Diversity and distribution of spontaneous plant communities and species in the northeast Algerian Sahara

This study aims to comprehensively analyze plant diversity in the Northeast Algerian Sahara (El Oued region), quantitatively and qualitatively, focusing on species richness and diversity. The study sampled spontaneous vegetation from seven sites, analyzing the number of individuals, families, density, and richness. The results showed a ratio of generic richness to species richness of 0.94 ± 0.05, with a ratio of family richness to species richness of 0.56 ± 0.13. The dominant family was Chenopodiaceae, with 22.73%. The flora was dominated by perennial plants, with Sahara-Arabian elements being more abundant. Sufficient management strategies are required to protect biodiversity in these ecosystems.