The application of TWINSPAN classif

The application of TWINSPAN classification based on the
importance values of 77 plant species recorded in 50 sampled
stands led to the recognition of four vegetation groups (Table 1
& Fig. 2). Group A comprises five stands (representing sand flat
habitat) dominated by M. crystallinum which has the highest
IV ¼ 34.28. The other important indicator species which
attained relatively high IVs in this group are Brassica tournefortii
(IV ¼ 22.57), Melilotus indicus (IV ¼ 18.45), Emex spinosa
(IV ¼ 13.85), Polygonum equisetiforme (IV ¼ 13.40) and Malva
parviflora (IV ¼ 13.03). Group B represents salt marsh habitat
and includes 12 stands dominated by M. crystallinum
(IV ¼ 30.98). The other important species in this group are
Chenopodium murale (IV ¼ 18.06), M. nodiflorum (IV ¼ 17.93),
Senecio glaucus (IV ¼ 15.46) and Cynodon dactylon (IV ¼ 13.98).
Group C is the largest group and represents salt marsh habitat
comprising 22 stands co-dominated by M. crystallinum
(IV ¼ 29.68) and S. glaucus (IV ¼ 29.13). M. nodiflorum (IV ¼ 23.66)
and Cakile maritime (IV ¼ 15.00) are considered as important
species in this group. Group D represents sand dune habitat
and comprises 11 stands dominated by Hordeum murinum
(IV ¼ 29.91), followed by S. glaucus (IV ¼ 17.58), Rumex pictus
(IV ¼ 16.66), M. crystallinum (IV ¼ 14.69) and Launea mucronata
(IV ¼ 13.26).