FLORISTIC INVENTORY AND ANGIOSPERM BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT IN THE EASTERN PART OF DJELFA PROVINCE, ALGERIA

The preparation of regional floras remains a major scientific challenge because of the scarcity of baseline data across many Algerian localities.This study presents a comprehensive floristic inventory of angiosperm species in various habitats of the Djelfa region, located in the Algerian High Plateau.Using a traditional taxonomic approach, plant specimens were collected over multiple seasons and identified using the regional and international floras.A total of 402 plant species belonging to 44 families were recorded in the 54 phytosociological surveys.The Asteraceae family was the most represented, followed by Fabaceae, Caryophyllaceae, and Poaceae, which play key ecological roles in semi-arid environments.A notable proportion of exotic species has been documented, while many native taxa exhibit significant medicinal value.Several rare or narrowly distributed species have been identified, including Ziziphus lotus, Artemisia herba-alba, Retama raetam, Salsola vermiculata, Veronica praecox, and Asparagus acutifolius, underscoring the importance of conservation in the region.Multivariate analyses indicated that soil salinity, electrical conductivity, sodium content, and organic matter were the principal edaphic factors affecting vegetation patterns.Distinct functional plant groups, such as therophytes, psammophytes, and Stipa tenacissima grassland species, exhibit clear ecological affinities to specific soil gradients.Major environmental threats affecting flora include climate change, the overexploitation of natural resources, unplanned urbanization, agricultural intensification, and the widespread use of herbicides.Despite these pressures, the eastern part of Djelfa continues to harbor rich floristic diversity.This study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable conservation strategies and continuous ecological monitoring to safeguard and valorize the unique plant biodiversity of this steppe region.