Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Plants of Sabkha Ecosystems of the Arabian Peninsula

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Sabkha Ecosystems

Part of the book series: Tasks for Vegetation Science ((TAVS,volume 49))

Abstract

Sabkhas are unique ecosystems that are highly saline and where specially adapted plants are able to grow, flower, and fruit. In general, saline environments are poor in species – for the Arabian Peninsula about 120 taxa are recorded as halophytes which constitute about 4% of the total flora of the Arabian Peninsula. Key halophytes of Arabia are nearly always perennial; predominant life-forms are somewhat succulent, semiwoody dwarf shrubs belonging to the families Amaranthaceae, Zygophyllaceae, and Plumbaginaceae and hemicryptophytes belonging to the Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Juncaceae; annuals are exceptions. Coastal species are either obligate halophytes or salt-tolerant genera from unspecialized families, such as Sporobolus and Aeluropus (Poaceae), or salt-secreting species such as Avicennia (Acanthaceae) and Limonium (Plumbaginaceae). The submerged coastal vegetation, e.g., seagrasses, is one of the most important vegetation types of the Gulf coast and is of great importance to marine fauna. The north-south distribution of coastal species is more distinct on the Red Sea coast, with the border lying near Jeddah, than on the Persian Gulf coast where there is a broad transitional zone between Qatar and northern Oman. The east-west distribution of coastal species is not as distinct. The eastern elements are either restricted to the coasts around the Arabian Gulf or are Irano-Turanian species extending into the Gulf region. Several vicariant species groups of halophytes are represented in the Arabian Peninsula. Halophytes have developed strategies for seed germination such as high germination levels and fast germination speed. These traits are found in the sabkha plants of the Arabian Peninsula. Some halophytes have been investigated for their potential for phytoremediation in their ability to survive weathered oil-contaminated soils. They have been found to have a set of micoorganisms around their root system that are related to the degradation of oil in contaminated soils. Sabkha ecosystems are being degraded and altered throughout the Gulf countries as they appear to be nonproductive. Over the last two decades, there has been a growing concern in protecting and restoring mangroves, and programs do to so have seen promising results. But, on the whole, coastal and inland sabkhas are neglected, and these unique ecosystems require urgent protection.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abbas J (2002) Plant communities bordering the sabkhat of Bahrain Island. In: Barth H-J, Böer B (eds) Sabkha ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 51–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Abbas JA, El-Oqlah AA (1992) Distribution and communities of halophytic plants in Bahrain. J Arid Environ 22:205–218

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdel-Razik MS (1991) Population structure and ecological performance of the mangrove Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. On the Arbian Gulf coast of Qatar. J Arid Environ 20:331–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdel-Razik MS, Ismail AM (1990) Vegetation composition of a maritime salt marsh in Qatar in relation to edaphic factors. J Veg Sci 1:85–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Abed AM (2002) An overview of an inland sabkha in Jordan: the Taba Sabkha in southern Wadi Araba. In: Barth H-J, Böer B (eds) Sabkha ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 83–98

    Google Scholar 

  • AGEDI (2013) Systematic conservation planning assessments and spatial privatizations for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi

    Google Scholar 

  • Akani H, Edwards G, Roalson EH (2007) Diversification of the Old World Salsoleae s.l. (Chenopodiaceae): molecular phylogenetic analysis of nuclear and chloroplast data sets and a revised classification. Int J Plant Sci 168(6):931–956

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Ateeqi S (2014) Phytoremediation of oil-polluted desert soil in Kuwait using native plant species. PhD thesis, unpublished. University of Glasgow, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Gifri AN, Gabali SA (2002) The coastal sabkhat of Yemen. In: Barth H-J, Böer B (eds) Sabkha ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 141–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Al Khulaidi AA (2013) Flora of Yemen. The Sustainable Natural Resource Management Project (SNRMP II) EPA and UNDP, Republic of Yemen

    Google Scholar 

  • Al Khulaidi AA, Miller AG, Furley P (2010) Environmental and human determinates of vegetation distribution: in the Hadhramaut region. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken, p 420

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Taisan WA (2009) Suitability of using Phragmites australis and Tamarix aphylla as vegetation filters in industrial areas. Am J Environ Sci 5(6):740–747

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Turki TA, Omer S, Ghafoor A (2000) A synopsis of the genus Atriplex L. (Chenopodiaceae) in Saudi Arabia. Feddes Repert 111(5–6):261–293

    Google Scholar 

  • Aleem AA (1979) A contribution to the study of seagrasses along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Proc Saudi Biol Soc 3:113–136

    Google Scholar 

  • APG IV (2016) An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG IV. Bot J Linn Soc 181:1–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Aronson J (1989) HALOPH; salt tolerant plants for the world – a computerized global data base of halophytes with emphasis on their economic uses. University of Arizona Press, Tucson

    Google Scholar 

  • Aspinall S (1995) Why the Socotra Cormorant, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis should be protected. Tribulus 5(2):10–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Aspinall S (1996a) Status and conservation of the breeding birds of the United Arab Emirates. Hobby, Liverpool/Dubai

    Google Scholar 

  • Aspinall S (1996b) Time for a protected area network in the UAE. Tibulus 6(1):5–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Auffret M, Labbé D, Thouand G et al (2009) Degradation of a mixture of hydrocarbons, gasoline, and diesel oil additives by Rhodococcus aetherivorans and Rhodococcus wratislaviensis. Appl Environ Microbiol 75(24):7774–7782

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Aziz S, Khan MA (1996) Seed bank dynamics of a semi-arid coastal shrub community in Pakistan. J Arid Environ 34:81–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Babikir AA (1984) Vegetation and envrironment on the coastal sand, dunes and playas of Khor El-Odaid Area, Qatar. Geo J 9:377–385

    Google Scholar 

  • Babikir AA, Kürschner H (1992) Vegetational patterns within a coastal saline of NE-Qatar. Arab Gulf J Sci Res 10:61–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin R (1996) Marine reptiles. In: Vine PJ (ed) Natural Emirates – wildlife and environment of the United Arab Emirates. Trident Press Ltd., London, pp 136–149

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin R, Al Kiyumi A (1999) The ecology and conservation status of sea turtles of Oman. In: Fisher M, Ghazanfar SA, Spalton JA (eds) The natural history of Oman: a festschrift for Michael Gallagher. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, pp 89–98

