Maha Al Kordofani

Taxonomic Study of Trees and Shrubs of Zalingei Maha Al Kordofani

The objective of this study was to taxonomically classify the trees and shrubs in Zalingei, West Darfur State ?SudanZalingei area was chosen for its unique location being (surrounded by many valleys) and for its great potential forest resources. Four sites were chosen Traij area South, Abata North, Gerye West and Shawa East., Thirty one genera and Forty eight species belonging to twenty families were taxonomically identified, based on morphological characters. Thirty eight species were trees and ten were shrubs. Time of flowering and fruiting was between May and December. All species were taxonomically described and differentiated by constructing taxonomical keys. Citations and synonyms of the species were included as well as local names which were obtained from the literature and the local community. Using rural group's discussion, it was found that most of the collected plant species are used as fire wood, furniture and medicinal. The family Leguminosae showed the highest numbers of species and genera in the study area. Cordia Africana (Family: Boraginaceae) and Khayasenegalenses (Family: Meliaceae) are considered as endangered species for their heavy use as furniture.