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Checklist and analysis of the flora and vegetation of Wadi Zaza at AI-Jabal AI Akhdar (Cyrenaica, Libya)
Abstract
The flora of Wadi Zaza (Cyrenaica Libya) was studied and statistically analysed. Total figures of the flora are: 61 families, 213 genera and 336 species. Two families belong to Gymnosperm and the remaining 59 families to Angiosperms. Dicotyledons are represented by 278 species, 176 genera, and 52 families and Monocotyledons by 56 species, 35 genera and 7 families. The life forms show the predominance of Therophytes with 57.14%. Chamaephytes constitute 22.91%, Cryptophytes 14.28%, Fhanerophytes 5.35% and Hemicryptophytes 0.29%. Polygonum alpinum is a new record for Libya.
... (Michon) Greuter, 1997(Greuter, 1997, an annual herb characterized by its dicotyledone and therophyte life form (Fakhry and El-Kenany, 2019;Sherif and Betelmal, 2020), which is native to the Mediterranean region (El-Barasi and Gawhari, 2003;Steinbrinck and Schinz, 1907). This plant, which is an understudied component of the Algerian flora, is typically found in clay soil, rockeries, and steppes, with a more common occurrence in the Northern Sahara sector and Western Sahara sector, but it is rare in the central Sahara sector (Quezel and Santa, 1963). ...
In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of aerial parts, roots, and stems of Pallenis hierochuntica collected during the fructification period in the Betita region, Tebessa Province, Algeria. Chemical screening was carried out to highlight the presence of the main secondary metabolites groups. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) were quantified. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays; the antidiabetic potential was performed via the alpha-amylase test, while the sun protection factor (SPF) was determined to assess photoprotective properties. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many chemical groups. The highest TPC was recorded in roots extract; however the highest TFC was noted in aerial parts extract. Antioxidant activity assays indicated the roots had the highest antioxidant capacity. The alpha-amylase inhibitory activity was notably potent (IC50=136.77±0.19 μg/mL) in roots compared to aerial parts and stems extracts. All extracts demonstrated better alpha-amylase inhibition than the standard antidiabetic drugs. Furthermore, SPF values for all extracts were around 31.50 indicating strong UV protection. The preliminary results obtained through this study are encouraging and will contribute to further research on P. hierochuntica extracts and highlight its potential in developing natural therapeutic and cosmetic products.
Key Words: Pallenis hierochuntica, Phytochemical screening, Fructification, Antioxidant activity, Photoprotective activity, Alpha-amylase test.
... The study region has a comparable climate to Benghazi, with typical highs of 20 degrees Celsius. The northern face of the first terrace slope of Jebel Akhdar has significant humidity and rainfall, which causes the establishment of forested areas where perennial plants grow on the upper plateau.(El-Barasi et al., 2003). ...
Due to the lack of studies in the field of biodiversity in Libya, especially in animal ecology, this paper aims to assess the diversity and distribution of wildlife animals in three areas of the EL-Jabal EL-Akhdar region of northern-eastern Libya (Jeera, Taknes, Wadi Zaza) and the anthropogenic pressure in these areas, the areas were divided into three squares of 6 km by 12 km covering 72 km 2 each, waste remnants, animal remains including feathers and hair, and track traces were used to identify the wild animals, also questionnaire was used to assess the anthropogenic stress in the area, ecological indexes such as Shannon, Simpson, Richness, and Evenness.., among these species that suffer from high risk, Testudo qraeca due to mass exportation and Hayena hyaena L, canis anthus, Vulpes vulpes, subjected to poaching for the trading of their skin.These species are associated with the vegetation in the zone of study, especially Juniperus phoenicia, which is considered to be a dominant species in the study area which , in turn, suffers from environmental imbalance. The dense vegetation in the Wadi Zaza area has an impact on the fauna in the form of high rates of animal diversity, especially birds. The study concluded that several animal species are on the brink of extinction due to the intensity of anthropogenic in the different study zones, which ranged from extreme trade and mass exportation to hunting, urban and agricultural expansion, and deforestation Urgent action is needed to stop environmental deterioration, especially land use, and to establish protected areas.