    Google Scholar 

  • Barth HJ (2002) The sabkhat of Saudi Arabia – an introduction. In: Barth H-J, Böer B (eds) Sabkha ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 37–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Baskin CC, Baskin JM (1998) Seeds: ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and germination. Elsevier, San Diego

    Google Scholar 

  • Basson PW, Burchard JE, Hardy JT, Price ARG (1977) Biotopes of the Western Arabian Gulf. Aramco, Dhahran

    Google Scholar 

  • Batanouny KH (1981) Ecology and flora of Qatar. Qatar University Press, Doha

    Google Scholar 

  • Batanouny KH, Turki AA (1983) Vegetation of South-Western Qatar. Arab Gulf J Sci Res 1:5–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhat NR, Suleiman MK, Shahid SA (2004) Mangrove, Avicennia marina: establishment and growth under the arid climate of Kuwait. Arid Land Res Manag 18(2):127–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B (1994) Status, environmental factors and recovery of the intertidal and terrestrial vegetation between Ras as-Zaur and Abu Ali Island after the Gulf war oil spill. In: Establishment of a marine habitat and wildlife sanctuary for the Gulf region. Final report for phase II. CEC/NCWCD, Frankfurt/Jubail, pp 229–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B (1996) Trial planting of mangroves (Avicennia marina) and salt marsh plants (Salicornia europaea) in oil-impacted soil in Jubail area, Saudi Arabia. In: Krupp F, Abuzinada AA, Nader JA (eds) A marine wildlife sanctuary for the Arabian Gulf. National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Riyadh, pp 186–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B (1997) An introduction to the climate of the United Arab Emirates. J Arid Environ 35:3–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B (2002) The coastal and sabkha flora of the United Arab Emirates. Short communication In: Barth HJ, Böer B (eds) 2002: Sabkah ecosystems vol. I: the Arabian peninsula and adjacent countries. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia. Tasks for Vegetation Science 36, Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp 303–309

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B (2004) Halophyte development in the Gulf Arab countries – UNESCO Doha’s activities 2001–2003. Trop Ecol 45(1):187–189

    Google Scholar 

  • Boer B, Al Hajiri S (2002) The coastal and sabkha flora of Qatar: an introduction. In: Barth H-J, Böer B (eds) Sabkha Ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 63–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B, Gliddon D (1998) Mapping of coastal ecosystems and halophytes (case study of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates). Mar Freshw Res 49(4):297–301

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B, Saenger P (2006) The biogeography of the coastal vegetation of the Abu Dhabi gulf coast. In: Khan A, Böer B, Kust GS, Barth H-J (eds) 2006: Sabkah ecosystems vol. II: West and Central Asia. Tasks for vegetation science 42. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 31–36. 259p

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B, Warnken J (1992) Qualitative analysis of the coastal and inland vegetation of the Dawkat ad-Dafi and Dawkat al-Mussalamiya region. In: Establishment of a marine habitat and wildlife sanctuary for the Gulf region. Final report for phase I. CEC/NCWCD, Frankfurt/Jubail, pp 81–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Böer B, Huot C, Sutcliffe M (2014) Floating mangroves: the solution to reduce atmospheric carbon levels and land-based marine pollution? In: Khan MA, Böer B, Öztürk M, Al Abdessalaam TZ, Clüsener-Godt M, Gul B (eds) 2014: Sabkha ecosystems vol IV: cash crop halophyte and biodiversity conservation. Tasks for vegetation science 47. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 327–333. 339p

    Google Scholar 

  • Botschantzev VP (1984) Two new species of the genus Salsola from Saudi Arabia. Bot J 69:686–688

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulos L (1987) A contribution to the flora of Kuwait. Candollea 42:263–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulos L (1991) A new species of Salsola from Oman. Studies in the Chenopodiaceae of Arabia: 3. Kew Bull 46:297–299

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulos L (1992) Notes on Agathophora (Fenzl) Bunge and Cornulaca Del. Studies in the Chenopodiaceae of Arabia V. Kew Bull 47:283–287

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown G, Porembsky S (2000) Phytogenic hillocks and blow-outs as ‘safe sites’ for plants in an oil contaminated area of northern Kuwait. Environ Conserv 27(3):242–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown G, Böer B, Sakkir S (2008) The coastal vegetation of the western and southern Gulf – characterisation and conservation aspects. In: Abuzinada AH, Barth H-J, Krupp F, Boer B, Al Abdessalam TZ (eds) Protecting the Gulf’s Marine Ecosystems from Pollution. Birkhauser Verlag, Basel, pp 23–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman VJ (1960) Salt marshes and salt deserts of the world. Inter-science Publishers, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman RW (1978) In: Al-Sayari SS, Zötl JG (eds) Quaternary period in Saudi Arabia. Spinger, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaudhary SA (1998) Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 1: 14–15. Ministry of Agriculture and Water. National Agriculture and Water Research Centre, Riyadh

    Google Scholar 

  • Danin A (1983) Desert vegetation of Israel and Sinai. Cana Publishing House, Jerusalem

    Google Scholar 

  • De Clerck O, Coppejans EV (1994) Status of the macroalgae and seagrass vegetation after the 1991 Gulf war oil spill. Cour Forschungsinst Senckenberg 166:18–21

    Google Scholar 

  • de Soyza AG, Böer B, Vistro N (2002). Sustainable development of mangroves for coastal sabkhat environments in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In: Barth HJ, Böer B (eds) Sabkah ecosystems vol. I: the Arabian peninsula and adjacent countries. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia. Tasks for Vegetation Science 36. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Deil U (1998) Coastal and sabkha vegetation. In: Ghazanfar SA, Fisher M (eds) Vegetation of the Arabian Peninsula. Kluwer Academic, Dordercht, pp 209–228

    Google Scholar 

  • Deil U, Müller-Hohenstein K (1996) An outline of the vegetation of Dubai (UAE). Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ökologie 25:77–95

    Google Scholar 

  • El Amry M (1998) Population structure, demography and life tables of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. at sites on the eastern and western coasts of the United Arab Emirates. Mar Freshw Res 49(4):303–308

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Demerdash MA (1996) The vegetation of the Farasan Islands, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. J Veg Sci 7:81–88

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Demerdash MA, Hegazy AK, Zilay MA (1995) Vegetation-soil relationship in Tihamah coastal plains of Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. J Arid Environ 30:161–174

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Hadidi MN (1977) Two new Zygophyllum species from Arabia. Publ Cairo Univ Herbarium 7/8:327–331

