Odyssea mucronata, Sesbania sericea, and Sesamum alatum–new discoveries for the flora of Saudi Arabia

Authors : Yahya MASRAHI, Arwa ALHUQAIL, Turki ALTURKI, Jacob THOMAS

Pages : 39-48

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :During field studies in sand dune areas and some habitats close to wetland ecosystems of the Tihama region of Jazan Province in south-western Saudi Arabia, specimens of 3 interesting species belonging to the genera Odyssea insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Poaceae);, Sesbania insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Papilionaceae);, and Sesamum insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Pedaliaceae); were collected; they were identified as Odyssea mucronata insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Forssk.); Stapf, Sesbania sericea insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Willd.); Link., and Sesamum alatum Thonn. A review of the literature revealed that these tropical African taxa were never before recorded for the flora of Saudi Arabia. O. mucronata is represented by a relatively large isolated population. The other 2, S. sericea and S. alatum-components of a semi wetland ecosystem and sandy areas, respectively-are represented in the Arabian Peninsula by 2 relict populations. Morphology, habitat descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic commentary of all 3 taxa are presented.
Keywords : Sesbania, Sesamum, Tihama region, Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, Somalia Masai region