Edaphic and rock Cyanoprokaryota were investigated in the Negev Desert, Israel. It is shown that cyanoprokaryotes play a major role in formation of the cryptogamic communities of these habitats. In litophyton they had greater species and taxonomic diversity, but low occurrence and abundance of species. In edaphon film-forming species dominated; they form a stable communities of Cyanoprokaryota occupying large areas and being the main productive force of arid landscapes. Totally 34 species from five orders, 13 families and 23 genera of Cyanoprokaryota were recorded. Common feature of taxonomic structure of edaphon and lithophyton is the leading role of the order Nostocales. Characteristic species for the Negev Desert areSchizothrix arenaria, Hassalia byssoidea, Nostoc linckia, N. punctiforme.

Keywords: Cyanoprokaryota, edaphon, lithophyton, desert, Negev, Israel

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