'' Ecological studies on some Zygophyllum spp. at Wadi Hagul, Egypt''

Abstract

Three species, Zygophyllum coccineum L., Zygophyllum decumbens Del. and Zygophyllum simplex L., (Zygophyllaceae) were collected from three different localities along Wadi Hagul in Egypt. In this investigation we have throw light on the main plant communities growing along Wadi Hagul. The edaphic (physical and chemical) and climatic factors were studied. Plant analyses (degree of succulence, water content, total pigments, proline, antioxidant enzymes, total phenols, ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) were estimated to study their roles in the adaptive responses of such species under their natural drought conditions. Results have revealed that xerophytes can be further divided into two groups depending on their drought tolerance strategies. Keywords: Zygophyllum, Wadi Hagul of Egypt, soil analysis, vegetation analysis, drought.