of other associated species have lower importance species in this wadi. Feral donkeys are the value. Here, C.bonariensis is the dominant biggest threat in this area. Wadi bed is adjacent species Anarrhinum pubescens is the to Bedouin garden with a footpath along the codominant species. Diplotaxis harra, top of wadi channel. Three stands were Hypericum sinaicum, Alkanna orientalis, Rosa selected to represent Elzawitin (Stand 11, 12 arabica are rare plants species. Bufonia and 13). multiceps, Phomis aurea, Anarrhinum pubescens are endemic plants species. And Stand 11. ‘‘Chiliadenus montanus Nepeta septemcrenata, Thymus decussatus are Community’’ near endemic plants species. In this stand, 20 species were recorded, the characteristic species of this Site 4: Elharezy community are C.montanus (I.V.I =60.26), Elharezy is located at 28.52930°N Plantago afra (I.V.I. = 44.67), Hypericum 33.93784°E with altitude of 1875 m asl. Soil sinaicum (I.V.I. = 26.44). The other associated texture of the wadi Elharezy consists of 15 % species have lower importance value. Here, bolder, 25 % rocks, 45 % gravel and 15 % C.montanus is the dominant species; Plantago sand. It has a high human activity and high afra is the codominant species. Erigeron grazing pressure. The site is a wadi bed bonariensis, Juncus rigidus, Artemisia herba- consists of a course sand substrate with granite alba are rare plants species. geology. The Wadi has a concave topography with a southwestern slope exposure. Feral Stand 12. ‘‘Achillea fragrantissima donkeys are the biggest threat in this area. Community’’ Wadi bed is adjacent to Bedouin garden with a In this stand, 26 species were footpath along the top of wadi channel. One recorded, the characteristic species of this stand was selected to represent Elharezy (Stand community are A.fragrantissima (I.V.I 10). =41.67), Diplotaxis harra (I.V.I. = 30.06), Euphorbia obovata (I.V.I. = 21.13). The other Stand 10. ‘‘Achillea fragrantissima associated species have lower importance Community’’ value. Here, A.fragrantissima is the dominant In this stand, 25 species were species; Diplotaxis harra is the codominant recorded, the characteristic species of this species. Silene schimperiana, Hypericum community are A.fragrantissima (I.V.I sinaicum, Pulicaria undulata are rare plants =65.14), Stachys aegyptiaca (I.V.I. = 38.95), species. Origanum syriacum, Phlomis aurea Phlomis aurea (I.V.I. = 25.86). The other and Euphorbia obovata are endemic plants associated species have lower importance species. value. Here, A.fragrantissima is the dominant species; Stachys aegyptiaca is the codominant Stand 13. ‘‘Achillea fragrantissima species. Echinops glaberrimus, Artemisia Community’’ herba-alba, Alkanna orientalis are rare plants In this stand, 22 species were species. Bufonia multiceps, Origanum recorded, the characteristic species of this syriacum, Phlomis aurea are endemic plants community are A.fragrantissima (I.V.I species. And Nepeta septemcrenata is near =84.89), Alkanna orientalis (I.V.I. = 37.04), endemic plant species. Stachys aegyptiaca (I.V.I. = 30.81). The other

