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

Abstract

Abstract Wadi Degla protectorate is located between latitudes 29° 51′ 51″ N to 30° 00′ 34″ N and longitudes 31° 16′ 03″ E to 31° 39′ 11 E and its length reached to 30 km. It passes through the limestone rocks of the Eastern Desert. The present study aimed to evaluate the floristic characteristics of the wild plants in Wadi Degla protectorate. Including taxonomic diversity, life and sex forms, dispersal types, economic potential, threats and national and global floristic distributions. Field visits were conducted to 185 locations in Wadi Degla. From each location, plant and seed specimens were collected. One hundred and sixty one plants belonged to 128 genera and 43 family were recorded. They parts of the wadi (up, mid and down-stream). Therophytes were the most represented life form. Bisexuals were the most represented sex form. Sarcochores were the most represented dispersal type, followed by Desmochores. Small geographic range - national habitat - non abundant plants were the most represented rarity form. For national scales, Mediterranean and Sinai regions were the most rich wild plants. For global scales, Saharo-Sindian and Mediterranean were the most represented elements. Medicinal plants were the most represented good, while solid wastes were the most represented threat.