The phytogeographic patterns displayed by 2446 taxa of vascular
plants, was analyzed in relation to regional abundances (designated as
very common, common, rare, or very rare), in 13 geographic regions,
native or introduced status, lifespan, life-form and preferred habitat for
the flora of Egypt. More than 70% of the entire flora has been classified
as either “very rare" (42.2%) or “rare" (28%). Only 3% of the flora are
introduced species. Land use appears to have a critical effect on plant
abundance; intensely populated areas in the Nile region have more
common or very common species rather than rare and very rare. Annuals
and perennials account for approximately equal fractions of the flora
(47% each). The spectrum of life-forms is dominated by herbs (75%),
Shrubs and shrublets are well-represented while trees are poorly
represented (1.3%) in the flora of Egypt.
Floristic diversity was high in the Mediterranean coastal regions and low
in all desert areas. Frequency of abundance classes and life history traits
varied according to the major habitats (weedy, sandy, saline, freshwater,
rocky and gravely). Implications of these results for conservation policy
are discussed.