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com associated species have lower importance 28.54625 N and 33.87911 and 33.93298 E. To value. Here, A.fragrantissima is the dominant the right you will see Wadi al-Tal‘a, which species Alkanna orientalis is the codominant starts at Sed Dawoud, meaning Dawoud's Dam. species. Centaurea aegyptiaca, Zilla spinosa, Wadi bed consists of coarse sand to silt Gomphocarpus sinaicus, Verbascum substrate with some small rocks with pink sinaiticum are rare plants species. Origanum granite geology. The wadi seems to have high syriacum, Euphorbia obovata are endemic moisture content. There is a high diversity of plant species. species and excellent plant health. There is a moderate amount of disturbance occurring in Site 6: Eltibk this wadi. Two stands were selected to Eltibk is located at 28.54918°N represent Selebat (Stands 16 and 17). 33.87835°E, 28.54818°N 33.87849°E with altitude range of 1770 m asl – 1793 m asl. Soil Stand 16. ‘‘Achillea fragrantissima texture of Eltibk consists of 20 % bolder, 25 % Community’’ rocks, 35 % gravel and 20 % sand. It has In this stand, 16 species were medium human activity and high grazing recorded, the characteristic species of this pressure. The site is awadi consists of rocks community are A.fragrantissima (I.V.I and gravel with granitic geology with some =105.21) Alcea rosea (I.V.I. = 31.51), sandstone features. The topography of the wadi Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 31.07). The is concave and the slope exposure is west. The other associated species have lower importance distance from Saint Kathreine city is about 7 value. Here, A.fragrantissima is the dominant km. There is a high diversity and cover of species; Alcea rosea is the codominant species. species in this wadi. Feral donkeys are the Juncus rigidus, Stachys aegyptiaca, biggest threat in this area. Two stands were Tanacetum sinaicum, Teucrium polium, selected to represent Eltibk (Stand 14 and 15). Peganum harmala are rare plants species. Phlomis aurea is endemic plant species. Stand 14. ‘‘Chiliadenus montanus Community’’ Stand 17. ‘‘Euphorbia obovata Community’’ In this stand, 20 species were In this stand, 28 species were recorded, the characteristic species of this recorded, the characteristic species of this community are C.montanus (I.V.I =45.44), community are E.obovata (I.V.I =40.26), Hypericum siaicum (I.V.I. = 32.67), Mentha Erigeron bonariensis (I.V.I. = 39.33), longifolia, juncus rigidus and juncus acutus Pulicaria undulata (I.V.I. = 29.66). The other (I.V.I. = 19.91). The other associated species associated species have lower importance have lower importance value. Here, value. Here, E.obovata is the dominant C.montanus is the dominant species; species; Erigeron bonariensis is the Hypericum siaicum is the codominant species. codominant species. Kickxia acerbiana, Phoenix dactylifera, Ficus carica, Pulicaria Alkanna orientalis, Salix mucronata, Salvia undulata, Stachys aegyptiaca are rare plants aegyptiaca are rare plants species. Phlomis species. Phlomis aurea is endemic plant aurea, Anarrhinum pubescens, Origanum species. syriacum and Euphorbia obovata are endemic plants species. Stand 15. ‘‘Mentha longifolia Community’’ In this stand, 14 species were Site 8: Farsh Elromana recorded, the characteristic species of this Farsh Elromana is located at community are M. longifolia (I.V.I =89.94), 28.54966°N 33.8803°E, 28.53309°N Juncus rigidus (I.V.I. = 39.29), Achillea 33.88412°E with altitude range of 1784 m asl – fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 27.17). The other 1809 m asl. Soil texture of Farsh Elromana associated species have lower importance consists of 15 % bolder, 45 % rocks, 25 % value. Here, M. longifolia is the dominant gravel and 15 % sand. It has a high human species; Juncus rigidus is the codominant activity and high grazing pressure. The site is a species. Juncus acutus, Teucrium polium are wide farsh about 3 to 3.5 Km. in length rare plants species. consists of boulder and rocks with granite geology. The topography of this farsh is Site 7 - Selebat concave and the slope exposure is to east. Selebat is a small area located at the Moderate grazing pressure by donkeys, camels, bottom tala'at abu-Geifa about 0.3 - 0.35 Km in and goats. Heavy human use evident with a length and located between 28.54709 and highly used foot trail. Bedouin gardens are

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com found nearby. Five stands were selected to species. Zila spinosa, Salix mucronata, represent Farsh Elromana (Stands 18, 19, 20, Callipeltis cucullaris are rare plants species. 21 and 22). Phlomis aurea, Anarrhinum pubescens and Euphorbia obovata are endemic plants species.