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Hadidi MN (1980) On the taxonomy of Zygophyllum section Bipartita. Kew Bull 35:335–340

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A (2003) Effects of achene dimorphism on dormancy and progeny traits the two ephemerals Hedypnois cretica (L.) Dum.-Cours. and Crepis aspera L. (Asteracea). Can J Bot 81:550–559

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A (2004) Salinity effects on seed germination of the common desert range grass, Panicum turgidum. Seed Sci Technol 32:873–878

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A (2013) Effects of seed storage on germination of two succulent desert halophytes with little dormancy and transient seed bank. Acta Ecol Sin 33:338–343

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A (2014) Effects of seed storage on germination of desert halophytes with transient seed bank. In: Khan MA, Böer B, Kust GS, Barth H-J (eds) Sabkha ecosystem IV. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 193–203

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Al-Hamadi F (2009) Assessment of the differential response of weeds to soil solarization by two methods. Weed Biol Manage 9:72–78

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Al-Shamsi N (2008) Salinity, temperature and light affect seed germination of Haloxylon salicornicum, a common perennial shrub of the Arabian deserts. Seed Sci Technol 36:679–688

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Bhatt A (2015) Aerial seed bank affects germination behaviour of two small seeded halophytes in the Arabian deserts. J Arid Environ 115:10–17

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Al-Ansari F, Hassan N, Al-Shamsi N (2007) Salinity, temperature and light affect germination of Salsola imbricata. Seed Sci Technol 35:272–281

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Bhatt A, Gairola S (2014) Perianth colour affect germination behavior in the wind pollinated Salsola rubescens in the Arabian deserts. Botany 92:69–75

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Bhatt A, Gairola S (2015) Storage on maternal plants affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two small seeded halophytes in the Arabian deserts. Pak J Bot 47:1701–1708

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Gairola S, Bhatt A (2016a) Maternal habitat affects germination requirements of Anabasis setifera, a succulent shrub of the Arabian deserts. Acta Bot Bras 30:35–40

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Keblawy A, Gairola S, Bhatt A (2016b) Maternal salinity environment affects salt tolerance during germination in Anabasis setifera: a facultative desert halophyte. J Arid Land 8:254–263

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Sheikh AM, Youssef MM (1981) Halophytic and xerophytic vegetation near al Kharj springs. Bull Fac Sci King Saud Univ 12:5–21

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Sheikh MA, Mahmoud A, El-Tom M (1985) Ecology of the inland salt marsh vegetation at Al-Shiggat in Al-Qassim district, Saudi Arabia. Arab Gulf J Sci Res 3:165–182

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Shourbagy MN, Al-Eidaros OH, Al-Zahrani HS (1987) Distribution of Halopeplis perfoliata (Forssk.) Bge. ex Schweinf. In the Red Sea coastal salt marshes: phytosociological relations and respones to soil. J Coast Res 3:179–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher M, Membery D (1998) Climate. In: Ghazanfar SA, Fisher M (eds) Vegetation of the Arabian Peninsula. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 5–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Flowers TJ, Colmer TD (2008) Salinity tolerance in halophytes. Tansley Rev – New Phytologist Trust 179:945–963

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flowers TJ, Hajibagheri MA, Clipson NJW (1986) Halophytes. Q Rev Biol 61(3):313–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Fouda MM, Al-Muharrami MA (1996) Significance of mangroves in the arid environment of the Sultanate of Oman. Oman J Agric Sci 1:41–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Freitag H (1989) Contributions to the chenopod flora of Egypt. Flora 183:149–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Freitag H (1991) The distribution of some prominent Chenopidiacae in SW Asia and their phytogeographical significance. Flora et Vegetatio Mundi 9:281–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Frey W, Kürschner H (1989) Die Vegetation im Vorderen Orient. Erläuterungen zur Karte A VI 1 Vorderer Orient. Vegetation des Tübinger Atlas des Vorderen Orients. Beihefte zum Tübinger Atlas des Vorderen Orients, Reihe A (Naturwissenschaften) Nr. 30. Dr Ludwig Reichert Verlag, Wiesbaden

    Google Scholar 

  • Gawronski S, Gawronska H (2007) Plant taxonomy for phytoremediation, vol 75. Springer, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (1992) Quantitative and biogeographic analysis of the flora of the Sultanate of Oman. Glob Ecol Biogeogr Lett 2:189–195

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (1993) Vegetation of the khawrs and fresh water Springs of Dhofar. Part E. In: Khawrs and Springs of the Dhofar Governorate. Survey and monitoring studies. Unpublished report, Planning Committee for Development and Environment in the Governorate of Dhofar, Oman

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (1995) Coastal sabkhas: an analysis of the vegetation of Barr al Hikman. In: Khan MA, Ungar IA (eds) The biology of salt tolerant plants. Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi, pp 277–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (1998) Water Vegetation. In: Ghazanfar SA, Fisher M (eds) Vegetation of the Arabian Peninsula. Kluwer Academic Press, Dordrecht, pp 229–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (1999) Coastal vegetation of Oman. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 49:21–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (2002) The sabkha vegetation of Oman. In: Barth H-J, Böer B (eds) Sabkha ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 99–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (2003) Flora of the Sultanate of Oman, vol. 1, Piperaceae-Primulaceae (Text + photo CD-ROM). Scripta Botanica Belgica Series 25. National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium, 262pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (2006) Saline and alkaline vegetation of NE Africa and the Arabian Peninsula: an overview. In: Orzturk M, Waisel Y, Khan MA, Gork G (eds) Biosaline agriculture and salinity tolerance in plants. Birkhaeuser Publishing Ltd, Basel, pp 101–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA, Rappenhöner D (1994) Vegetation and flora of the islands of Masirah and Shaghaf, Sultanate of Oman. Arab Gulf J Scientific Res 12(3):509–524

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (2007) Flora of the Sultanate of Oman, vol. 2, Crassulaceae-Apiaceae (Text + photo CD-ROM). Scripta Botanica Belgica. National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium, 220pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (2011) Restoring saline habitats: indentification and name changes in the halophytes of the Arabian peninsula. In: Özturk M, Mermut AR, Celik A (eds) Urbanisation, land use, land degradation and environment. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 315–329

