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Within the framework of the prodromous of French vegetations, under the sponsorship of French Society of plant sociology, the author presents the Adiantetea capilli-veneris: declination at the European level, then presentation of cards by known association at the French level. Only one order is recognized, Adiantetalia capilli-veneris, with three alliances (Adiantion capilli-veneris, Pinguiculion longifoliae, and Polysticho setiferi – Phyllitidion scolopendrii). Some systematic structures are also defined which imply several species in Pinguicula, Primula, and Hypericum genera.

Resume Nous presentons ici le resultat des investigations phytosociologiques menees dans la partie centrale du Liban ; notamment nous decrivons les syntaxons nouveaux suivants : Querco infectoriae – Pinetum pineae, Pistacio palaestinae – Cytisetum lanigeri, Sarcopoterio spinosi – Cistetum salviifolii, Salici acmophyllae – Hypericetum hircini, et Mentho microphyllae – Dorycnietum recti. La composition floristique et la structure de ces syntaxons ont ete definies en utilisant l’approche synusiale de l'etude de la vegetation. Des comparaisons avec ce qui est connu dans les pays voisins sont presentees.

Resume L’analyse de la problematique des plantes alimentaires mineures et menacees au Togo a pris en compte l’aspect distribution spatiale afin de mieux juger de l’ampleur de la menace. L’etude a ete menee sur la base des enquetes ethnobotaniques dans 280 localites distribuees sur toute l’etendue du territoire togolais. Au total, 137 especes alimentaires mineures et menacees de disparition au Togo ont ete inventoriees. Le nombre de plantes alimentaires en disparition varie de 2 a 40 suivant les localites et de 10 a 50 chez la plupart des ethnies. L’amplitude de leur distribution spatiale montre 20% des plantes signalees en regression sur l’etendue du territoire national. En revanche, 10%, 18% et 18% des plantes ont des distributions respectivement septentrionale, centrale et meridionale. Le reste des plantes presente des distributions interregionales. Ces differentes distributions traduisent des degres de menace qui dependent non seulement du nombre de citations de la plante, mais aussi de l’aire de distr...

Traditional leafy vegetables (LFT) are plants whose leaves are used and consumed by local human populations. Africa is an enormous reservoir of diversity for those vegetables which participate to food security, nutrition and monetary income in both rural and urban areas. The leafy vegetables are rich in fibres, vitamins and minerals. But intensive and repeated harvesting of the LFT in Africa results in their increasing rarity. Among endogenous leafy vegetables recorded in Benin, Sesamum radiatum Schumach. & Thonn. (Pedaliaceae) is a species commonly consumed by many ethnic groups. During plant development, quantitative and qualitative modifications occur, such as an increase in stem size and the production of leaves, flowers, fruit and grains To contribute to a better understanding of the breeding system and phenology for in situ and ex situ conservation of S. radiatum, we conducted both on-station and on-farm experiments. The on-station experiment was conducted at the International Institute of ...

Resume La diversite spatiotemporelle des plantes en fleurs a ete evaluee autour d’un rucher installe a Manigri (Benin) a l’aide de releves phenologiques mensuels de janvier a decembre 2007. Les 266 especes de plantes en fleurs observees se composent de 196 herbacees et 70 ligneuses. Elles se repartissent en 189 genres et 70 familles. Les valeurs moyennes par releve des parametres de diversite floristique varient significativement d’une formation a une autre. La savane arboree represente la formation la plus diversifiee avec 148 especes et 111 genres. Les therophytes sont predominantes (24-36%) dans les differentes formations vegetales, a l’exception de la savane arbustive. La richesse specifique des plantes en fleurs varie de 26 especes en avril a 76 especes en septembre. L’evolution de la richesse specifique des plantes ligneuses et celle des plantes herbacees ont une correlation lineaire negative et hautement significative. Trois facteurs climatiques (evapotranspiration, insolation, humidite relative) i...

The author analyses some divergences between plant and syntaxa nomenclatures, and proposes some corrections in plant systematics.

The flora and plant communities of gallery forests were studied of the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari using the phytosociological approach. A total of 350 plant species were identified, of which 98 are typically gallery forest species of the Sudanian region of northern Benin. We define five plant communities: (1) the Broenadia salicina—Garcinia ovalifolia comm., (2) the Cassia sieberiana—Terminalia glaucescens comm., (3) the Cola laurifolia—Parinari congensis comm., (4) the Garcinia livingstonei—Combretum acutum comm. and (5) the Ficus congensis—Alchornea cordifolia comm., Since the climate does not substantially vary throughout the reserve, relief and topography turn out to be the two major ecological factors that best discrimate gallery forest types in the study area.

