From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, stil... more From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, still boasts several monuments, including an imposing fortified wall. Among the factors of degradation that threaten this wall, we are particularly interested in the plant’s action growing over this monument. The objective was to start by establishing a list of plant species colonizing the wall, then to deduce the potential effects that vegetation can have on the substrate. We carried out a systematic sampling in Azemmour. After sampling and identifying the plants, we established a list of 58 species, belonging to 26 families and 49genera. TheAsteraceae family is the most represented with 11 species, followed by Solanaceae with 6 species, Poaceae with 5 species and Amaranthaceae with 4 species. Depending on their life form category, these plant’s roots are more or less intense, which leads to the dismantling of the masonry, and ultimately threatens ruin. The many medicinal plants found in th...
From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, stil... more From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, still boasts several monuments, including an imposing fortified wall. Among the factors of degradation that threaten this wall, we are particularly interested in the plant’s action growing over this monument. The objective was to start by establishing a list of plant species colonizing the wall, then to deduce the potential effects that vegetation can have on the substrate. We carried out a systematic sampling in Azemmour. After sampling and identifying the plants, we established a list of 58 species, belonging to 26 families and 49genera. TheAsteraceae family is the most represented with 11 species, followed by Solanaceae with 6 species, Poaceae with 5 species and Amaranthaceae with 4 species. Depending on their life form category, these plant’s roots are more or less intense, which leads to the dismantling of the masonry, and ultimately threatens ruin. The many medicinal plants found in th...
Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our sc... more Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our scientific explorations which aim to identify vascular and non-vascular plants at the Volubilis site. This work aims to describe this species in its archaeological environment. It is installed in the joints between the bricks on the ancient walls of the site contributing to the deterioration of the contact surface with the substrate. Indeed, around the plant, the soil is born. Crossidium squamiferum is a particularly rare orophyte species. The genus Crossidium to which it is affiliated is represented in Morocco by 4 species: Crossidium aberrans; Crossidium crassinervium; Crossidium laevipilum; Crossidium squamiferum (Viv.) and a subspecies: Crossidium squamiferum var. pottioideum (De Not.) Mönk. The genus is distributed in all the countries of the Mediterranean basin.
The archaeological site of Volubilis (Morocco) is located at the foot of Djebel Zerhoun, three km... more The archaeological site of Volubilis (Morocco) is located at the foot of Djebel Zerhoun, three km from the small town of Moulay Idriss, in the suburbs of Meknes. It overlooks a vast plain whose natural conditions and geographical position have favored the settlement of several plant species, particularly vascular plants. For this reason, the objective of our study was to develop a catalog of the vascular plants present in Volubilis and analyze its flora. A systematic sampling by transects was carried out along paths and trails of the site. After identification of the plant samples, we obtained a list of 94 species, divided into 82 genera and 33 families, including 28 Dicotyledons, 4 Monocotyledonsand 2 Pteridophytes. The Asteraceae family is the richest in species. Therophytes are the most represented in the site with a proportion of nearly 51% followed by the Hemicryptophytes which contain almost 21% of all known species. Other biological types such as phanerophytes, chamephytesand...
Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our sc... more Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our scientific explorations which aim to identify vascular and non-vascular plants at the Volubilis site. This work aims to describe this species in its archaeological environment. It is installed in the joints between the bricks on the ancient walls of the site contributing to the deterioration of the contact surface with the substrate. Indeed, around the plant, the soil is born. Crossidium squamiferum is a particularly rare orophyte species. The genus Crossidium to which it is affiliated is represented in Morocco by 4 species: Crossidium aberrans; Crossidium crassinervium; Crossidium laevipilum; Crossidium squamiferum (Viv.) and a subspecies: Crossidium squamiferum var. pottioideum (De Not.) Mönk. The genus is distributed in all the countries of the Mediterranean basin.
Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology 22(21&22):53-70; 2021, 2021
The objective of this study is to list the plant species colonizing the archaeological site of Vo... more The objective of this study is to list the plant species colonizing the archaeological site of Volubilis in Morocco, in order to determine their ecological importance and their impact of biodeterioration. The site is located about twenty kilometers north of Meknes on an area of 42 ha. We have inventoried 94 species belonging to 33 families of higher plants. The sampling was carried out across the site using 4 transects with 3 types of surveys each respectively on the walls, on the joints of the paving and on the outcrops of the bedrock. To compare the transects, we used the Sørensen similarity index. The transects taken in pairs show indices above 50% and, grouped together, an index of 78%. This great similarity between the transects is undoubtedly the result of the evolution of the vegetation under globally quite homogeneous conditions. However, some surveys show weak similarity: 34% between R1 and R2, 18% between R1 and R3 and 14% between R2 and R3. This means a change in the floristic procession and a different vegetation dynamic on the wall surface (R1), on the joints of the paving (R2) and on the bedrock outcrops (R3). The vascular flora of the Volubilis site presents an undeniable biodeteriogenic action, in particular through the phenomenon of cracking due to the action of the roots on the various supports. This mechanical action is further accentuated by combining with the chemical action of dissolution of the materials by the acids secreted by the roots.
