The Dragon tree, Dracaena draco (L.) L., is an extremely threatened species. Its natural regeneration is disturbed and population appears to decrease rapidly. To design appropriate germination and seedling establishment protocols for a species conservation and restoration program, we studied the effects of pre-soaking, substrate and light availability treatment on seed germination for 15-day period. The condition for light availability corresponded to the sowing depth (at surface or at 2 cm depth). Germination occurred better in the dark when seeds were sown at 2 cm depth. Our results showed that D. draco seeds sown in the sand under dark condition and after 24 hours pre-soaking in warm water germinated better and recorded 82.5% of final germination percentage (FGP). However, seedlings grew better in potting soil and recorded 54 mm of length. The maximum FGP of 51.3% was recorded under light condition. These results indicate that sowing depth and light availability could be a limiting factor for D. draco seed germination in natural condition. Furthermore, the establishment of D. draco seedlings (shoot and root length) during an 8-week period in pots was also assessed and illustrated. More research on seed ecophysiology is required to understand the mechanisms controlling seed germination of D. draco in arid and semi-arid conditions viz. salinity and drought.
Summary Based on vegetation surveys made in 2020 and 2021, the present paper reports the first records of Andalusian pipevine - Aristolochia baetica L. (Aristolochiaceae) in Oran (northwestern Algeria). This species has been previously recorded only in Sidi Bel Abbès and Tlemcen (Algeria). Therefore, this statement can be considered as an addition to the flora of Algeria. The species was found in 10 out of 26 municipalities from the city of Oran. A distribution map of these new records is included. The paper describes its reproduction, ecology, and phenology. Photographs of different plant organs at different seasons of the year are also provided for this poorly known species. The recorded populations were very small in size (<3 populations per municipality) and in the number of individuals (<5 ind.). Conservation efforts may be necessary to protect and increase the population size of this species.
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