Phenology of ten common plant species in western Saudi Arabia

The phenology of ten common desert plant species, representing the main life-forms in western Saudi Arabia, was studied in relation to air temperature, relative humidity, soil temperature, precipitation and soil water potential. Environmental data collected between 1989 and 1991 revealed a little year to year variation in precipitation and soil water potential. Six different patterns of phenological behaviour were detected among these species. The vegetative growth of most extended over a longer period in 1989 than in 1990, while their flowering activities were characterized by one prominent maximum. Fruiting patterns were usually parallel to flowering patterns, with maximum fruiting approximately 4–6 weeks after flowering.