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA (2015). Flora of the Sultanate of Oman, vol. 3, Loganiaceae-Asteraceae (Text + photo CD-ROM). Scripta Botanica Belgica. National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium, 371pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazanfar SA, Altundag E, Yaprak AE, Osborne J, Tug GN, Vural M (2014) Halophytes of SW Asia. In: Khan MA et al (eds) Sabkha ecosystems: vol IV: cash crop halophyte and biodiversity conservation, tasks for vegetation science 47. ©Springer Science+Business Media, Dordrecht, pp 105–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Glennie KW (1987) Desert sedimentary environments, present and past: a summary. Sediment Geol 50:135–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Gubba I, Glennie KN (1998) Geology. In: Ghazanfar SA, Fisher M (eds) Vegetation of the Arabian Peninsula. Kluwer Academic Press, Dordrecht, pp 1–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Gulzar S, Khan MA (2001) Seed germination of a halophytic grass Aeluropus lagopoides. Ann Bot 87:319–324

    Google Scholar 

  • Gulzar S, Khan MA, Ungar IA (2001) Effect of salinity and temperature on the germination of Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C. E. Hubbard. Seed Sci Technol 29:21–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Guma IR, Padrón-Mederos MA, Santos-Guerra A, Reyes-Betancort JA (2010) Effect of temperature and salinity on germination of Salsola vermiculata L.(Chenopodiaceae) from Canary Islands. J Arid Environ 74:708–711

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunster A (1992) Aerial seedbanks in the central Namib: distribution of serotinous plants in relation to climate and habit. J Biogeography 563–572

    Google Scholar 

  • Gutterman Y (1994) Strategies of seed dispersal and germination in plants inhabiting deserts. Bot Rev 60:373–425

    Google Scholar 

  • Halwagy R (1986) On the ecology and vegetation of Kuwait. In: Kürschner H (ed) Contributions to the vegetation of Southwest Asia. Beihefte zum Tübinger Atlas des Vorderen Orients, Reihe A (Naturwissenschaften) Nr. 24. Dr Ludwig Reichert Verlag, Wiesbaden, pp 81–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Halwagy R, Halwagy M (1977) Ecological studies on the desert of Kuwait. III. The vegetation of the coastal salt marshes. J Univ Kuwait (Sci) 4:33–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Halwagy R, Moustafa AF, Kamal S (1982) On the ecology of the desert vegetation in Kuwait. J Arid Environ 5:95–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Heathcote JA, King S (1998) Umm as Samim, Oman: a sabkha with evidence for climatic change. In: Alsharhan AS, Glennie KW, Whittle GL, Kendall CGSC (eds) Quaternary deserts and climatic change. Balkema, Rotterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Heywood VH, Brummitt RK, Culham A, Seberg O (2007) Flowering plant families of the world. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 424 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Huiskes AHL, Schat H, Elenbaas PFM (1985) Cytotaxonomic status and morphological characterisation of Salicornia dolichostachya and Salicornia brachystachya. Acta Bot Neerl 34:271–282

    Google Scholar 

  • Jupp BP, Durako MJ, Kenworthy WJ, Thayer GW, Schillak L (1996) Distribution, abundance and species composition of seagrasses at several sites in Oman. Aquat Bot 53:199–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadereit G, Freitag H (2011) Phylogeny of Camphorosmoideae. Taxon 1:51–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadereit G, Hohmann S, Kadereit JW (2006) A synopsis of Chenopodiaceae subfam. Betoideae and notes on the taxonomy of Beta. Willdenowia 36:9–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadereit G, Mucina L, Freitag H (2006a) Phylogeny of Salicornioideae (Chenopodiaceae): diversification, biogeography, and evolutionary trends in leaf and flower morphology. Taxon 55(3):617–642

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadereit G, Ball P, Beer S, Mucina L, Sokoloff D, Teege P, Yaprak AE, Freitag H (2007) A taxonomic nightmare come true: phylogeny and biogeography of glassworts (Salicornia L., Chenopodiaceae). Taxon 56(4):1134–1170

    Google Scholar 

  • Kassas M, Zahran MA (1967) On the ecology of the Red Sea littoral saltmarsh, Egypt. Ecol Monogr 37:297–316

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan MA (1990) The relationship of seed bank to vegetation in a saline desert community. In: Sen DN, Mohammed S (eds), Marvel of seeds. Proceeding of international seed symposium, Jodhpur, pp 87–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan MA, Gul B (2006) Halophyte seed germination. In: Ecophysiology of high salinity tolerant plants. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 11–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan M, Ungar I (1997) Effects of thermoperiod on recovery of seed germination of halophytes from saline conditions. Am J Bot 84:279–279

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khan MA, Weber DJ (1986) Factors influencing seed germination in Salicornia pacifia var. utahensis. Am J Bot 73:1163–1167

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan MA, Gul B, Weber DJ (2000) Germination responses of Salicornia rubra to temperature and salinity. J Arid Environ 45:207–214

    Google Scholar 

  • Kos M, Baskin CC, Baskin JM (2012) Relationship of kinds of seed dormancy with habitat and life history in the Southern Kalahari flora. J Veg Sci 23:869–879

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozlowski TT, Pallardy SG (2002) Acclimation and adaptive responses of woody plants to environmental stresses. Bot Rev 68:270–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Kukkonen I (1991) Problems in Carex section Physodae and Cyperus conglomeratus within the Flora Iranica area. Flora et Vegetatio Mundi 9:63–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Kürschner H (1986) A study of the vegetation of the Qurm Nature Reserve, Muscat area, Oman. Arab Gulf J Sci Res 4:23–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Kürschner H, Al-Gifri AN, Al-Subai MY, Rowaished AK (1998) Vegetation pattern within coastal salines of southern Yemen. Feddes Repert

    Google Scholar 

  • Leonard J (1981–89) Contribution a l’étude de la flore et de la végétation des deserts d’Iran. Fasc. Jardin botanique national de Belgique. Meise, pp 1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Macke AJ, Ungar IA (1971) The effects of salinity on germination and early growth of Puccinellia nuttalliana. Can J Bot 49:515–520

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoud A, El Sheikh AM, Abdul Baset S (1983) Germination of two halophytes: Halopeplis perfoliata and Limonium axillare from Saudi Arabia. J Arid Environ 6:87–98

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahruki AA, Alloway B, Patzelt H (2006) The use of reed-bed technology for treating oil-production waters in the Sultanate of Oman. SPE 98548, Society of Petroleum Engineers International Conference on Health, Safety and the Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2–4 April 2006