From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, stil... more From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, still boasts several monuments, including an imposing fortified wall. Among the factors of degradation that threaten this wall, we are particularly interested in the plant's action growing over this monument. The objective was to start by establishing a list of plant species colonizing the wall, then to deduce the potential effects that vegetation can have on the substrate. We carried out a systematic sampling in Azemmour. After sampling and identifying the plants, we established a list of 58 species, belonging to 26 families and 49genera. TheAsteraceae family is the most represented with 11 species, followed by Solanaceae with 6 species, Poaceae with 5 species and Amaranthaceae with 4 species. Depending on their life form category, these plant's roots are more or less intense, which leads to the dismantling of the masonry, and ultimately threatens ruin. The many medicinal plants found in the area are also a source of pressure on the site as they are anarchically uprooted by users. Devegetation measures must be undertaken urgently by conservators to control the spread of these plants in order to preserve the historic heritage.
—This paper discusses incompatibilities between stones and mortars. The aim is to understand the ... more —This paper discusses incompatibilities between stones and mortars. The aim is to understand the evolution of rocks of acid nature, sandstones in this case, in the presence of mortars of an alkaline nature, such as cement mortars used for jointing or coatings. Accelerated aging tests combining alkaline alteration and salt alteration were simultaneously carried out in order to study the synergy between these two processes of degradation. The degradation process is follow-up by observing the induced alteration patterns, the identification of the newly appeared mineral phases and the evolution of the ultrasonic propagation speed of the materials tested. The obtained results allow showing that the pH-salt crystallization synergy is particularly aggressive towards the studied materials and that the sustainability of the rocks subjected to circulations of basic solutions due to the proximity of mortars of alkaline nature is seriously reduced.
— The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used ceme... more — The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used cement for the consolidation of the Roman structures undercovered. They're mainly consisting of calcareous rocks, which density, porosity, and hardness are lower then cement, and they're clearely weakened. Indeed, the capillary increase to which are subjected the structures allowed to convey salts whose advance is blocked by the introduced cement mortar. Trapped in the calcareous rock, the salts contribute to the acceleration of its degradation.
— The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used ceme... more — The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used cement for the consolidation of the Roman structures undercovered. They're mainly consisting of calcareous rocks, which density, porosity, and hardness are lower then cement, and they're clearely weakened. Indeed, the capillary increase to which are subjected the structures allowed to convey salts whose advance is blocked by the introduced cement mortar. Trapped in the calcareous rock, the salts contribute to the acceleration of its degradation.
—The Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, listed as a cultural asset since 2012 on UNESCO's Worl... more —The Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, listed as a cultural asset since 2012 on UNESCO's World Heritage List, is subject to significant biodeterioration. The aim of this study is to identify the bryophytes that have an important impact on the destruction of the substrate. For this purpose, three prospectionswere carried out in autumn 2014, spring 2015 and winter 2016. The systematic sampling carried out allowed us to identify 20 species of bryophytes belonging to 10 botanical families, of which 4are dominant with 13 species equivalent to 65% of the total. The four families are Pottiaceae, Brachyceciaceae, Funariaceae and Bryaceae; they belong to the class of Muscinae. The liverworts are represented by only 6 species, representing 30% of the total population. Among the 20 species inventoried, 3 are newly observed in the region of Rabat: Entosthodon pulchellus (H. Philib.) Brugués; Dydimodon Fallax Hedw. and Trichostomum crispulum Bruch. When bryophytes settle on substrates, a preliminary soilis initiated to the detriment of the quality of materials and their durability.
From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, stil... more From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, still boasts several monuments, including an imposing fortified wall. Among the factors of degradation that threaten this wall, we are particularly interested in the plant’s action growing over this monument. The objective was to start by establishing a list of plant species colonizing the wall, then to deduce the potential effects that vegetation can have on the substrate. We carried out a systematic sampling in Azemmour. After sampling and identifying the plants, we established a list of 58 species, belonging to 26 families and 49genera. TheAsteraceae family is the most represented with 11 species, followed by Solanaceae with 6 species, Poaceae with 5 species and Amaranthaceae with 4 species. Depending on their life form category, these plant’s roots are more or less intense, which leads to the dismantling of the masonry, and ultimately threatens ruin. The many medicinal plants found in th...
