Faculty of Meteorology and Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
The mangal vegetation of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast is represented by Avicennia marina community type. The presence of A. marina plants is recorded along the whole coast. The gradual decrease in air temperature northwards is associated with a reduction in density and cover of A. marina community. The luxuriant stands are usually present in the southern swamps of the Saudi Red Sea coast.
The soils of the studied mangal vegetation are relatively rich in organic matter and generally sandy, calcareous and saline-alkaline.
Valuable organic compounds (terpenes, sterols, coumarins, carotins and xanthophylls) have been determined in the different parts of A. marina plants. This may indicate the medicinal importance of this species.
Silviculture of A. marina and other mangrove trees and shrubs, e.g. Rhizophora, Bruguiera, Kandelia, etc. along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast may play an important role in its environmental development.