Autecology, Soil Characteristics and Floristic Study of Phlomis crinita Cav. Habitat: A Rare Phytotaxon of the Mounts of Tessala (Western Algeria)

Abstract

Phlomis crinita Cav. is a rare western Mediterranean species of the mounts of Tessala (Western Algeria). The study of its ecological habitat shows that it has a rich phytodiversity association. The taxonomic spectrum is dominated by Liliceae and Lamiaceae. The biological spectrum is dominated by Hemi-cryptophytes and Therophytes. The biogeographic spectrum is dominated by Mediterranean elements. The soils of Phlomis crinita Cav. are characterized by silty texture, neutral pH, rich in organic matter and poor of total lime-stone and active limestone. P. crinita Cav. population is characterized by reduced abundance, which is due to various threats, including prolonged drought, grazing, traditional phytotherapy use and fragmentation of its habi-tat, particularly by roads. The current study recounts the findings related to the ecological habitat of the species, its plant association, the characteristics of its physical environment and its population in situ. In addition, the causes of the local establishment of this taxon, its local distribution and its popula-tions are established. The data collected on the ecology of this rare endemic plant are useful for devising strategies for its conservation.