From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, stil... more From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, still boasts several monuments, including an imposing fortified wall. Among the factors of degradation that threaten this wall, we are particularly interested in the plant’s action growing over this monument. The objective was to start by establishing a list of plant species colonizing the wall, then to deduce the potential effects that vegetation can have on the substrate. We carried out a systematic sampling in Azemmour. After sampling and identifying the plants, we established a list of 58 species, belonging to 26 families and 49genera. TheAsteraceae family is the most represented with 11 species, followed by Solanaceae with 6 species, Poaceae with 5 species and Amaranthaceae with 4 species. Depending on their life form category, these plant’s roots are more or less intense, which leads to the dismantling of the masonry, and ultimately threatens ruin. The many medicinal plants found in th...
Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our sc... more Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our scientific explorations which aim to identify vascular and non-vascular plants at the Volubilis site. This work aims to describe this species in its archaeological environment. It is installed in the joints between the bricks on the ancient walls of the site contributing to the deterioration of the contact surface with the substrate. Indeed, around the plant, the soil is born. Crossidium squamiferum is a particularly rare orophyte species. The genus Crossidium to which it is affiliated is represented in Morocco by 4 species: Crossidium aberrans; Crossidium crassinervium; Crossidium laevipilum; Crossidium squamiferum (Viv.) and a subspecies: Crossidium squamiferum var. pottioideum (De Not.) Mönk. The genus is distributed in all the countries of the Mediterranean basin.
The archaeological site of Volubilis (Morocco) is located at the foot of Djebel Zerhoun, three km... more The archaeological site of Volubilis (Morocco) is located at the foot of Djebel Zerhoun, three km from the small town of Moulay Idriss, in the suburbs of Meknes. It overlooks a vast plain whose natural conditions and geographical position have favored the settlement of several plant species, particularly vascular plants. For this reason, the objective of our study was to develop a catalog of the vascular plants present in Volubilis and analyze its flora. A systematic sampling by transects was carried out along paths and trails of the site. After identification of the plant samples, we obtained a list of 94 species, divided into 82 genera and 33 families, including 28 Dicotyledons, 4 Monocotyledonsand 2 Pteridophytes. The Asteraceae family is the richest in species. Therophytes are the most represented in the site with a proportion of nearly 51% followed by the Hemicryptophytes which contain almost 21% of all known species. Other biological types such as phanerophytes, chamephytesand...
Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our sc... more Crossidium squamiferum (Viv) belongs to the Pottiaceae family. It was collected as part of our scientific explorations which aim to identify vascular and non-vascular plants at the Volubilis site. This work aims to describe this species in its archaeological environment. It is installed in the joints between the bricks on the ancient walls of the site contributing to the deterioration of the contact surface with the substrate. Indeed, around the plant, the soil is born. Crossidium squamiferum is a particularly rare orophyte species. The genus Crossidium to which it is affiliated is represented in Morocco by 4 species: Crossidium aberrans; Crossidium crassinervium; Crossidium laevipilum; Crossidium squamiferum (Viv.) and a subspecies: Crossidium squamiferum var. pottioideum (De Not.) Mönk. The genus is distributed in all the countries of the Mediterranean basin.
Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology 22(21&22):53-70; 2021, 2021
The objective of this study is to list the plant species colonizing the archaeological site of Vo... more The objective of this study is to list the plant species colonizing the archaeological site of Volubilis in Morocco, in order to determine their ecological importance and their impact of biodeterioration. The site is located about twenty kilometers north of Meknes on an area of 42 ha. We have inventoried 94 species belonging to 33 families of higher plants. The sampling was carried out across the site using 4 transects with 3 types of surveys each respectively on the walls, on the joints of the paving and on the outcrops of the bedrock. To compare the transects, we used the Sørensen similarity index. The transects taken in pairs show indices above 50% and, grouped together, an index of 78%. This great similarity between the transects is undoubtedly the result of the evolution of the vegetation under globally quite homogeneous conditions. However, some surveys show weak similarity: 34% between R1 and R2, 18% between R1 and R3 and 14% between R2 and R3. This means a change in the floristic procession and a different vegetation dynamic on the wall surface (R1), on the joints of the paving (R2) and on the bedrock outcrops (R3). The vascular flora of the Volubilis site presents an undeniable biodeteriogenic action, in particular through the phenomenon of cracking due to the action of the roots on the various supports. This mechanical action is further accentuated by combining with the chemical action of dissolution of the materials by the acids secreted by the roots.
