An Inventory of Flora in Um Dom Island (Khartoum State), Sudan

Abstract

This study documents and updates the flora information of Um Dom Island, Khartoum State, Sudan. Herbarium specimens were prepared and deposited in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum. Identified species were compared with specimens from the same Herbarium. This study showed that there are seventy four flowering plant species belonging to thirty three different families – there were no non-floral varieties identified. Three layers of flora have been identified in the area under study. The upper most, tree layer is dominated by Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Faidherbia albida, and Prosopis juliflora. The second, shrub layer, is occupied by mainly Calotropis procera, Tamarix nilotica, and the third, a herb layer, is dominated by Cyperus sp. Cenchrus prieurii. Families with high diversity are Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Amaranthaceae. This study is regarded as a departure point and reference for future studies, to assist and show the change in plant cover which ultimately may lead to land degradation and an arid environment.