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandaville JP (1990) Flora of Eastern Saudi Arabia. Kegan Paul International, London, p 482

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathur N, Joginder S, Sachendra B, Avinash B, Mohnish V, Anil V (2010) Phytoremediation potential of some multipurpose tree species of Indian Thar desert in oil contaminated soil. Adv Environ Biol 4(2):131–137

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller AG, Cope TA (1996) Flora of the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra, vol 1. Edinburgh Univeristy Press, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan WC, Myers BA (1989) Germination of the salt-tolerant grass Diplachne fusca. I. Dormancy and temperature responses. Aust J Bot 37:225–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Nolvak H, Sildvee T, Knipsalu M, Truu J (2012) Application of microbial community profiling and functional gene detection for assessment of natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons in boreal subsurface. Boreal Environ Res 17(2):113–127

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Omar AS (2007) Vegetation of Kuwait: a comprehensive illustrated guide to the flora and ecology of the desert of Kuwait. Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait

    Google Scholar 

  • Omar AS, Misak RF, Shahid S (2002) Sabkhat and halophytes of Kuwait. In: Barth HJ, Böer B (eds) Sabkha ecosystems vol. 1: the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, pp 70–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Padmavathiamma PK, Ahmed M, Rahman AR (2014) Phytoremediation – a sustainable approach for contaminant remediation in arid and semi-arid regions – a review. Emir J Food Agric 26(9):757–772. https://doi.org/10.9755/ejfa.v26i9.18202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons RF (2012) Incidence and ecology of very fast germination. Seed Sci Res 22:161–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Pujol JA, Calvo JF, Ramirez-Diaz L (2000) Recovery of germination from different osmotic conditions by four halophytes from southeastern Spain. Ann Bot 85:279–286

    Google Scholar 

  • Qu XX, Huang ZY, Baskin JM, Baskin CC (2008) Effect of temperature, light and salinity on seed germination and radical growth of the geographically widespread halophyte shrub Halocnemum strobilaceum. Ann Bot 101:293–299

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scott AJ (1981) A new Suaeda (Chenopodiaceae) from Dhofar. Kew Bull 36:558

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaltout KH, El-Halawagy EF, El-Garawany MM (1997) Coastal lowland vegetation of eastern Saudi Arabia. Biodivers Conserv 6:1027–1040

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma TP, Sen DN (1989) A new report on abnormally fast germinating seeds of Haloxylon spp.: an ecological adaptation to saline habitat. Curr Sci 58:382–385

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheppard CRC, Price ARG, Roberts CM (1992) Marine ecology of the Arabian region: patterns and processes in extreme tropical environments. Academic, London, p 359

    Google Scholar 

  • Steliga T (2012) Role of Fungi in Biodegredation of petroleum hydrocarbon in drill waste. Pol J Environ Stud 21(2):471–479

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sukhorukov A, Aellen A, Edmondson J, Townsend C (2016). Chenopodiaceae. In: Ghazanfar SA, Edmondson JR (eds), Flora of Iraq. 5(1): 164–256. Kew Publishing Surrey

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuan N, Hsieh H et al (2011) Analysis of bacterial degradation pathways for long-chain alkylphenols involving phenol hydroxylase, alkylphenol monooxygenase and catechol dioxygenase genes. Bioresour Technol 102:4232–4240

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ungar IA (2001) Seed banks and seed population dynamics of halophytes. Wetl Ecol Manag 9:499–510

    Google Scholar 

  • Vesey-Fitzgerald DF (1957) The vegetation of the Red Sea coast north of Jedda, Saudi Arabia. J Ecol 45:547–562

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei Y, Dong M, Huang ZY, Tan DY (2008) Factors influencing seed germination of Salsola affinis (Chenopodiaceae), a dominant annual halophyte inhabiting the deserts of Xinjiang, China. Flora 203:134–140

    Google Scholar 

  • White F, Léonard J (1991) Phytogeographical links between Africa and Southwest Asia. Flora et Vegetatio Mundi 9:229–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Xing J, Cai M, Chen S, Chen L, Lan H (2013) Seed germination, plant growth and physiological responses of Salsola ikonnikovii to short-term NaCl stress. Plant Biosys 147:285–297

    Google Scholar 

  • Zahran MA (1975). Biogeography of mangrove vegetation along the Red Sea coast. In: Proceedings of the international symposium on the biology and management of mangroves, Gainsville. pp 45–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Zalamea PC, Sarmiento C, Arnold AE, Davis AS, Dalling JW (2015) Do soil microbes and abrasion by soil particles influence persistence and loss of physical dormancy in seeds of tropical pioneers? Front Plant Sci 5:799

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Zaman AU, Khan MA (1992) The role of buried viable seeds in saline desert community. Bangladesh J Bot 21:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Zia S, Khan MA (2004) Effect of light, salinity and temperature on seed germination of Limonium stocksii. Can J Bot 82:151–157

    Google Scholar 

  • Zohary M (1973) Geobotanical foundations of the Middle East. 2 vols. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, UK

    Shahina A. Ghazanfar

  2. UNESCO Bangkok Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok, Thailand

    Benno Böer

  3. Al Baha University, Biljurashi, Saudi Arabia

    Abdul Wali Al Khulaidi

  4. University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Ali El-Keblawy

  5. Group Seven (G7) Company, Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Sara Alateeqi

Authors
  1. Shahina A. Ghazanfar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Benno Böer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Abdul Wali Al Khulaidi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ali El-Keblawy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Sara Alateeqi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shahina A. Ghazanfar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization (ISHU), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

    Bilquees Gul

  2. UNESCO Bangkok Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok, Thailand

    Benno Böer

  3. Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization (ISHU), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

    M. Ajmal Khan

  4. UNESCO Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, Paris cedex 15, France

    Miguel Clüsener-Godt

  5. Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization (ISHU), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

    Abdul Hameed

Appendix: Halophytes of the Arabian Peninsula. Accepted Names in Bold; Synonyms in Italics

Appendix: Halophytes of the Arabian Peninsula. Accepted Names in Bold; Synonyms in Italics

  • AIZOACEAE

  • Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., Sp. Pl. 480 (1753).

  • Syn. Chlorophytum nodiflorum L. (1753).

  • Sesuvium sesuvioides (Fenzl) Verdc., Kew Bull. 1957, 349 (1957).

  • Basionym. Diplochonium sesuvioides Fenzl (1839).

