Ecology and development of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. in the Deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt

Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is an important stress-tolerant halophyte distributed in saline areas along the Mediterranean coast of the Nile delta, Egypt. Plant communities dominated by M. crystallinum were studied in different habitats. The application of TWINSPAN classification based on 77 species recorded in 50 stands, led to the recognition of four vegetative groups, which are categorized under three communities. The first is salt marsh community co-dominated by M. crystallinum and Senecio glaucus L. The second is sand dune community dominated by Hordium murinum L. The third is sand flat community dominated by M. crystallinum. Electrical conductivity (EC), sodium ion concentration, Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and sand fraction are the main controlling factors in the distribution of the different vegetative community. The distribution of M.crystallinum community was influenced by calcium carbonate, pH, E.C. and calcium. Various growth parameters including root, shoot and total fresh weight, diameter, leaf area, number of flowers and fruits were measured at two-week interval in the three habitats (sand dune, sand flat and salt marsh). The sand dune and salt marsh habitats, which are threatened by anthropogenic activities, were optimizing growth, flowering and fruiting of M. crystallinum.