Floristic diversity in relation to abiotic gradients in La Macta wetland (West Algeria). The Macta marshes are classified as a Ramsar site and currently profit at the same time from the attention of both authorities and scientists. The aim of this article is to make a study on the relationship between the environmental factors and the plant groupings along a transect. Factorial analysis of correspondences allows the individualization of three principal groupings : maritime, of sebkhas and succulent salted steppe. Canonical analysis highlights the superposition of edaphic gradients, physiographical variables and anthropic pressure. Results suggest that the distribution and variation of species abundance are mainly ordered according to salinity, texture of soil, degree of immersion, altitude and human pressure. The use of biodiversity indices with techniques of coordination leads to a good discrimination between the plant communities and a better comprehension of the state of these marshes.

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Here is an ethnobotanical study on halophytic plants with medicinal virtues traditionally used by the populations surrounding the Macta wetland (north-western Algeria). An ethnobotanical survey was carried out and the data collected were statistically analyzed by using the R software and 150 questionnaire sheets. The results obtained allowed the identification of 53 plants including 32 halophytic species with medicinal virtues belonging to 28 genera and 17 botanical families. On the basis of the ethnobotanical survey, we identified 43.75% of the species that are used as anti-inflammatory, 28% to treat diuretic disorders, 21.87% to treat uro-genital disorders, 18.75% for their effects on the digestive system, and 15% of the plants which are used against diabetes. Multifactorial analysis reveals a good correspondence between the ethnobotanical aspect of plant species and their therapeutic uses. The results obtained indicate the appearance of five typical use profiles specific to medicinal virtues.

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