Caractérisation phytosociologique de la végétation du parc national de Gouraya (Béjaïa, Algérie)

Abstract

Phytosociological characterization of the vegetation of Gouraya National Park (Béjaïa, Algeria). Gouraya National Park covers a calcaro-dolomitic littoral solid mass and its silicicolous prolongation towards the west. It belongs to the regional hotspot of “Kabylies-Numidia-Kroumiria” but its vegetation was just partially explored. We try here a first synthesis under the phytosociological point of view. On the basis of 144 species and 56 floristic “relevés” submitted to factorial correspondence analysis and ascending hierarchical classification, the phytosociological study of Gouraya National Park highlighted seven vegetation groups attached to four phytosociological classes : the Quercetea ilicis Braun–Blanquet, 1947 and subordinated syntaxa, the Querco-Fagetea Braun–Blanquet & Vlieg, 1937 and subordinated syntaxa, and the Crithmo-limonietea Braun–Blanquet, 1947 and Asplenietea rupestris (H. M) Braun–Blanquet, 1934. We can note also the presence of species characteristic of the Rosmarinetea officinalis Braun–Blanquet, 1947 em. Rivas Martinez, Diaz, Prieto, Loidi & Penas, 1991 and of Stellarietea mediae R. TX. Lohmeyer & Preising 1950. Within these groups, those assigned to Bupleuro-Euphorbietum dendroidis Géhu et al., 1992 can be divided in two subgroups, the typical sub-association and a new sub-association named here bupleuretosum plantaginei, characterized by the presence of rupicolous endemism. This study showed the peculiarity of the vegetation of this local biodiversity hotspot (important area for plants) and will be followed by a more in-depth study of the rupicolous littoral and sub-littoral vegetation of the area.