Stand 18. ‘‘Pulicaria undulata Community’’ In this stand, 19 species were Stand 22. ‘‘Pulicaria undulata Community’’ recorded, the characteristic species of this In this stand, 16 species were community are P.undulata (I.V.I =72.68), recorded, the characteristic species of this Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 37.28), Mentha community are P.undulata (I.V.I =61.14) longifolia (I.V.I. = 25.93). The other Erigeron bonariensis (I.V.I. = 55.59), Achillea associated species have lower importance fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 30.93). The other value. Here, Pulicaria undulata is the associated species have lower importance dominant species; Verbascum sinaiticum is the value. Here, P.undulata is the dominant codominant species. Diplotaxis harra, species. Erigeron bonariensis is the Echinops glaberrimus, Globularia arabica, codominant species; Globularia arabica, Zilla spinosa are rare plants species. Colutea Istria, Deverra triradiata, Plantago Anarrhinum pubescens, Phlomis aurea are afra are rare plants species. Origanum endemic plants species. syriacum, Phlomis aurea are endemic plants species. Stand 19. ‘‘Euphorbia obovta Community’’ In this stand, 18 species were Site 9 - Ma‘aroffiaa recorded, the characteristic species of this It is about 0.8-1 Km. and located community are E.obovata (I.V.I =66.31), between 28.52878 to 28.553054 N, and Callipeltis cucullaris (I.V.I. = 32.73), Zilla 33.88090 to 33.88769 E. Wadi bed consists of spinosa (I.V.I. = 28.35).The other associated a coarse sand to fine gravel substrate with species have lower importance value. Here, small rocks with pink granite geology. There is E.obovata is the dominant species; Callipeltis a high plant cover. Wadi used for gardening by cucullaris is the codominant species. Bedouin. Moderate grazing activity by donkey, Globularia arabica, Teucrium polium, and camel. Two stands were selected to Hypericum sinaicum, Centaurea aegyptiaca, represent Ma‘aroffiaa (Stand 23 and 24). Juncus acutus are rare plants species. Euphorbia obovta is endemic plant species. Stand 23. ‘‘Pulicaria undulata Community’’ In this stand, 12 species were Stand 20. ‘‘Pulicaria undulata Community’’ recorded, the characteristic species of this In this stand, 15 species were community are P.undulata (I.V.I =79.51) recorded, the characteristic species of this Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 45.22), community are P.undulata (I.V.I =58.57) Achillea fragrantissima (I.V.I. = 33.20). The Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 52.87), Mentha other associated species have lower importance longifolia (I.V.I. = 47.79). The other value. Here, P.undulata is the dominant associated species have lower importance species; Verbascum sinaiticum is the value. Here, P.undulata is the dominant codominant species. Anarrhinum pubescens, species; Verbascum sinaiticum is the Centaurea erynjioides are rare plants species. codominant species. Stachys aegyptiaca, Phlomis aurea, Anarrhinum pubescens, Silene schimperiana, are rare plants species. Euphorbia obovata are endemic plants species. Phlomis aurea and Euphorbia obovata are And Nepeta septemcrenata is near endemic endemic plants species. plant species.

Stand 21. ‘‘Erigeron bonariensis Stand 24. ‘‘Verbascum sinaiticum Community’’ Community’’ In this stand, 15 species were In this stand, 17 species were recorded, the characteristic species of this recorded, the characteristic species of this community are E.bonariensis (I.V.I =56.55), community are V.sinaiticum (I.V.I =52.78), Pulicaria undulata (I.V.I. = 38.39), Mentha Pulicaria undulata (I.V.I. = 50.68), Mentha longifolia (I.V.I. = 35.12). The other longifolia (I.V.I. = 33.90). The other associated species have lower importance associated species have lower importance value. Here, C.bonariensis is the dominant value. Here, V.sinaiticum is the dominant species; Pulicaria undulata is the codominant species; Pulicaria undulata is the codominant

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com species. Diplotaxis harra, Juncus rigidus, undulate, Achilea fragrantissima, Erigeron Teucrium polium, Echinops glaberrimus are bonariensis, Mentha longifolia, Euphorbia rare plants species. And Ballota undulata is obovata, Chiliadenus montanus, Verbascum endemic plant species. sinaiticum and Diplotaxis harra.

