Wild barley Hordeum spontaneum L. in Egypt

The recently discovered stands of wild barley Hordeum spontaneum L. in Wadi Habis, west of Mersa Matruh, probably make Wadi Habis the only known site of this species in the West Mediterranean region of Egypt. They are believed to be relicts of an earlier much wider occurrence in North Africa. Wild barley occurs along 800 m of the total length of the wadi. It is sparse in the lower and upper reaches and more abundant in the middle reaches of the wadi and its tributary. This can be attributed to deeper soils with high moisture content and the absence of human interference. The area is subjected at present to rapid development due to increased population pressure. The natural vegetation, including wild barley, is being ploughed under for cultivation of cereals and other crops. Protective measures should be urgently taken for the conservation of the natural habitat of wild barley in the middle reaches of Wadi Habis.