Abstract
Floristic features and vegetation of an Egyptian Deltaic Mediterranean coastal strip were assessed in terms of species composition, habitat characterization, vegetation analysis, and the economic and ecological importance of the recorded species. Four different habitats (salt marshes, sand formations, sand bars, and tidal flats) were surveyed during spring season 2018 through 25 stands (10 x 10 m) representing the different vegetation physiognomy and habitat types of the study area. Thirty-two species including 21 perennials and 11 annuals belonging to 14 families were recorded with a dominance of Asteraceae. Therophytes predominated the other life forms and biregional taxa dominated over the other phytogeographical elements. Five common plant communities were identified after the application of TWINSPAN: Arthrocnemum macrostachyum-Sarcocornia fruticose, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Zygophyllum aegyptium-Ephedra alata, Phragmites australis, and Sarcocornia fruticosa-Tamarix nilotica group. Twenty-seven species have medicinal, 26 grazing, 9 fuel and 8 human food uses. On the other hand, 16 species are sand controller and 11 are ruderals. The salt marshes had the highest species diversity, while the tidal flats had the lowest. The present work documented the plant diversity in the study area, which is proposed for urbanization and consequently habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.