Pulicaria undulata community: Site 10: Abu Walei Pulicaria undulate is the most commen Abu Walei is located at 28.53312°N dominant species, dominating six stands 33.96494°E, 28.93429°N 33.91142°E with belonging to four sites out of the 26 studied altitude range of 1869 m asl – 1879 m asl. Soil stands and the ten sites (3 in Wadi-Alshaq, 18, texture of Abu Walei consists of 5 % bolder, 22, 24 in Farsh Elromana, 22 in Ma‘aroffiaa 25 % rocks, 45 % gravel and 25 % sand. It has and 26 in Abu Walei) with elevation range a high human activity and high grazing between 1784 m asl and 1971 m asl. pressure. The site is a narrow steep wadi where Verbascum sinaiticum is often the co-dominant flash flood are especially violent. The wadi species of pulicaria undulata. Associate consists of rocks and gravel with granitic species of this community in this study are geology with some sandstone features. The Anarrhinum pubescens, Mentha longifolia and topography of the wadi is concave and the Centaurea aegyptiaca. P. undulata is densely slope exposure is southwest. The distance from white – woolly branched erect herb (Andrews, Saint Kathreine city is about 5.3 km. There is a 1956). P. undulata is a medicinal plant used to high diversity and cover of species in spread in treat inflammation and also an insect repellent this area. Two stands were selected to and herbal tea (Ravandeh et al., 2011). represent Ma‘aroffiaa (Stands 25 and 26) Landforms supporting this community are high-elevation sites surrounding the ring dyke. Stand 25. ‘‘Euphorbia obovaata Community’’ These high-elevation sites have high plant In this stand, 11 species were diversity, with a high number of species recorded, the characteristic species of this recorded and a relatively high plant cover. community are E. obovata (I.V.I =126.74), Associate species of this community are Zilla spinosa (I.V.I. = 32.75), Mentha Peganum harmala, Artemisia herba-alba, Zilla longifolia (I.V.I. = 24.91). The other spinosa, Matthiola arabica, Phlomis aurea and associated species have lower importance Achillea fragrantissima. (Guenther et al., value. Here, E.obovata is the dominant 2005). species; Zilla spinosa is the codominant species. Diplotaxis harra, Juncus rigidus, are Achillea fragrantissima community: rare plants species. And Euphorbia obovaata Achillea fragrantissima is dominant species, is endemic plant species. dominating five stands belonging to four sites out of the 26 studied stands and the ten sites (9 Stand 26. ‘‘Pulicaria undulata Community’’ in Elgabal Elahmar, 11, 12 in Elzawitin, 15 in In this stand, 22 species were Eltibk and 16 in Selebat) with elevation range recorded, the characteristic species of this between 1776 m asl and 1846 m asl. Associate community are P.undulata (I.V.I =67.81), species of this community in this study are Verbascum sinaiticum (I.V.I. = 40.48), Stachys Stachys aegyptiaca, Mentha longifolia and aegyptiaca (I.V.I. = 37.05). The other Phlomis aurea. Achillea fragrantissima associated species have lower importance community is dominating high elevated wadi, value. Here, P.undulata is the dominant high elevated plain, low elevated wadi, and species; Verbascum sinaiticum is the fans, at Wadi ElSheikh, Agramia Plain, Wadi codominant species. Zilla spinosa, Juncus Sanad, Rahaba - Nasb, and Wadi Feiran (Abd rigidus, Peganum harmaa, Echinops El- Wahab et al., 2006a). The rocky slopes of glaberrimus are rare plants species. And the mouth of Wadi El-Raha and the finer Phomis aurea is endemic plant species. runnels of the upstream effluents of Wadi Gharandal are dominated by Achillea Discussion fragrantissima (Zahran and Willis, 2009). A. The present study aimed at identifying fragrantissima is a perennial species found in major plant communities dominating the 26 different landforms (Gorges, Slopes, Terraces studied stand from SKP. Results showed the and Ridges) in St. Katherine area (Ayyad et presence of eight plant communities along the al., 2000). Soils of this communities are very ten sites of the study area (Figs 3 and 4). The pale brown, light yellowish brown to brownish major plant communities were Pulicaria yellow gravelly. Soil texture of A.

