Preliminary Study on the Floristic Features of the Unique Microhabitat of Al-Wahbah Crater at Taif region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Al-Wahbah Crater is the largest of five basaltic tuff rings and a unique habitat in Saudi Arabia that is considered the largest among its kind in the Middle East. The present study is the pioneer that describes the floristic composition and economic services provided by the recorded plant species in Al-Wahbah Crater northeast Taif Province, Saudi Arabia. The plant species were recorded through different sites along three main habitats (bed, terrace and slope). Thirty-two species (7 annuals and 25 perennials) belonging to 28 genera and 20 families were recorded in the different habitats of Al-Wahbah Crater. Fabaceae and Zygophyllaceae had the highest contribution, followed by Brassicaceae and Areaceae. The highest number of species was recorded on the slope of the crater, while the lowest was in the bed. Hyphaene thebaica was the dominant in the crater terrace, while Tetraena alba var. alba was the dominant in the crater bed, and the slope was dominated with Phoenix dactylifera, Cenchrus ciliaris and Fagonia indica. Chamaephytes were dominated over the other life forms. In addition, bioregional elements were dominated over monoregional and pluriregional taxa with the dominance of Sudano-Zmbezian elements. About 75.0% of the recorded species were medicinal, while 40.6% were either grazing or used as fuel and 18.8% were edible. Owing to the information resulted produced by the present study, which represents the base for further ecological studies, there is an urgent need for monitoring and conserving Al-Wahbah Crater and the corresponding microhabitats in Saudi Arabia.