  • Sesuvium portulacastrum Syst. Nat., ed. 10. 2: 1058 (1759).

  • Trianthema triquetra Willd., Ges. Naturf. Fr. Berlin Neue Schriften 4: 181 (1803).

  • Zaleya pentandra (L.) Jeffery, Kew Bull. 14 (2): 238 (1960).

  • Syn. Trianthema pentandra L. (1767).

  • APOCYNACEAE: ASCLEPIADOIDEAE

  • Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel). D.V.Field & J.R.I.Wood, Kew Bull. 38(2): 215 (1983).

  • Basionym. Asclepias nivalis J.F.Gmel. (1791).

  • ASTERACEAE

  • Pluchea dioscorides DC., Prodr. 5: 450 (1836).

  • Pulicaria hadramautica Edinb. J. Bot. 50(1): 79 (1993).

  • ACANTHACEAE

  • Avicennia marina Vierh., Denkschr. Kaiserl. Akad. Wiss. Wien. Math.-Naturwiss. Kl. lxxi. 435 (1907).

  • BORAGINACEAE

  • Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. 38 (1775) sensu lato.

  • Syn. Heliotropium undulatum Vahl var. ramosissimum Lehm. (1831); H. ramosissimum (Lehm.) DC. (1845); H. kotschyi Bunge (1869) nom. Nud.; H. tuberculosum (Boiss.) Boiss. (1879); H. persicum auct.: Boiss. (1879), non Lam. (1789); H. lignosum Bornm. (1937) nomen nudum; H. fartakense O.Schwartz (1939); H. bacciferum Forssk. subsp. lignosum (Vatke) Kazmi var. fartakense (O.Schwartz) Kazmi (1970).

  • AMARANTHACEAE : CHENOPODIOIDEAE

  • Agathophora iraqensis Botsch., in Bot. Zhurn. 62(10): 1451 (1977).

  • Syn. Halogeton alopecuroides Moq., Chenop. Monogr. Enum. 161 (1840).

  • Anabasis setifera Moq., Chenop. Monogr. Enum. 164 (1840).

  • Syn. Salsola setifera (Moq.) Akhani (2007) nom. Illegit.

  • Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) K.Koch, Hort. Dendrol. 96, no. 3 (1853).

  • Basionym. Salicornia glauca Delile (1813) non Stocks (1812); Salicornia macrostachya Moric (1820);

  • Arthrocnemem glaucum (Delile) Ung.-Sternb. (1876).

  • Atriplex farinosa Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. 123 (1775).

  • Syn. A. hastata Forssk. (1775) non Linn.

  • Atriplex stocksii Boiss., Diagn. Pl. Or. Nov. ser. 2(4): 73 (1859).

  • Atriplex griffithii Moq. var. stocksii (Boiss.) Boiss., Fl. Or. (1879).

  • Syn. A. sokotranum Vierh. (1903); A griffithii Moq. subsp. stocksii (Boiss.) Boulos (1991).

  • Atriplex leucoclada Boiss., Diagn. Pl. Or. Nov. ser. 2 (12): 95 (1853) var. inamoena (Allen) Zohary, Fl. Palest. 1: 147 (1966).

  • Syn. A. inamoena Allen (1939).

  • Bassia muricata (L.) Asch., Beitr. Fl. Aethiop. 1: 289 (1867).

  • Syn. Salsola muricata L. (1767); Kochia muricata (L.) Schrad. (1809).

  • Bassia eriophora (Schrad.) Asch., Beitr.. Fl. Aethiop. 187 (1867).

  • Syn. Kochia eriophora Scghrad. (1909).

  • Bienertia cycloptera Bunge, Trudy Imp. S.-Petersb. Bot. Sada vi, ii, 425 (1879) & Boiss., Fl. Or. 4: 945 (1879).

  • Caroxylon cyclophyllum (Baker) Akhani & E.H.Roalson, Int. J. Pl. Sci. 168(6): 947 (2007).

  • Basionym. Salsola cyclophylla Baker (1894).

  • Caroxylon imbricatum (Forssk.) Moq., Prodr. (DC.) 13(2): 177 (1849).

  • Basionym. Salsola imbricata Forssk. (1775); Chenopodium baryosmon Schult. ex Roem. & Schult. (1820); Salsola baryosma (Roem. & Schult.) Dandy (1950); Caroxylon imbricatum (Forssk.) Akhani & E.H.Roalson (2007) nom.superfl. Later homonym.

  • Caroxylon spinescens (Moq.) Akhani & E.H.Roalson, Int. J. Pl. Sci. 168(6): 948 (2007).

  • Basionym. Salsola spinescens Moq. (1849).

  • Caroxylon villosum (Schult.) Akhani & E.H.Roalson, Int. J. Pl. Sci. 168(6): 948 (2007).

  • Basionym. Salsola villosa Schult. (1820).

  • Cornulaca aucheri Moq., Chenopodium Monogr. Enum. 163 (1840).

  • Syn. Cornulaca leucacantha Charif & Aellen (1950).

  • Cornulaca monacantha Delile, Fl. Aegypt., Ill. 206, t 22, f.3 (1814).

  • Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pallas) M.Bieb., Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 3: 3 (1819).

  • Basionym. Salicornia strobilacea Pallas (1771).

  • Halopeplis perfoliata (Forssk.) Bunge ex Schweinf. & Aschers, Fl. Aethiop. 289, nomen; et ex Ung.-Sternb. in Atti. Congr. Bot. Firenze, 874,329 (1876).

  • Basionym. Salicornia perfoliata Forssk. (1775).

  • Halothamnus bottae Jaub. & Spach, Ill. Pl. Orient. 2: 50, t. 136 (1845).

  • Syn. Caroxylon bottae (Jaub. & Spach) Moq. (1849); Salsola bottae (Jaub. & Spach) Boiss. (1879).

  • Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boiss. & Bushe, Nouv. Mém. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 12: 189 (1860).

  • Hammada salicornica (Moq.) Iljin (1948).

  • Syn. Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss., (1879); Caroxylon salicornicum Moq. (1849); Hammada elegans (Bunge) Botsch (1964).

  • Kaviria rubescens (Franch.) Akhani, Int. J. Pl. Sci. 168(6): 948 (2007).

  • Basionym. Salsola rubescens Franch., Sert. Somal. 60 (1882); Salola hadramautica Baker (1894); Salsola leucophyla Baker (1894).