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com fragrantissima community is sand. Associate Nepeta septemcrenata, Adiantum capillus- species of this community are Fagonia mollis, veneris, Crateagus xsinaica, Zilla spinosa and Zilla spinosa (Abd El- Wahab et al., 2006a). Juncus rigidus (Abd El- Wahab et al., 2006 a). Erigeron bonariensis community: Euphorbia obovata community: Erigeron bonariensis is dominant species, Euphorbia obovata is dominant species, dominating five stands belonging to three sites dominating three stands belonging to three out of the 26 studied stands and the ten sites (2, sites out of the 26 studied stands and the ten 4 and 5 in Wadi-Alshaq, 8 in Kharazet-Elshaq sites (17 in Selebat, 19 in Farsh Elromana and and 21 in Farsh Elromana) with elevation 25 in Abu Walei) with elevation range between range between 1778 m asl and 1828 m asl. 1394 m asl and 1879 m asl. Associate species Associate species of this community in the of this community in this study are Zilla present study are pulicaria undulata, Alkanna spinosa, Erigeron bonariensis and Pulicaria orientalis, Anarrhinum pubescens, and undulata. Euphorbia sanctae-catharinae Achillea fragrantissima. A characterizing Fayed is listed as a synonym to Euphorbia mountainus habitat (gorge, terraces, farsh, wadi obovata Decne. (Boulos, 2009). It is a low bed). E. bonariensis grows in diverse shrub endemic plant, grows under exteremely ecological conditions and also is quite variable severe arid conditions in Saint Katherine morphologically (Gubta and Gill, 1983). It is protectorate (Moursy et al., 2010). It is found one of the plant species that was recorded in in all habitat types in SKP and the highest Feiran Oasis with two types of habitat (date number of individual was recorded in Rihibat palm orchards and crop fields) (Abd El-Ghani Nada , while the lowest number of and Fahmy, 1998). Plants of this community individual was recorded in Selebat (Moursy are also characterizing cultivated lands and et al., 2010). Plants of this community canal banks in the Nille Delta Egypt and the occupied most of high altitude representative associate species of this community are different habitats in SKP such as wadi bed, Polypogon monspeliensis, Malva parviflora terrace, gorge, slope and farsh, the only habitat (Shehata, 2014). in which the plant does not occure is the cave Mentha longifolia community: habitat (Moursy et al., 2010). E. obovata is a Mentha longifolia is dominant species, perennial species found in different landforms dominating three stands belonging to three (gorges and Terraces) in St. Katherine area sites out of the 26 studied stands and the ten (Ayyad et al., 2000). The altitude of sites (1 in Wadi-Alshaq, 7 in Kharazet-Elshaq Euphorbia sites ranges from 1440 m above sea and 14 in Eltibk) with elevation range between level in Wadi Itlah area to 2030 m in Keneiset 1772 m asl and 1836 m asl. Associate species al-Hamar area in Gabal Mousa. Most of the of this community in the present study are Euphorbia obovata populations were small and Phlomis aurea, Stachys aegyptiaca and plants occurred sporadically in space, as little Achillea fragrantissima. Mentha longifolia groups or as individuals. This indicates that comprises herbaceous, perennial plants, this species has a small geographical range and common in temperate climates in Europe, wide range of habitats of spatial distribution Australia and South Africa (Lange and and presence (Moursy et al., 2010). Associate Croteau, 1999). M. longifolia commonly species of this community are Artemisia herba- known as wild mint or horse mint, is a alba, Stachys aegyptiaca and Origanum perennial herb that can grow up to 1-2 m syriacum (Moursy et al., 2010). height (Okoh and Afolayan, 2011). Traditionally, M.longifolia plant has been used Chiliadenus montanus community: for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and Chiliadenus montanus is dominant species, stomachache and cardiac diseases too (Haq et dominating two stands belonging to two sites al., 2011). M. longifolia characterizes the out of the 26 studied stands and the ten sites mountainous habitatst (prefers high elevated (10 in Elharezy and 13 in Elzawitin) with wadi and gorge). This plant species may be elevation range between 1867 m asl and 1875 considered as indicators of high soil quality. m asl. Associate species of this community in Soils of this community are darker in color, this study are Plantago afra and Hypericum and have more silt and clay content than soils sinaicum. One of the most collected species for of low lands. Soil texture of Mentha longifolia trade because of its medicinal value Assi community is sand to loamy sand with yellow (2007). This community prefers high terraces brown to dark grayish brown gravelly colour. with fissures and slope with fissures. It is found Associate species of this community are in all sites of SKP except Wadi Gragneia. In

