Major native plant species in Khanasser area, Syria (Al-Hass and Shbeith mountains)

Abstract

This publication is intended to help scientists and managers identify the plant species of the area and to understand the potential or previous natural vegetation. This will help to establish a sustainable rangeland development strategy and to regain the potential production of the vegetation. The publication includes information on 133 native species distributed in Khanasser Valley and surrounding mountains. The following information is provided for each species: Latin name and family as used by Moutered (51), the local name (Syrian name) as used in the region or as mentioned in Chihabi's Dictionary (14), and by Issa (38), the English name, common characteristics, the taxonomic description using "Nouvelle flore du Liban et de la Syria" (51), "Flora Palaestina" (85) and "Weeds of Lebanon" (20). Information concerning distribution, palatability to livestock, feed composition, principal uses, medicinal uses, and active components is presented for each species. Abundance is rated as rare, uncommon, medium, common, and very common as found in the Khanasser area.