A study has been undertaken in the natural undergrowth of private teak plantations in Abomey—Calavi using the synusial approach to phytosociology. Pedological and topographical factors and private teak plantation production within plant communities have been studied. Mallotus oppositifolius and Macrosphyra longistyla community is identified on acid clayey—sandy soils. It is composed of eight vegetal synusia and represents the fourth stage growth of the vegetation succession in the study area. Mean diameter of teak in this plant community varied between 5.7 cm and 15.8 cm while the mean height is between 6.5 m and 13 m and, the basal area between 10.7 m2/ha and 18.9 m2/ha. This community is indicative of the most productive forest sites of the municipality.

With some researches in Togo, the authors identify an unrecognized vegetal formation for tropical Africa, the tall herb formation, illustrated by the new Marantochloo purpureae—Anubiadetum giganteae, described by a phytosocio- logical table and family, biological, pollination and phytogeographical spectra. Some comparisons with other African tall herb communities allow to describe a new systematic structure, the S(Marantaceae-Commelinaceae).

Structural and ecological characteristics of private Teak plantations in the Atlantic Department, South Benin, were studied according to the synusial approach of phytosociology in order to contribute to the sustainable management of the plantations. The study of dendrometric characteristics of Teak plantations was done by establishing two temporal plots, each of 1 are. In each plot, the stem girth of the trees and the total height of three mean trees were measured. A total of 99 vegetal synusias has been described, then combined into 18 phytocoenoses. Ecological characteristics are also studied.

The objective of this study is to analyse the dynamics of a dense semi—deciduous forest, the forest massif of Ngotto situated in the southwest of the Central African Republic, by the systemic approach. We describe some synusial systems and three phytocoenotical systems: a system of the tracks of forestry exploitation, a system of chablis and a system of zones dominated by Marantaceae.

The main object of the authors is to present the plant community of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels in Algeria. The distribution area of this forest tree in the district of Tindouf (Algeria) is identified for the first time. Using phytosociological method adapted to plant community of arid and Saharan land, this study describes three new syntaxa: Faidherbio albidae—Arganietum spinosae, Periploco angustifoliae—Rhoetum tripartitae and Acacio-Arganion spinosae. The Argania community is submitted to important damages by most populations which explain the regression of its current distribution area.

The morphological, anatomical and histochemical characteristics of four endemic taxa of the Teucrium genus (T. kotschyanum Poech, T. divaricatum Heldr. subsp. canescens (Celak.) Holmboe, T. cyprium Boiss. subsp. cyprium et T. micropodioides Rouy) growing spontaneously in Cyprus have been studied. For each taxon, the roots, stalks, leafs and flowers were examined; their characteristics are recognized by microscopic observation.

This survey addresses the influences of ecological factors on wood biophysical properties of teak wood in plantation in Togo. On national scale, these plantations are discriminated in six ecological groups using a correspondence factor analysis. The same analysis applied to the wood biophysical properties permits to discriminate Togolese teak in six groups also. Within these six biophysical groups, wood density ranged from 600 to 800 kg/m3. Mesurements of colour permit to classify these plantations in three categories. Natural durability of these plantations varies from highly durable to durable. At Tchorogo forest site scale, a survey using synusial approach to phytosociology permitted to describe three phytocoenoses with different productivity index which are Icacina senegalensis phytocoenose, Ressantia indica phytocoenose and Daniellia oliveri phytocoenose.

Using participatory research appraisal, 29 ethnic areas were surveyed to document the folk nomenclature, identify the species under threat and understand the domestication process for the traditional leafy vegetables (TLV) consumed in Benin. It exists a rich folk nomenclature mainly characterised by synonymy and homonymy, 24 species under threat and 17 species under domestication. Factors threatening these TLV listed by farmers include forest destruction, bush fires, destructive harvesting methods and lack of knowledge about the plants. We emphasize the necessity of combining folk and formal nomenclature in all biodiversity research programmes on TLV and recommend the development of integrated conservation through utilisation strategies for the sustainable preservation and promotion of TLV in Benin.

Micromorphological investigation on the trichome in leaves stems, calyxes and corolla in Teucrium L. species (T. creticum L., T. divaricatum Sieb. ex Heldr. subsp. villosum (Celak.) Rech. f, T. lamiifolium Urv. subsp. stachyo- phyllum (P.H. Davis) Hedge & Ekim, T. montbretii Benth. subsp. libanoticum P.H. Davis, T. orientale L. var. orientale and T. polium L.) distributed in Lebanon was carried out as part of the taxonomical study of the genus Teucrium. Twenty different types of trichome (13 non-glandular, 7 glandular) were found on the six studied species. Thirteen types were characteristic for one species and three types were characteristic of two species. Only four types were found on the six studied species. On the twenty different types of trichome, twelve non—glandular hairs and only four glandular hairs were characteristic of one or two species. Those results indicate that non—glandular hairs are more important than glandular hairs concerning the separation between Teucrium species. This s...

