This study deals with species diversity of ruderal habitats in Nile Delta region. Over 400 stands, representing 18
habitats, were sampled in the study area. Of the 248 species encountered, few were common throughout all
habitats. Annuals were more represented along the terraces of highway roads, solid refuse areas and trampled
fields, while perennials were more represented along the slopes and depressions of old roads in railway yards.
The diaspores of more than half of the recorded species are microschlerochores (light diaspores), ballochores
(diaspores with explosion mechanisms) and pogonochores (diaspores with long hairs). For almost-all habitats,
species diversity was higher in spring than in the other seasons, particularly summer and autumn. Communities
of abandoned salinized fields, terraces and depressions of highway and railway roads had the highest species
diversity, while those of trampled fields, trampled railway yards, terraces, slopes and depressions of old roads
had the lowest.