The Vegetation and Habitat Types of Baha Plateau (Saudi Arabia)

The present study deals with the vegetation of Baha plateau (19°50'-20°18' N, 41°38'-42°10'E), with elevation ranging between 1700 and 2400 m. Ten plant communities are recorded: communities dominated by trees (Acacia negrii and Juniperus excelsa); communities dominated by shrubs and under shrubs (Acacia tortilis, Olea europaea, Dodonaea viscosa, Pulicaria crispa, Rumex limoniastrum and Astragalus atropilosus); communities dominated by grasses (Hyparrhenia hirta) and a community dominated by ephemerals (Achillea biebersteinii-Cardaria draba). 167 species of vascular plants are recorded. Relations between communities and their habitat types as well as the human impact in the area are briefly discussed.