From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, stil... more From its Portuguese period, the historical city of Azemmour, on the Oum Errabia River banks, still boasts several monuments, including an imposing fortified wall. Among the factors of degradation that threaten this wall, we are particularly interested in the plant's action growing over this monument. The objective was to start by establishing a list of plant species colonizing the wall, then to deduce the potential effects that vegetation can have on the substrate. We carried out a systematic sampling in Azemmour. After sampling and identifying the plants, we established a list of 58 species, belonging to 26 families and 49genera. TheAsteraceae family is the most represented with 11 species, followed by Solanaceae with 6 species, Poaceae with 5 species and Amaranthaceae with 4 species. Depending on their life form category, these plant's roots are more or less intense, which leads to the dismantling of the masonry, and ultimately threatens ruin. The many medicinal plants found in the area are also a source of pressure on the site as they are anarchically uprooted by users. Devegetation measures must be undertaken urgently by conservators to control the spread of these plants in order to preserve the historic heritage.
—This paper discusses incompatibilities between stones and mortars. The aim is to understand the ... more —This paper discusses incompatibilities between stones and mortars. The aim is to understand the evolution of rocks of acid nature, sandstones in this case, in the presence of mortars of an alkaline nature, such as cement mortars used for jointing or coatings. Accelerated aging tests combining alkaline alteration and salt alteration were simultaneously carried out in order to study the synergy between these two processes of degradation. The degradation process is follow-up by observing the induced alteration patterns, the identification of the newly appeared mineral phases and the evolution of the ultrasonic propagation speed of the materials tested. The obtained results allow showing that the pH-salt crystallization synergy is particularly aggressive towards the studied materials and that the sustainability of the rocks subjected to circulations of basic solutions due to the proximity of mortars of alkaline nature is seriously reduced.
— The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used ceme... more — The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used cement for the consolidation of the Roman structures undercovered. They're mainly consisting of calcareous rocks, which density, porosity, and hardness are lower then cement, and they're clearely weakened. Indeed, the capillary increase to which are subjected the structures allowed to convey salts whose advance is blocked by the introduced cement mortar. Trapped in the calcareous rock, the salts contribute to the acceleration of its degradation.
— The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used ceme... more — The restoration works undertaken in the archaeological site of Chellah in the Sixties used cement for the consolidation of the Roman structures undercovered. They're mainly consisting of calcareous rocks, which density, porosity, and hardness are lower then cement, and they're clearely weakened. Indeed, the capillary increase to which are subjected the structures allowed to convey salts whose advance is blocked by the introduced cement mortar. Trapped in the calcareous rock, the salts contribute to the acceleration of its degradation.
—The Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, listed as a cultural asset since 2012 on UNESCO's Worl... more —The Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, listed as a cultural asset since 2012 on UNESCO's World Heritage List, is subject to significant biodeterioration. The aim of this study is to identify the bryophytes that have an important impact on the destruction of the substrate. For this purpose, three prospectionswere carried out in autumn 2014, spring 2015 and winter 2016. The systematic sampling carried out allowed us to identify 20 species of bryophytes belonging to 10 botanical families, of which 4are dominant with 13 species equivalent to 65% of the total. The four families are Pottiaceae, Brachyceciaceae, Funariaceae and Bryaceae; they belong to the class of Muscinae. The liverworts are represented by only 6 species, representing 30% of the total population. Among the 20 species inventoried, 3 are newly observed in the region of Rabat: Entosthodon pulchellus (H. Philib.) Brugués; Dydimodon Fallax Hedw. and Trichostomum crispulum Bruch. When bryophytes settle on substrates, a preliminary soilis initiated to the detriment of the quality of materials and their durability.
Dans le cas du site archéologique de Chellah, la restauration des édifices romains a fait appel à... more Dans le cas du site archéologique de Chellah, la restauration des édifices romains a fait appel à des mortiers de ciment en vue de consolider les structures existantes. Celles-ci, étant constituées majoritairement de roches calcaires, de densité, de porosité et de dureté inférieures à celle du ciment, ont été nettement fragilisées. En effet, les remontées capillaires auxquelles sont soumises les structures ont permis de véhiculer des sels dont le cheminement est bloqué par le mortier de ciment introduit. Piégés dans la roche calcaire, les sels contribuent à l’accélération de sa dégradation.
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En effet, les remontées capillaires auxquelles sont soumises les structures ont permis de véhiculer des sels dont le cheminement est bloqué par le mortier de ciment introduit. Piégés dans la roche calcaire, les sels contribuent à l’accélération de sa dégradation.