The flora of Algerian cedar forests is studied. More than 500 species of vascular plants are listed, in about sixty families, belonging to various chorological types and characteristic habitats with a high patrimonial value. The analyses of rarity, endemic species richness and biogeographic value of this flora confirm its originality. The threats on this flora are put in evidence. The accent is also put on the priority actions of conservation to be led within these populations of cedars, endemic of the centre and west North Africa's mountains.

The spontaneous undergrowth of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) plantation in Djigbe forest (south Benin) has been studied. The Psychotria vogeliana-community is identified from ten representative phytosociological releves. This community is an indicator of sandy plateau soils generally associated with the least productive plantations. It's composed of 91 species with a mean of 32 species per releve. The study of distribution spectra reveals the abundance of phanerophytes, secondary forest species and phytogeographically widespread species; they represent respectively 86%, 48% and 50% of the total number of species. The analysis of species diversity indicates that the Psychotria vogeliana-community is somewhat diversified, but the species abundance is weakly balanced (2.1 for Shannon-Wiever index and 0.48 for evenness index).

The water plans of the Togolese East maritime region are all invaded by floating weeds. Phytosociological study of these ones show two communities: Lemno paucicoctatae-Pistietum stratioitis, a Myriophyllum spicatum community. Eichhornia crassipes is quite rare despite its presence on the Lome lagoon and on the Mono river. Water chemical analysis show that values of conductivity, hydrotimetric title (TH), chloride ions and phosphate ions measured at a youthful stage of Pistia were lower than those measured with its death. The reverse phenomenon is observed for nitrate and ammonium ions. Feeble values of conductivity, TH and chlorides favourish nitrates and ammonium assimilation by floating species. Statistical analysis of the hydro-chemical parameters permit to classify these water biotopes in ponds, swamps, streams and lagoons.

The natural undergrowth of Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) plantations in south and center Benin has been assessed. The Icacina trichantha-plant community is identified in Djigbe forest. On the basis of ten representative phytosociological releves, this plant community is composed of 93 species with a mean of 37 species per releve. The analysis of species diversity indicates that the Icacina trichantha-community is somewhat diversified with 2.32 for the Shannon- Weaver index and 0.50 for the Pielou evenness index. The Icacina trichantha-plant community is frequently found on rocky acid soils at middle positions of steep slopes (10 to 40%). Teak plantations associated with of this plant community are among the most productive of Djigbe forest.

After several investigations on the savanna and forest of Ngotto (Central African Republic), we propose a phytogeographical interpretation of our data on the systematic (level family), the biological forms, the dispersion of diaspores and phytogeographical elements spectra. These spectra are given regarding both formation type (savanna, forest) to appreciate their originality. Then, a comparaison is driven in order to set up the differences between these two formations.

The reference monograph of French Characeae by Corillion (1957) was followed by several publications by the botanist canon successors, M. Guerlesquin and E. Lambert, but this group of evolved algae...

L'etude phytosociologique de quelques plages du littoral du Togo a permis de reconnaitre l'existence du Remireo maritimae-Canavalietum roseae (facilement degrade par anthropisation), du Kyllingo peruvianae - Phyletum nodiflorae, de reconnaitre divers groupements herbaces autres (a Schizachyrium pulchellum, a Paspalum distichum, Blutaparon vermiculare et Sesuvium portulacastrum) et de decrire une association arbustive psammophile nouvelle, le Jasmino dichotomi - Zanthoxyletum zanthoxyloidis.

Summary As in quantitative laws of classic physics, the qualitative laws of the vegetal world (botany, plant sociology) constitute preferential bridges between some areas a priori without report (flora, vegetation on one hand, ecology, geography, dynamics…on the other hand). One gives an inventory of these multiple laws and one shows how it is possible to use them to acquire various informations from limited data. These laws have therefore a high heuristic value, intervening for example in the elaboration of synsystematic keys and in «paleo-plant sociology».

ResumeLes milieux humides reposant sur un lit de tourbe alcaline dans le marais de Sacy-le-Grand (Oise) ont ete etudies selon la methodologie phytosociologique sigmatiste; huit associations ou groupements ont ete identifies et decrits a l'aide de tableaux de vegetation; plusieurs associations de prairies tourbeuses offrent un caractere relictuel incontestable pour le nord du Bassin Parisien; la recolonisation forestiere a egalement ete envisagee. Le maintien ou la regression des phanerogames les plus rares signalees dans le marais de Sacy ont ete estimes.