Abstract
Phytosociological sampling was conducted at six different habitats around Karachi using quadrat method. On the basis of floristic composition and dominant species, 17 community types were recognized. Maximum water holding capacity, organic matters, CaCO3, pH, TDS, salinity and conductivity of soils belong to each stand were determined. Each habitat showed different values of water holding capacity, salinity and CaCO3. Highest (44%) water holding capacity, organic matter (9%) and salinity (8.23ppm) was recorded from Tidal zone with gradual decrease in saline waterlogged area, alluvial plain to rocky plain. Highest amount of CaCO3 was recorded from rocky area. It is shown that alluvial plain to dry stream similar floristic composition i.e. Euphorbia caducifolia- Commiphora wightii- Prosopis juliflora, with Capparis decidua, Ziziphus nummularia were recorded in many sites. Stands belonged to different habitats were clearly separated out on two dimentional Bray-Curtis stand ordination. All the three ordination axes showed significant correlations with many edaphic factors. Salinity and electrical conductivity showed highly significant correlation with axes 1 and 3. Once widely distributed climatic climax species Prosopis cineraria was recorded in a few places with low Importance value index. It is concluded that due to anthropogenic disturbances and aggressive growth of Prosopis juliflora, natural vegetation has altered considerably.