AN ETHNOBOTANICAL RESEARCH FROM AIN SKHOUNA (CASE OF THE WEST-ALGERIAN STEPPE)

This investigation was aimed to an inventory of vegetation on the one hand and the identification of species to therapeutic characters of the Ain Skhouna area.

We counted 35 natural species, of which 15 are aromatic and/or medicinal character. Ethnobotanical survey on the ground (the town of Ain Skhouna) reveals patients treated at base of the plants of the region.

We have seen that the majority of the taxa have very interesting biological properties which find applications in various fields (medicine, pharmacy, cosmetic and food).

Nevertheless, the sustained and continuous human impact don't take, any standards scientists trained a pure loss of local biodiversity and endangers the future of this natural heritage.