Abstract:
The present study evaluates the effects of environmental factors and associated species on the distribution and abundance of Zygophyllum aegyptium A. Hosny in different habitats in the Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Four vegetation groups associated with Z. aegyptium were identified using Two way Indicator Species Analysis. These groups were named as Elymus farctus (Viv.) Runemark (group A), Alhagi graecorum Boiss. (group B), Silene succulenta Forssk. (group C) and Stipagrostis lanata (Forssk.) De Winter (group D).
The application of Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis explored the pattern of distribution and the main environmental factors influencing the distribution and abundance of Z. aegyptium. This showed the highest scores of abundance in the salt marshes (group A) and fertile non-cultivated lands (group B) however, the lowest scores of abundance in the sand dunes (groups C&D). Edaphically, the distribution of Z. aegyptium is mainly controlled by soil texture, moisture availability, calcareous sedimentation and soil fertility (organic carbon).