Sudanian elements in the flora of Israel.

In the Dead Sea Rift Valley of Israel, a northern tongue of penetration of Sudanian elements exists that has traditionally been regarded as composed of Miocene relicts. The principal habitats harboring Sudanian elements in Israel are described, including pseudo-savanna. Statistical analysis of the 116 species in the flora of Israel considered to be Sudanian elements is presented, covering growth form, phytogeographic distribution, dispersal mechanisms, and degree of endemism. Special attention is given to the arboreal elements. Although paleo-macrofossils are almost non-existent in the area, other evidence, such as low degree of endemism, disjunctiveness, and adaptations to aridity and long-distance dispersal indicate that the great majority of the Sudanian elements in the Dead Sea Rift are of recent origin. -from Authors