  • Salicornia perennans Willd., Sp. Pl. 1: 24 (1797).

  • Syn. Salicornia europaea auctt. Non L., Sp. Pl. 3 (1753).

  • Salsola drummondii Ulbr., Nat. Pflanzenfam. 2, 16C: 256 (1934).

  • Syn. Salsola obpyrifolia Botsch & Akhani (1989).

  • Salsola schweinfurthii Solms-Laub., Bot. Zeit. 59: 173 (1901).

  • Suaeda aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Zohary, J. Linn. Soc. Bot. 55: 635 (1957).

  • Basionym. Chenopodium aegyptiacum Hasselq. (1757).

  • Syn. Suaeda hortensis Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. (1791); Suaeda baccata Forss. Ex J.F. Gmelin (1791); Schanginia hortensis (Forssk. ex Gmelin) Moq. (1840); S. aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Aellen (1964).

  • Seidlitzia rosmarinus Ehrenb. ex Boiss., Fl. Or. 4: 951 (1879).

  • Syn. Salsola rosmarinus (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.) Akhani (2007).

  • Suaeda moschata A.J.Scott, Kew Bull. 36(3) 558 (1981).

  • Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel., Syst. Nat. ed. 1791: 2, 503 (1791).

  • Sevada schimperi Moq. in DC., Prodr. 13(2): 154 (1849).

  • CERATOPHYLLACEAE

  • Ceratophyllum demersum L., Sp. Pl. 992 (1753).

  • CARYOPHYLLACEAE

  • Herniaria maskatensis Bornm., Mitth. Thuring. Bot. Vereins 6: 51 (1894).

  • Polycarpaea spicata Wight & Arn. in Ann. Nat. Hist. ser. 1 (3): 91 (1831).

  • Polycarpaea jazirensis R.A. Clement, Edinb. J. Bot. 51(1): 53–54 (1994).

  • Sphaerocoma aucheri Boiss., Fl. Or. 1: 739 (1867).

  • Xerotia arabica Oliver in Hk., Icon. Pl. 24, t. 2359 (1895).

  • Polycarpon succulentum J. Gay in Rev. Bot. Bull. Mens. 2: 372 (1846).

  • Spergularia diandra (Guss.) Heldr. et Sart. in Heldr., Herb. Graec. Norm. no. 492 (1855).

  • Syn. Arenaria diandra Guss. (1827).

  • Spergularia marina (L.) Gris., Spic. 1: 213 (1843).

  • Syn. Arenaria rubra L. var. marina L. (1753).

  • CONVOLVULACEAE

  • Cressa cretica L. Sp. Pl. 223 (1753).

  • Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R.Br., Narr. Exped. R. Zaire 477 (1818).

  • Basionym. Convolvulus pes-caprae L. (1753).

  • CYMODOCEACEAE

  • Halodule uninervis Boiss., Fl. Or. 5: 24 (1882).

  • Syringodium isoetifolium (Asch.) Dandy, J. Bot. 77: 116 (1939).

  • Thalassodendron ciliatum (Forssk.) Hartog, Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wet., Afd. Nat. Sect. 2, 59(1): 88 (1970).

  • CYNOMORIACEAE

  • Cynomorium coccineum L., Sp. Pl. 2: 970 (1753).

  • CYPERACEAE

  • Cyperus arenarius Salzm. Ex Steud., Syn. Pl. Glumac. 2(7): 46 (1854) publ. (1855).

  • Cyperus conglomeratus Vahl, Enum. Pl. 2, 334 (1805).

  • Cyperus laevigatus L., Mant. 179 (1771).

  • Schoenoplectus littoralis Palla, Sitz. Zool.-Bot.Ges.Wien. 38: 49 (1888).

  • FABACEAE

  • Alhagi graecorum Boiss., Diagn. Pl. Or. Ser. 1, 9: 114 (1848).

  • Syn. A. maurorum DC. (1825) non Medik.

  • Lotus garcinii DC., Prodr. 2: 212 (1825).

  • Taverniera lappacea (Forssk.) DC., Prodr. 2: 339 (1852).

  • Basionym. Hedysarum lappaceum Forssk. (1775).

  • Taverniera spartea (Burm.f.) DC., Prodr. 2: 339 (1852).

  • Basionym. Hedysarum spartium Burm.f. (1768).

  • Crotalaria saltiaina T.Anders., Bot. Rep. T. 648 (1812).

  • FRANKENIACEAE

  • Frankenia pulverulenta L., Sp. Pl. 332 (1753).

  • HYDROCHARITACEAE

  • Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook.f., Bot. Antart. Voy. III, 2: 45 (1858).

  • Halophila stipulacea Asch., Sitz. Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3(1867).

  • Najas flexilis (Willd.) Rostk. & W.L.E.Schmidt, Fl. Sedin. 382 (1824).

  • Najas graminea Delile Descript. Egypte, Hist. Nat. 2: 282 (1813).

  • Najas marina L., Sp. Pl. 2: 1015 (1753).

  • JUNCACEAE.

  • Juncus rigidus Desf., Fl. Atlant. 1: 312 (1798).

  • Juncus acutus L., Sp. Pl. 1: 325 (1753).

  • LILIACEAE

  • Dipcadi biflorum Ghaz., Kew Bull. 51(4): 805 (1996).

  • MIMOSACEAE

  • Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, Arzneigew. 10: I, t. 31 (1827).

  • Basionym. Mimosa tortilis Forssk. (1775).

  • Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce, Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Cl. Brit. Isles 1913, 3: 422 (1914).

  • Basionym. Mimosa cineraria L. (1753).

  • OROBANCHACEAE

  • Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout., Fl. Portugal: 571 (1913).

  • Basionym. Lathraea phelypaea L. (1753).

  • Syn. Orobanche tinctoria Forssk. (1775); Phelypaea tubulosa Schrenk (1840); Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Hook.f. (1884); Cistanche tinctoria (Forssk.) Beck (1904).

  • PLUMBAGINACEAE

  • Limonium axillare (Forssk.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 2: 395 (1891).

  • Syn. Statice axillaris Forssk. (1775).

  • Limonium carnosum (Boiss.) O. Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 2: 395 (1891).

  • Syn. Statice carnosum Boiss. (1879).

  • Limonium cylindrifolium Verdc. ex Cufod., Bull. Jard. Bot. Natl. Belg. 30 (Suppl.) 661 (1960).