... After geolocating the identified subpopulations where the specimens were collected, we mapped the distribution of the taxon in Libya (Fig. 7). More in detail, these occurrences data included samples collected in Barca (also Barqa or Barce: Arcangeli 1894), today's al-Marj; in Marsa Susa, the ancient city of Apollonia (Authors' note; Vaccari 1913 in Béguinot and Vaccari 1913b), 'in the valley of the aqueduct' (Vaccari 1913 in Béguinot andVaccari 1913c); in Gouba (also El Gubba, Quba, al Qubbah); in Wadi Sarak, 'quite common in the woods' and in Wadi Naga, mountains at the north of Béguinot and Vaccari 1913a, Longa 1912in Pampanini 1912, Wadi Zaza (El- Barasi et al. 2003) and Wadi Haboon (El Rabiai and Al Tira 2015). Omar (2019a) reported to have collected it inside the maquis at Marsa Susa (180-195 m a.s.l.), in the forest at Wardamah (500-550 m a.s.l.) and at Shahhat (500-550 m a.s.l.). ...
The distribution of Erica sicula Guss. sensu lato ranges throughout the central-Eastern Mediterranean Basin. However, this species, which probably represents one of the most ancestral members of the genus Erica , shows a significantly disjointed and fragmented distribution pattern and is subject to multiple threats, leading to continuous regression at the local scale. The species is distributed across five regions, Sicily, Libya, Cyprus, Anatolia and Lebanon, and counts two subspecies, subsp. sicula and subsp. bocquetii , represented by 29 and 8 subpopulations, respectively. This work provides a global update on the knowledge related to the distribution, ecology and conservation status of its two subspecies. New distributional analyses and ecologically relevant data were collected from fieldwork, literature and herbarium specimens. In Sicily, unmanned aerial systems and high-resolution digital elevation models were employed to perform a detailed census of the only extant subpopulation. This enabled a comprehensive mapping of its distribution and the calculation of its 3D occupation surface. Based on the result of our analyses, species is Least Concern (LC) at the global level, despite each subspecies and subpopulation being classified as nationally endangered. Erica sicula subsp. sicula was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) (B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)) in northwestern Sicily where two out of the three subpopulations have probably disappeared. The situation of E. sicula subsp. sicula in eastern Mediterranean is equally alarming, being assessed under the category VU B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2ab(i,ii,iii,iv) in the three countries where it occurs; in Lebanon, it is severely threatened by the increasing impact of quarrying, urban sprawl, road and dam construction, in the island of Cyprus it is prone to the growing impact of goat overgrazing and fire, whilst in Anatolia it is affected by urban sprawl and coastal touristic development. In Libya, E. sicula subsp. sicula was evaluated as VU (B1ab(iii) + 2ab(iii)) considering the current degradation of the quality of its habitat. E. sicula subsp. bocquetii , previously known to occur only in few locations on the mountains of southern Anatolia and recently found in several other locations at lower altitudes, was assessed as VU (B1ab(iii) + 2ab(iii)). Further fieldwork is recommended to better assess the demographic trend of the different subpopulations. Moreover, genetic analyses are needed to clarify the taxonomic value of several infraspecific taxa previously described and help targeting future in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects on the most unique and genetically rich subpopulations. Improving knowledge and the conservation strategies of taxa like Erica sicula s.l . requires the expertise of specialists from all the countries concerned, making it essential to maintain networks of experts in the Mediterranean.
The distribution range of Erica sicula Guss. sensu lato spans the central and eastern Mediterranean Basin, but shows a significantly fragmented pattern, and its populations are locally subject to multiple threats inducing continuous regression. The species is distributed across five countries, Italy, Libya, Cyprus, Türkiye and Lebanon, and includes two subspecies, subsp. sicula and subsp. bocquetii, currently represented by 31 and 8 stands, respectively. This study provides an updated overview of the distribution, ecology, and conservation status of both subspecies. New distribution data and ecological information were gathered through fieldwork, literature, and herbarium specimens. In Sicily (Italy), unmanned aerial systems and high-resolution digital elevation models were employed to perform a detailed census of the last extant stand, mapping its distribution and calculating its 3D occupation surface. Based on our analyses, Erica sicula is evaluated as Least Concern (LC) at the global level, even though each subspecies and subpopulation are nationally endangered. In fact, 19 locations of E. sicula subsp. sicula were not confirmed recently, and this subspecies should be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) in Italy and Vulnerable (VU) in Lebanon, Cyprus and Türkiye. In Libya, E. sicula subsp. sicula is VU due to severe habitat degradation. E. sicula subsp. bocquetii, formerly known from a few locations in the mountains of SW Anatolia, Türkiye, has been found at lower altitudes in several new locations and is also assessed as VU. Further fieldwork is recommended to better assess the demographic trends of the different subpopulations. Genetic analyses are needed to clarify the taxonomic value of infraspecific taxa previously described and to guide future conservation efforts of the most unique and genetically rich stands, both in-situ and ex-situ. Improving the conservation strategies for taxa like Erica siculas. l. requires the collaboration of specialists from all involved countries, making it crucial to maintain networks of experts in the Mediterranean.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SURVEY OF SOME LIBYAN MEDICINAL PLANTS
