Previous Issues

Department of Botany, University of Kuwait

Abstract

The vegetation of Kuwait is a poor open scrub of undershrubs, perennial herbs and ephemerals. It is determined primarily by rainfall, to a lesser extent by landform and biotic factors, especially grazing. It shows a well marked seasonal aspect. Previous information on the vegetation is reviewed and the major communities defined by various authors are outlined. A new classification is proposed.based on variations in the habitat characteristics, especially landform and soils, and also on the dominant species. Four ecosystems are recognised: the sand dune ecosystem, the salt marsh and saline depressions ecosystem, the desert plain ecosystem and the desert plateau ecosystem. A new vegetation map is given and the possible successional relationships discussed.