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com this community the altitude is 1813 m. with Grazing activity is moderate with Diplotaxis exposure degree ranging from 20o to 340o harra in Saint Katherine Mountains (North, North-Western, South-Eastern) and the (Moustafa, 2000). D. harra is better favoured slope degree is 45.18o (Moustafa et al., 2015). on the limestone than on the gravel. Associate Chiliadenus montanus is dominating high species of this community are Fagonia mollis, slopes and a well-defined wadi bed composed Gymnocarpos decander, Limonium pruinosum, of high sand component (Guenther et al., Reaumuria hirtella (Zahran and Willis, 2005). The soil of this community is 2009). characterized by low organic matter (3.13%), while the other parameters landform, slope degree, exposure degree, elevation, gravel, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, silt and clay, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, and nature of soil surface are moderate in its range. Associate species of this community are Tucrium polium, Stachys aegyptiaca and Origanum syriacum (Moustafa et al., 2015).

Verbascum sinaiticum community: Verbascum sinaiticum is dominant species, dominating one stand belonging to one site out of the 26 studied stands and the ten sites (24 in Ma‘aroffiaa) with elevation 1821 m asl. Associate species of this community in this study are Pulicaria undulate, Mentha longifolia and Phlomis aurea. Verbascum sinaiticum is a perennial species found in two types of habitat (gorges and slope) in St. Katherine area (Ayyad et al., 2000). Verbascum sinaiticum community is dominating Ain Lousa, surrounding area and Wadi Ba’athran. Landforms supporting this community are the high elevated terraces, gorges and slopes (Abd El- Wahab et al., 2006 b). Associate species of this community are Artemisia herba-alba, Silene schimperiana, Galium sinaicum, Juncus rigidus, Mentha longifolia and Phlomis aurea (Abd El- Wahab et al., 2006 b).

Diplotaxis harra community: Diplotaxis harra is dominant species, dominating one stand belonging to one site out of the 26 studied stands and the ten sites (6 in Wadi-Alshaq) with elevation 1835 m asl. Associate species of this community in the present study are Verbascum sinaiticum and Erigeron bonariensis. Diplotaxis harra is a perennial species found in two types of habitat (gorges and slope) in St. Katherine area (Ayyad et al., 2000). D. harra may be present in two types of habitat, rill-runnels across rocky slopes (In years of good rainfall) and Fig 2. Showing different plant long shallow runnels. Among the species communities of the 26 studied stands (A: Mentha characteristic of the slopes on the wadi sides of longifolia, B: Euphorbia obovata, C: Achilla the Egyptian deserts is Diplotaxis harra. fragrantissima)

IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 5 Issue 8, August 2018 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 www.ijiset.com

Conclusion Ten sites including 26 stands were studied and eight plant communities have been identified. The present work is a contribution to the vegetation of Saint Katherine Protectorate. Further studies to investigate vegetation-soil relationships is highly recommended in order to understand the composition of the different ecosystems inhabiting St. Katherine protectorate.

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A D

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