floristic composition, Chorological and Flowering phenology of geophytes in Al-Jabal Al-Akhda Regoins, North Libya

Abstract

Geophytes represent an important component of Mediterranean vegetation due to their ecological adaptations and underground storage organs that allow them to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. This study investigates the floristic composition, life-forms, chorotype, flowering phenology and flower colour of geophytes in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar (Green Mountain) northeastern Libya. Field surveys were carried out across different elevation zones to evaluate species diversity and ecological distribution patterns. A total of 69 species belonging to 12 families were recorded. The geophytes were representing by different underground organs including blubs, rhizomes, tubers and corms. The results showed that species richness varied along the elevation gradient with the mid-elevation zone (301-600 m) exhibiting higher diversity compared with lower (0-300 m) and higher elevations (601-800 m). Chorological analysis indicated the predominance of Mediterranean elements in the flora. Flowering phenology revealed that most species flower during winter and spring which corresponds with favorable climatic conditions in the white, yellow, pink and purple being the most common. Among the recorded species Urginea maritima was one of the most common and widely distributed geophytes in several habitats of the study area. The results highlight the ecological importance and diversity of geophytes in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar and provide baseline information for future botanical and ecological studies in the region.