Phyto-Ecological Observations In Northern Oman

Abstract

The present study has evolved out of a limited field work during a short visit to Oman. It is an attempt to record more detailed data on the plant communities and their habitat features in three sectors of northern Oman. The rainfall in the surveyed area exhibits wide variation as regards its amount and regime. The study area comprises different ecosystems, including mountains, wadis, plains, sebkhas, cultivated fields, water ponds and canals, etc. Each of these systems is differentiated into various habitats, which can be distinguished according to their physiography, edaphic conditions and plant cover. Any particular habitat supports a definite community. The study revealed the occurrence of 22 communities, defined by their dominant species. The most widespread community is that dominated by Acacia tortilis. The study revealed that the variations in topography and soil characteristics have a marked influence on the water resources and consequently on the distribution of the plant communities. The weed flora as well as the aquatic plants in particular habitats are investigated.