ABSTRACT
An inventory of eleven charophyte-bearing sites located between the Tropic of Cancer and eastern Somalia is drawn. Except for two sites which show signs of Pleistocene humid phases, the floras are Holocene and range from 9 000 to 5 000 BP. Gyrogonite species composition and morphology compared to the ecological conditions of equivalent still living species leads to distinguishing between five types in aquatic environments. No less than five sites contain the charophyte species Nitellopsis obtusa , which indicates permanent, relatively deep (4–12 m), cool oligotrophic freshwater. Further, the charophytes from the area studied can be used to distinguish between perennial and temporary waterbodies and to detect saline influences. Charophytes are significant biomarkers for completing the reconstruction of Quaternary lacustrine environments.
