Aquatic Plants of the Sudan

Abstract

The hydrophytes of the Sudan range from small floating plants to the tall reeds of the Sudd. They inhabit a diversity of habitats, and show remarkable vertical and longitudinal zonation, phyletism, growth forms and ecology. Ninety-five species belonging to 33 families are on record. One taxon (Suddia) is endemic. Their status reveals a disheartening situation. Negligence is reflected in meager studies, no attempts to utilize and no policy to conserve. To conserve the diversity of the hydrophytes of the Sudan, a delicate balance between utilization, conservation and control is required. The fact that the Sudd has recently been declared a Ramsar site raises hopes that these objectives may be reached in a near future.