Dawud Al-Eisawi

Monitoring the grazing resources of the Badia region, Jordan, using remote sensing

In this paper we discuss how low spatial resolution (1 km) ERS ATSR-2 and NOAA AVHRR satellite data were used to map and monitor changes in the grazing vegetation of the Badia region of Jordan. This area is typical of many arid zone grazing areas, comprising sparse vegetation and highly reflective soils. These two factors were found to severely limit the usefulness of satellite-derived vegetation indices that are frequently used to map and monitor vegetation in more temperate areas. Furthermore, the relationship between vegetation indices and percentage vegetation cover was found to be site-specific, thus reducing their application for large-scale vegetation monitoring. As an alternative, a hybrid geometric optical/empirically based model was developed for the area. This was based on the illumination geometry and reflectance values from the red and near-infrared scattergram of the satellite images. The output of the model was a series of maps indicating percentage vegetation cover for different dates and these were used to construct maps showing areas of vegetation change. Strong correlations (r(2) = 0.837) were found between estimates of percentage vegetation cover derived from the model, and measurements made at a series of 16 field sites in the area. The use of geometric optical models based on satellite imagery improves the ability to map areas of grazing vegetation in arid areas such as the Badia and provides a good alternative to the use of vegetation indices

Airborne pollen of Jordan

Abstract Dispersal of airborne pollen in Jordan was studied for a whole year using a Burkard volumetric trap. Day to day counts of different pollen taxa were tabulated and analysed. A pollen calendar was produced. Analysis of the data showed significant tree pollen dispersal in two periods: February to April and May to July. Grass pollen dispersal was concentrated in spring and early summer while weed pollen dispersal occurred in spring as well as in autumn. The latter phenomenon was unexpected yet correlated with certain clinical observations unexplained for a long time.

Studies on the flora of Jordan 12. Monocotyledons new to Jordan, with notes on some interesting species

Summary. 17 species of monocotyledons, other than orchids (treated in a separate paper) from Jordan are discussed. Some species are recorded for the first time; others are rare and recorded from new localities. The taxa belong to the families Araceae, Gramineae and Iridaceae. Maps showing their distribution in Jordan are provided,,as well as remarks on their habitat, especially for the genus Crocus.

The Orchids of Jordan

Twenty-two species and three subspecies have been considered in this account of the orchids of Jordan. The taxa belong to the genera Anacamptis, Cephalanthera, Epipactis, Himantoglossum, Limodorum, Ophrys and Orchis. A synopsis of taxa, keys to the genera, species and subspecies are provided as well as descriptions and geographical distribution. Seven taxa, identified from herbarium collections, represent new records for Jordan.

New records and synopsis to the genus Alyssum (Cruciferae) in Jordan

Summary Alyssum condensatum and A. repens are new for the flora of Jordan and A. subspinosum, previously known only from the holotype in Jordan and then recorded in Saudi Arabia, has been collected in a new locality on the top of Jabal Rum (1750 m). Synopsis of taxa as well as a key to the species of Alyssum in Jordan are here supplied.

Notes on the flora of Jordan 13. New and noteworthy dicotyledonous plants

The species recorded in this paper have recently been collected from Jordan. Some of them are recorded for the first time, such as: Hormuzakia aggregata, Atriplex semibaccata, Filago gallica, Lactuca viminea, Alyssum desertorum, Sterigmostemum sulphureum, Prunus ursina, Symrnium connatum and Valerianella echinata. The others have been collected from new localities, confirming their presence (as they were previously doubtfully or rarely recorded). These are: Achillea membranacea, Bufonia ephedrina, Capparis parviflora, Cnicus benedictus, Daucus jordanicus, Euclidium syriacum, Linum album, Smyrniopsis cachroides and goegea purpurea. Specimens of the species mentioned have been deposited at the herbarium Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (AMM). Some duplicates have been sent to Kew (K) and Reading University (RNG) herbaria. Distribution of taxa in Jordan is shown in the maps 1-3. This project is supported by the University of Jordan.

Taxonomic synopsis of Brassicaceae for the flora of Jordan

The family Brassicaceae in Jordan is revised based on the latest evidence and latest taxonomic information. The family Brassicaceae was included in the country’s first checklist for vascular plants in 1982, and more recently in 2013. The present study presents all accepted species (137) and genera (66) according to their tribal affiliations. Accordingly, this study shows that ten previously accepted genera are excluded from the checklist for Jordan. Eleven new genera have been established and are represented in the flora of Jordan, which reflects substantial taxonomic investigation and change.

Allium naqabense (Amaryllidaceae), a New Species from Jordan

Abstract. Allium naqabense Al-Eisawi & Omar is described and illustrated from Ras al-Naqab in southern Jordan. The new species is assigned to Allium L. sect. Molium G. Don of Allium subg. Amerallium Traub. Allium naqabense differs from the closely related species A. erdelii Zucc., A. papillare Boiss., A. qasyunense Mouterde, and A. negevense Kollmann by having glabrous leaves and by the pale yellow anthers and style that are included within the perianth. The most closely related species, A. erdelii, has leaves that are pilose on both surfaces and anthers that are exserted and yellow. Allium naqabense has glabrous leaves and included stamens. The new species is assessed as Endangered (EN), according to IUCN criteria.