  • Limonium milleri Ghaz. & J.R.Edm., Edinb.J. Bot. 60(1): 15 (2003).

  • Limonium sarcophyllum Ghaz. & J.R.Edm., Edinb.J. Bot. 60(1): 13 (2003).

  • Limonium stocksii (Boiss.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 2: 396 (1891).

  • Syn. Statice arabicum Jaub. & Spach (1844);

  • S. stocksii Boiss. in DC. (1848); Boiss. (1879).

  • POACEAE

  • Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. Ex Thwaites, Enum. Pl. Zeyl.: 374 (1864).

  • Syn. Aeluropus littoralis auct. non (Gouan) Parl.

  • Aristida abnormis Chiov., Pirotta, Fl. Eritrea 48 (1903).

  • Arundo donax L., Sp. Pl., 1: 81 (1753).

  • Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) P.Beauv., Ess.Agrostogr.: 53: 161 (1812).

  • Basionym. Panicum crusgalli L. (1753).

  • Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf, Hook.f., Icon. Pl. 25: t. 2448 (1896).

  • Basionym. Uniola mucronatum L. (1762).

  • Panicum antidotale Retz., Observ. Bot. (Retzius) iv. 17 (1786).

  • Panicum turgidum Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. 18 (1775).

  • Paspalidum desertorum (A.Rich.) Stapf, Fl. Trop. Afr. 9(4): 585 (1920).

  • Basionym. Panicum desertorum A. Rich. (1850).

  • Paspalum distichum L., Syst. Nat. Ed. 10, 2: 855 (1759).

  • Paspalum vaginatum Sw., Prodr.: 21 (1788).

  • Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Nomencl. Bot. Ed. 2, 2: 324 (1841).

  • Syn. P. communis Trin. (1820); Arundo donax Forrsk., (1775) non L.

  • Sporobolus consimilis Fresen., Mus. Senckenberg. 2: 140 (1837).

  • Sporobolus helvolus (Trin.) T.Durand & Schinz., Consp. Fl. Afric. 5: 820 (1895).

  • Basionym. Vilfa helvola Trin. (1837).

  • Sporobolus ioclades (Nees ex Trin.) Nees, Fl. Afric. Austr. Ill. 1: 161 (1841).

  • Syn. S. arabicus Boiss., (1853); S. jemenicus Pilg. Ex Schwartz (1939); S. kentrophyllus (K.Schum.) Calyton (1997).

  • Sporobolus spicatus (Vahl.) Kunth, Revis. Gramin. 1: 67 (1829).

  • Syn. Agrostis virginica Forssk. (1775).

  • Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth, Revis. Gramin. 1: 67 (1829).

  • Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C.E.Hubb., Hook., Icon. Pl. 35: t. 3457 (1947).

  • Basionym. Vilfa setulosa Trin. (1840).

  • PORTULACCACEAE

  • Portulaca oleracea L., Sp. Pl. 445 (1753).

  • POTAMOGETONACEAE

  • Potamogeton pectinatus L., Sp. Pl. 127 (1753).

  • RHIZOPHORACEAE

  • Rhizophora mucronata Lam., Encycl. 6(1): 189 (1804).

  • Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Sav., Ecycl. 4: 696 (1798).

  • RUPPIACEAE

  • Ruppia maritima L., Sp. Pl. 1: 127 (1753).

  • SALVADORACEAE

  • Salvadora persica L., Sp. Pl. 1: 122 (1753).

  • TAMARICACEAE

  • Tamarix mascatensis Bunge, Tentamen 60 (1852).

  • Tamarix aphylla (L.) G. Karsten, Deutsch. Fl.: 641 (1882).

  • Syn. Thuja aphylla L. (1755) p.p.; Tamarix orientalis Forssk. (1775); T. articulata Vahl (1791), nom. illegit.

  • Tamarix aucheriana (Decne.) Baum, Monogr. Rev. Tamarix: 148 (1978).

  • Syn. Trichaurus aucherianus Decne. ex Walpers (1843); T. passerinoides, Boiss. (1867), non Del. ex Desv.

  • TYPHACEAE

  • Typha domingensis Pers., Syn. Pl. 2(2): 532 (1807).

  • ZANNICHELLIACEAE

  • Zannichellia palustris L., Sp. Pl. 969 (1753).

  • ZYGOPHYLLACEAE

  • Fagonia indica Burm.f., Fl. Indica 102, t. 34, f.1 (1768).

  • Fagonia luntii Bak., Kew Bull. 1894: 330 (1894).

  • Fagonia ovalifolia Hadidi, Fl. Iran. 98: 2, t.1, (1972).

  • Fagonia schweinfurthii (Hadidi) Hadidi, Oester. Bot. Z. 121: 272 (1973).

  • Syn. Fagonia arabica Edgeworth & Hook. F. (1874) non L.; F. indica Burm.f. var. schweinfurthii Hadidi (1972).

  • Nitraria retusa Asch., Verh. Biot. Prov. Barndenberg 18: 94 (1876).

  • Tetraena alba (L.f.) Beier & Thulin, Pl. Syst. Evol. 240: 35 (2003).

  • Basionym. Zygophyllum album L.f. (1762).

  • Tetraena hamiensis (Schweinf.) Beier & Thulin, Pl. Syst. Evol. 240: 35 (2003).

  • Basionym. Zygophyllum hamiensis Schweinf. (1899).

  • Tetraeana qatarensis (Hadidi) Beier & Thulin, Pl. Syst. Evol. 240(1–4): 36 (2003).

  • Basionym. Zygophyllum qatarense Hadidi (1978); Z. coccineum auct., non Linn.; Z. smithii Hadidi, nom. nud.; Z. hamiensis var. qatarense (Hadidi) Jac. Thomas & Chaudhary (2001).

  • Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin, Pl. Syst. Evol. 240: 36 (2003).

  • Basionym. Zygophyllum simplex L. (1767).

  • Tribulus arabicus Hosni, Bot. Not. 130: 261.

  • (1977).

  • Syn. T. omanensis Hosni (1978).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Ghazanfar, S.A., Böer, B., Al Khulaidi, A.W., El-Keblawy, A., Alateeqi, S. (2019). Plants of Sabkha Ecosystems of the Arabian Peninsula. In: Gul, B., Böer, B., Khan, M., Clüsener-Godt, M., Hameed, A. (eds) Sabkha Ecosystems. Tasks for Vegetation Science, vol 49. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04417-6_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation