Ecology of four succulent halophytes in the Mediterranean coast of Damietta, Egypt

A study was carried out on four succulent halophytes namely: Arthrocnemum macrostachyum Halocnemum strobilaceum, Inula crithmoides and Zygophyytum aegyptium, in relation to :associated vegetation and soil properties. A strong positive correlation was apparent between Zygophyllum aegyptium and the non-succulent Frankenia hirsuta, and between Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Suaeda pruinosa. The succulence of Halocnemum strobilaceum and Zygophyllum aegyptium increased with increased soil salinity. In contrast, the succulence of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Inula crithmoides increased with the increase of soil salinity only up to 3.0; above this value their succulence decreased. The findings are discussed in relation to the use of the selected halophytes to prevent sand drifting, and to improve desertification control in coastal environments in Arabic countries. (C) 1999 Academic Press.