Ecology of Xerophytes and Halophytes in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Xerophytes and halophytes naturally growing in Egypt's deserts may play an important role in the welfare of the Egyptians. Apart from being drought and/or salinity tolerant plants, all have certain agro-industrial potentialities. These plants are in fact, the promising renewable natural resources that could supply the country with raw materials for different industries. Conservation and sustainable utilization of these plants should be on a scientific base. Also, the production of halophytes as non-conventional fodder crops in the salt-affected lands of Egypt¿s deserts could play an important role in the shortage of animal feed and meat production in Egypt. Unfortunately, little was known about the autecology of most of these valuable xerophytes and halophytes. The present book throws light on the different ecological aspects and the economic potentiality of some species in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.