GROWING WILD IN ALJABALALAKHDAR
Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to assess the current status of the vegetative cover and the
biological diversity in Al-Dafna plateau, as the selected study area has never been botanically
studied before. A vegetation survey was conducted in the period between 2019-2022 for three
consecutive growing seasons. The total number of the recorded plant species surveyed in the
study area is 182 species belonging to 36 different families and 139 genera of vascular plants,
representing 8.71% of the total species, 16.46% of total genera and 24.82% of total plant
families in Libyan flora. These species were classified into three major groups according to
their duration (life-span) as follows 62 perennial (55.33%), 118 annual (83.56 %) and 2
biennial species (3..1%). The distribution among the collected plants was characterised by a
high proportion of annuals. Asteraceae had the highest contribution 31 species (17%),
followed by Fabaceae 21 species (12%), Amaranthaceae 19 species (10%), Brassicaceae 16
species (9%) and Poaceae 12 species (7%). The results showed the largest genera were
Plantago L. and Polygonum L. as each genus contained 5 species. Moreover, thirteen wild
medicinal plant species were recorded. Importantly, six endemic species were recorded in the
study area, representing 7% of the total endemic plant species in Libya. This study concludes
that there is a significant diversity of plant species in the area of study. From this study, it
seems that overgrazing has the grandest impact on vegetation cover in Al-Dafna plateau. The
results of the present research suggest that conservation strategies should be taken to preserve
the plant community structure in Al-Dafna plateau.
Keywords: Al-Dafna plateau – Libyan flora – endemic plant species – vegetation - Libya.
Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to assess the current status of the vegetative cover and the
biological diversity in Al-Dafna plateau, as the selected study area has never been botanically
studied before. A vegetation survey was conducted in the period between 2019-2022 for three
consecutive growing seasons. The total number of the recorded plant species surveyed in the
study area is 182 species belonging to 36 different families and 139 genera of vascular plants,
representing 8.71% of the total species, 16.46% of total genera and 24.82% of total plant
families in Libyan flora. These species were classified into three major groups according to
their duration (life-span) as follows 62 perennial (55.33%), 118 annual (83.56 %) and 2
biennial species (3..1%). The distribution among the collected plants was characterised by a
high proportion of annuals. Asteraceae had the highest contribution 31 species (17%),
followed by Fabaceae 21 species (12%), Amaranthaceae 19 species (10%), Brassicaceae 16
species (9%) and Poaceae 12 species (7%). The results showed the largest genera were
Plantago L. and Polygonum L. as each genus contained 5 species. Moreover, thirteen wild
medicinal plant species were recorded. Importantly, six endemic species were recorded in the
study area, representing 7% of the total endemic plant species in Libya. This study concludes
that there is a significant diversity of plant species in the area of study. From this study, it
seems that overgrazing has the grandest impact on vegetation cover in Al-Dafna plateau. The
results of the present research suggest that conservation strategies should be taken to preserve
the plant community structure in Al-Dafna plateau.
Keywords: Al-Dafna plateau – Libyan flora – endemic plant species – vegetation - Libya.
Abstract: Cyclamen rohlfsianum is one of the most famous native plants in Al-Jabal
Al-Akhdar region, is documented as a logo for Libyan Flora Encyclopedia, which has
not received an updated study which has not been studied morphologically since
1977. So, this morphological survey carried to verify its presence in 27 locations in
Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar regions and to give a detailed morphological description to years
2020-2021. The results of the field study showed the presence of Cyclamen
rohlfsianum in all studied locations, the study was also able to record it for the first
time at 24 new locations. The results of the morphological study showed are a
perennial herbaceous plant, grows in early September and continues until April, with
red globular juicy tubers, becomes irregular, cork-brown with age, a width of more
than 30 cm. Leaves simple, reinform or semi-cardiac, covered on the upper surface
with a silvery mottle, while the lower surface is mostly purple, bear on long glandular
petioles, a flowers five-part, bisexual, monoecious, petals spirally reversed backward,
dark purple at the base and pink at the tips, Its stamens emerge from a corolla clearly
as a distinctive sign of this species, Anther is yellow triangular with 6 mm long,
superior ovary with one locule contains more than 40 ovules, style is tubular, stigma
is semi-globular, central placentation, fruits a brown capsule bear on a spiral neck,
white oval seeds, covered with a sticky layer.
