Diversity and Importance of Fragrant Plants in the Hydrographic Network of the Mzab Region (Northern Algerian Sahara)

Abstract

The Fragrant plants hold significant value in various fields, including health, food, pharmacy, cosmetics, and phytopharmacy. The objective of this study is to examine the diversity and importance of fragrant plants in the hydrographic network of the Mzab region (Northern Algerian Sahara). For this purpose, following a subjective sampling method, we conducted 20 phytoecological surveys in four representative sites. To study diversity, we used ecological indices, functional traits and chorology. The results revealed the presence of 28 species belonging to 26 genera and 20 botanical families, with the most important being Apiaceae, Poaceae and Brassicaceae, accounting for 32.46%, 20.52% and 20.05%, respectively. Morphological and biological spectra showed the dominance of perennial species (81.44%) and chamaephytes (60.82%). The chorological spectrum revealed the dominance of Mediterranean-Saharo-Arabian species, followed by Saharo-Arabian elements, with 51.31% and 28.30%, respectively. Fragrant plants (56.25%) overwhelmingly dominate the studied vegetation cover compared to non-fragrant plants (43.75%). These multi-use plants constitute a raw material for the development of a bio-industry in arid zones, based on the use of bioresources and environmental conservation.