Floristic study of the Al-Shafa Highlands in Taif, Western Saudi Arabia

•The current study is considered as the first one, which, deals with the flora of Al-Shafa highlands.•The diversity of flora and its distribution along different elevations were recorded.•Elevation affect chorotypes distribution.•High elevation belts were relatively more floristically homogenous than the lower ones.

The Al-Shafa Highlands, a formerly undersuerveyed region, lie on the edges of the Sarawat mountain series, 25 km southwest of Taif City, Saudi Arabia. In this study, the floristic composition, life forms, and chorological categories of species distribution were analysed within belts of different elevations in the Al-Shafa area. A total of 222 species in 167 genera representing 54 families of vascular plants were listed. Most species were therophytes (54%), followed by phanerophytes (15%). The highest percentage of species was Saharo-Sindian, with monoregional, biregional and multiregional species occurring. Three endemic species were also recorded: Aloe armatissima, Centaurothamnus maximus, and Picris scabra. The family Compositae contributed most species at high elevations. A hierarchical classification showed that high elevation belts were floristically more homogenous than low elevation belts. With increasing elevation, the proportions of therophytes and hemicryptophytes increased, while the Sudano-Zambesian and tropical elements decreased and Mediterranean elements increased with increasing elevation. Primarily, this study highlighted the importance of the flora of the Al-Shafa Highlands and likely improved the understanding of the distribution and ecology of plant taxa within the region. Moreover, this study provides baseline information to help the authorities plan proper strategies for the management and conservation of the Al-Shafa Highlands, which were recently identified as a region for internal tourism.