Although the documentation of data about the Libyan vegetation began since ancient time and modern studies started at the beginning of the eighteenth century, the Libyan flora is not fully understood, particularly in the interior lands, the southern mountains, desert valleys and depressions, and, of course, the northern valleys. The number of recorded Libyan plants is about 2082 species; this is not commensurate with the vast area of Libya (1.75 million km2), nor
with the significant variation amongst the various ecotypes in the different biogeographical zones of the country. Therefore, the flora and vegetation survey in Libya is still an open field of study, and the ease and continuous recording of new species demonstrate the necessity to document the bibliography of the flora and conduct more detailed investigations. Furthermore, an arbitration process and scrutiny of the collected plant specimens to produce an updated checklist and modern classification of the flora does not exist yet. This study is an attempt to provide a detailed and closed review of the literature and afford updated data about the composition of the flora, which could be an important step for initiating a reassessment and updating of the vegetation and flora of Libya.
The author provided a full taxonomic treatment with descriptions, illustrations, herbarium specimens seen, distribution map, keys and relationships of the species of Damiella Maire & Weiller (Chenopodiaceae). This genus includes the species belonging to Salsola sect. Damiella (see BRULLO 1982), viz.: D. longifolia (Forsskal) Brullo comb, nov., D. verticillata (Schousboe) Brullo comb, nov., D. zygophylla (Batt. & Trab.) Brullo comb, nov., D. schweifurthii (Solms-Laub.) Brullo comb, nov., D. cruciata (Chevall. ex Batt. & Trab.) Brullo comb, nov., D. gymnomaschala (Maire) Brullo comb, nov., D. cyrenaica Maire & Weiller, D. glomerate (Maire) Brullo comb, nov., D. melitensis (Botsch.) Brullo comb, nov., D. tunetana (Brullo) Brullo comb, nov., D. sinaica (Brullo) Brullo comb. nov. The genus Damiella differs from the genus Salsola for the presence a well developped hypoginous disc, of staminodes alternating with the stamens, of leaves cylindrical or davate articulating at the base with a short coriaceous whitish pulvinus which is ventrally hollowed out and more or less wooly. Whilst it differs from the genus Seidlitzia, with which has close resemblance, for the presence of brances not jointed, leaves articulated on a basal pulvinus, hypogynous disc well developped, staminodes and stamen filaments shortly fused at the base, anthers appendaged, perianth segments equal or subequal enterely or only in the central part membranaceous. Phytogeografical and ecological informations are given too.
Viene presentata una revisione relativa alla specie di Limonium della Cirenaica (Libia), effettuata sulla base di materiale d'erbario e di osservazioni in natura. Tale ricerca ha portato alla identificazione di 10 specie, di queste due vengono descritte come nuove L. vaccarii Pignatti e L. teuchirae Brullo), mentre viene chiarita la posizione di altre specie critiche (L. cyrenaicum (Rouy) Brullo, comb, nov.; L. subrotundifolium (Beguinot et Vacc.) Brullo, comb, et st. nov.; L. tubiflorum (Delile) O. Kunze subsp. zanonii (Pamp.) Brullo, comb, et st. nov.; L. raddianum (Boiss.) Pignatti, comb. nov.). Di ciascuna specie, oltre alle considerazioni di carattere tassonomico, vengono date notizie sull'habitat e sull'areale.
Checklist and analysis ofthe flora
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Tulipa sylvestris L. varo mediterranea Pamp. ll. Urginea autumnalis (L.) El-Gadi 12. Urginea maritima (L.) Baker 13. Urginea undulata (Desf
- L Ornithogalum
- Lo
Ornithogalum umbellatum L.
lO. Tulipa sylvestris L. varo mediterranea Pamp.
ll. Urginea autumnalis (L.) El-Gadi
12. Urginea maritima (L.) Baker
13. Urginea undulata (Desf.) Steinh.
Gaudiniafragilis (L.) P. Beauv. 15. Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) 16. Lagurus ovatus L. 17
- Gastridium Ventricosum ( Gouan
- Schinz
- Thell
Gastridium ventricosum (Gouan) Schinz & Thell.
14. Gaudiniafragilis (L.) P. Beauv.
15. Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.)
16. Lagurus ovatus L.
17. Lamarckia aurea (L.) Moench
18. Lophochloa cristata (L.) Hyl.
19. Phalaris paradoxa L.
20. Phalaris minor Retz.
21. Poa sinaica Steud.
22. Sorgum halepense (L.) Preso
23. Trachynia distachya (L.) Link
24. Trisetaria macrochaeta (Boiss.) Maire
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