Comprehensive Guide of The Trees of The United Arab Emirates

Comprehensive guide of the trees
of the United Arab Emirates
Ahmed Khider Bashir

Asima Bibi
About Barari Natural Resources
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ISBN : 978-9946-04-099-6
Authors’ Address
Professor Ahmed Khider Bashir
Barari Natural resources.
P. O Box 113260, Abu Dhabi
Asima Bibi
Barari Natural resources.
P. O Box 1894, Remah
Important Warning
This book contains general information about plants and their uses. It is intended as a scientific overview and not as a
traditional handbook for self-treatment. Many of the plants described in this book are toxic. Neither the authors nor the
publisher can be held responsible for claims arising from the mistaken identity of plants or plants or their inappropriate use.
Do not attempt self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult a medical professional or qualified practitioner.
Comprehensive Guide of the trees of the United Arab Emirates
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge Barari Natural Resources for their
financial support for this book. Special thank goes to the Managing Director
Mr. Abdul Jalil Al Balouki who gave us full support. We are highly grateful to
Mr. Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Balouki, Chairman of Mawarid Holding, who
helped to make it a reality. The authors are grateful to Mr. Malik Rapaie COO
of Barari Natural Resources & Mawarid Services for his continuous support.
We are also grateful to the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi for permitting
us to use their maps for plant distribution.
A special thanks to those who gave us permission to use their images. My

sincere thanks to Mr. Anwar Sajjad and Mr. Abdul Wajeed Abdul Quddus for
their support during the field work at Barari Native Plant Nursery, I would
like to extend my thanks to my daughter Alaa for her technical support.
Ahmed Bashir
Asima Bibi
1
Index
1. Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Forward ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Native Trees of the United Arab Emirates Adapted Trees of the United Arab Emirates
( Part - 1) ( Part - 2)
1. Acridocarpus orientalis A. Juss ..................................... 12 1. Acacia ampliceps ........................................................ 100
2. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh .................................. 14 2. Acacia raddiana .......................................................... 102
3. Amygdalus Arabica........................................................ 16 3. Acacia stenophylla ...................................................... 104
4. Calligonum comosum .................................................... 18 4. Albizia lebbeck ............................................................ 106
5. Calligonum crinitum ..................................................... 20 5. Azadirachta indica ...................................................... 108
6. Calotropis procera ......................................................... 22 6. Balanites aegyptiaca .................................................... 110
7. Cordia myxa L ............................................................... 24 7. Conocarpus erectus ...................................................... 112
8. Cordia sinensis .............................................................. 26 8. Conocarpus lancifolius ................................................ 114
9. Dodonaea viscosa.......................................................... 28 9. Dalbergia sissoo ........................................................... 116
10. Ficus carica .................................................................. 30 10. Faidherbia albida ......................................................... 118
11. Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia (Vahl) C.C.Berg ........... 32 11. Ficus benghalensis ....................................................... 120
12. Ficus Johannis .............................................................. 34 12. Leucaena leucocephal .................................................. 122
13. Gaillonia aucheri (Guill.) Jaub. & Spach ..................... 36 13. Moringa oleifera .......................................................... 124
14. Grewia erythraea Schweinf ........................................... 38 14. Parkinsonia aculeate .................................................... 126
15. Grewia tenax ................................................................. 40 15. Pithecellobium dulce .................................................... 128
16. Grewia villosa ............................................................... 42 16. Senegalia modesta ........................................................ 130
17. Haloxylon persicum ...................................................... 44 17. Senna artemisioides ..................................................... 132
18. Haloxylon salicornicum ................................................ 46 18. Sesbania sesban ........................................................... 134
19. Lawsonia inermis .......................................................... 48 19. Simmondsia Chinensis .................................................. 136
20. Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne ..................... 50 20. Tamarindus indica ........................................................ 138
21. Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult ...................................... 52 21. Vachellia seyal ............................................................. 140
22. Maerua crassifolia ........................................................ 54 22. Vachellia farnesiana ..................................................... 142
23. Moringa peregrine ........................................................ 56 23. Ziziphus mauritiana...................................................... 144
24. Nannorrhops ritchiana .................................................. 58
25. Nerium Oleander ........................................................... 60
1. Trees in the Abu Dhabi Emirate................................... 148
26. Olea europaea ............................................................... 62
2. References.................................................................... 149
27. Phoenix dactylifera L .................................................... 64
28. Pistacia khinjuk ............................................................. 66
29. Prosopis cineraria ......................................................... 68
30. Prosopis farcta .............................................................. 70
31. Prosopis juliflora ........................................................... 72
32. Salix acmophylla ........................................................... 74
33. Salvadora persica ......................................................... 76
34. Tamarix aphylla ............................................................ 78
35. Tamarix arabica Bunge ................................................. 80
36. Tamarix aucheriana ...................................................... 82
37. Tecomella undulata (Roxb.) Seem .................................. 84
38. Vachellia flava ............................................................... 86
39. Vachellia nilotica .......................................................... 88
40. Vachellia tortilis ............................................................ 90
41. Vitex agnus .................................................................... 92
42. Zizuphus spina-christi ................................................... 94
4
Comprehensive Guide of the trees of the United Arab Emirates
Forward
Trees are woody perennial plants which are the largest member of the kingdom Plantae.
They form 4% of the plant group around the world. There are over 60,000 species of trees
that come in all shapes and sizes, from majestic cedars to smaller fruit tree and shrubs. All
types of trees play an important role in our ecosystem. They provide shade, shelter, and
many even produce fruit. Certain species of hardwood and softwood trees are excellent for
timber, making furniture, and paper. They are the basic source of other materials like
rubber, gum, oil and other foodstuff taken from green and fruit components. When
managed properly, trees are a good source of renewable energy and construction
material.
Their branches, bark, leaves, flowers, and roots provided rich resources and habitat
for the wildlife and inhabitants, making it an integral part of the food chain. Moreover, they
provide environmental benefits, exhaling oxygen to reduce carbon emissions, stabilizing
sand dunes, improving soil fertility and boosting the growth of crop plants under its shade.
In urban areas, they have a significant impact on air quality and other environmental issues.
Trees can affect the concentration of air pollutants that we breathe in by directly removing
pollutants or avoiding emissions and secondary pollutant formation in the atmosphere.
All spices of trees are grouped by their genus, family, and order. This helps make
identifying and studying trees easier. Identifying the different kinds of trees usually
depends on examining their leaves and bark. Some type of trees have wide oval leaves,
some have star-shaped ones, and many evergreen have needle leaves.
All of the thousands of species of trees fall into two categories - deciduous trees and
evergreen trees. Deciduous trees are the kind of trees that lose their leaves at certain times
of the year usually in the autumn - while types of evergreen trees keep their leaves
throughout the year such as spruce, pine and fir trees. Therefore they are grown for their
sustainable greenery and shade. There are about 14 family groups of evergreen trees, and
these trees provide color in gardens and landscapes all year long.
Ahmed Abudul Jalil Al-Baluki

Chairman of Mawarid Holding
5
Introduction
The UAE has an arid desert climate characterized by cycloptera, Suaeda aegyptiaca and Zygophyllum
low rainfall, high temperatures and prolonged dry hot simplex may be more conspicuous. Succulent, semi-
summers. The UAE’s neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation woody dwarf shrubs are the main life-form, with most
Countries share the UAE’s climate and its flora (Zohary species belonging to the Chenopodiaceae. Widespread
1973, Satchell 1978, Western 1989, Roshier et al. 1996 species include Arthrocnemum macrostachyum.
and Karim 2000). Natural vegetation is sparse and
loose, saline soils are nutrient-poor, rainfall is low (and Halocnemum strobilaceum, Halopeplis perfoliata,
often localized in distribution and intensity), and high Salsola drummondil, S. imbricata and Suaeda
evaporation rates limit water. These environmental vermiculata. Members of the genus Zygophyllum
factors, along with extreme summer temperatures and (Zygophyllaceae) are also a particular species usually
lack of moisture in the ground, result in severe growing dominate over large areas.
conditions. However, some plants have adapted to these
conditions, notably Suaeda, Ziziphus, Zygophyllum, The main factors controlling the distribution of plant
Panicum, Prosopis, Salvadora, Leptadenia, Acacia, species and community composition along the coast
Halopeplis and Phoenix dactylifera. The UAE has are:
different types of habitats including namely: deserts • Salinity of the water and /or substrate
and sand dunes habitat, salt marshes and salines, desert • Frequency and extent of inundation
plains and wadis, mountain habitat, forest habitat and • The water-holding capacity of the substrate
mangrove forest habitat. Often, a distinct zonation of the vegetation can be
readily observed. The halophytic vegetation of the
1. Coastal Zone UAE corresponds mainly to the situation he describes
for Qatar, with species such as Arthrocnemum
Zygophyllum qatarense is the host plant of two macrostachyum. Halocnemum strobilaceum and
parasitic plants, namely Cynomorium coccineum and Halopeplis perfoliata very common in salt-marsh
Cistanche tubulosa. The two species are particularly environments (i.e. with frequent inundation, and Suaeda
common along the coastal areas but also occur inland. vermiculata and Limonium axillare in more specialized
Furthermore, Cistanche is frequently associated with conditions. Salsola drummondii is locally common on
Haloxylon salicornicum and appears abundantly the coastline, growing on slightly raised barrier berms
in wet years or where there is a regular supply of created by tidal action.
water. Occasionally, it even grows on the roots of
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Halocnemum Juncus rigidus is a very local species that occurs
strobilaceum. predominantly in a coastal salt marsh between Dhayah
and Rams (Ra’s al-Khaimah) where it forms dense,
Seagrasses are a unique group of plants because they monospecific stands.
are the only flowering plants capable of thriving
permanently submerged in the sea. Three species are Mangroves are well-developed along parts of the UAE
known to occur in the coastal waters of the UAE, coastline, and impressive stands can be observed at a
Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis and H. stipulacea. number of localities including Abu Dhabi Island.
This litter provides important microhabitats for
numerous coastal organisms, and it contributes to the Chenopods are the main constituents of the vegetation
soil development of coastal substrates (Phillips 2002). in more saline coastal habitats. Further inland, where
the influence of the sea recedes, Zygophyllum qatarense
Specialized habitats of the coastal zone include often covers a wide area.
mangroves, saltmarsh, tidal flats with cyanobacterial
mats, sandy and rocky beaches, coastal flats and 2. Coastal and Inland Sabkha
low sand dunes. sabkha. cliffs and rocky headlands.
Halophytic perennials predominate in the coastal Sabkha is an Arabic term referring to flat, salt-encrusted
vegetation, although locally annuals such as Biernertia desert that is usually devoid of any significant plant
6
Comprehensive guide of the trees of the United Arab Emirates
cover. Chenopods are typically found on the edges of large areas (Cyperus conglomeratus community).
sabkha, including Agriophyllum minus, Arthrocnemum Typical accompanying perennials include Dipterygium
macrostachyum, Bienertia cycloptera, Salsola imbricata glaucum and Limeum arabicum. Cyperus itself is also a
and Seidlitzia rosmarinus. Halopeplis perfoliata is common associate in other communities.
probably the most salt-tolerant of halophytes and
common in moist depressions around coastal sabkha. Moving into the southern hall of the country, Cornulaca
It also occurs on inland sabkha in some areas, such as arabica is the key species of a characteristic dwarf shrub
in the vicinity of Sweihan and the Liwa Crescent. The community on the lower flanks of dunes in the Rub al-
plants often turn red, and are therefore easily spotted. Khali. This Cornulaca arabica- community, in which
The tamarisks Tamarix aucheriana and T. nilotica are Cyperus conglomeratus also plays a prominent role,
found both on coastal and inland sabkha. Limonium is widespread throughout the Liwa Crescent, Umm al-
axillare, a common shrub along some stretches of the Zumul and the south-west.
coastline, is also occasionally encountered on inland
sabkha, especially where there is a thin veneer of sand Another characteristic plant of the Rub al-Khali and
on the surface. The chenopod Anabasis setifera is a one that appears to be widespread in the Liwa/Umm al-
characteristic pioneer species of reclaimed sabkha in Zumul area is Calligonum crinitum, a species that has
coastal areas. been largely overlooked in the UAE and confused with
C. comosum.
3. Sand Sheets and Dunes
4. Piedmont Alluvial and Interdunal Plains
Sand formations cover extensive areas of the UAE:
accordingly, their vegetation cover represents a The physiognomically dominant vegetation of the
major feature of the landscape. Sand formations can alluvial plains is characterized by small trees, dwarf
be categorized as coastal or inland dunes, the latter shrubs and succulents. The typical species of rocky and
reaching extreme heights. The plant communities gravelly plains in the north-eastern part of the UAE
and species that inhabit sand dunes vary in chemical is Acacia tortilis (samr), a flat-topped tree that forms
and physical characteristics. In coastal areas, sand extensive stands (Acacia tortilis-community). Good
vegetation overlaps with some of the salt marsh plants. examples of open Acacia woodland can be seen on the
Al Madam Plain or on the east coast. The species is
Of particular importance are the open xeromorphic also the most conspicuous floristic component of the
grasslands dominated by the perennial tussock grass lower mountain ranges, especially up to about 200
Panicum turgidum, which form what has been described to 300 meters a.s.I. Common associates include the
as a ‘coastal white sand community’. This community shrubs Lycium shawii and Gaillonia aucheri, as well
extends along a narrow coastal band northwards into as the succulent Euphorbia larica and semi-succulent
Kuwait. In the UAE, common perennial associates Ochradenus arabicus. In eastern parts of the country and
include the dwarf shrubs Sphaerocoma aucheri, in Oman, Prosopis cineraria and Acacia ehrenbergiana
Cornulaca monacantha, Heliotropium bacciferum regularly occur together with A. tortilis on alluvial
and Rhanterium epapposum (locally), as well as the plains. A. ehrenbergiana also occurs on sandy to silty
graminoids Coelachyrum piercii, Panicum turgidum, interdunal plains in a few scattered localities in the
Pennisetum divisum, Stipagrostis plumosa and Cyperus east of Abu Dhabi Emirate and in Dubai and Sharjah
arenarius. Coastal sands are often rich in annuals, Emirates.
particularly after wet winters, with species such as
Eremobium aegyptiacum, Lotus halophilus, Neurada Rhazya stricta (harma) is generally regarded as a gravel
procumbens, Plantago boissieri and Silene villosa plain species, and one that is restricted to the east of the
sometimes abundant. country, for instance around Al Wagan and Jebel Halli.
The sedge Cyperus conglomeratus is one of the most The ‘Rhazya stricta-community’ can be regarded as a
ubiquitous species of sands in the UAE. It forms degradation stage of other communities, such as those
monotonous species poor to species-rich stands over of Acacia totilis and Haloxylon salicornicum. Both
7
Haloxylon salicornicum and Aerva javanica are often south-eastern Arabia, extend some 700 kilometers from
associated with Rhazya. the Musandam Peninsula in the north to close to the
Wahiba Sands (eastern Oman) in the south-east.
A number of shrubs and dwarf shrubs play an important
role in the vegetation of both alluvial and interdunal On the lower mountain slopes, Acacia tortilis and
plains. Haloxylon salicornicum is a chenopod found Euphorbia Iarica are ever-present, and accompanied
predominantly throughout the north of the Arabian by a number of perennials such as Gaillonia aucheri,
Peninsula where it is the main constituent of the Lycium shawii, Pulicaria glutinosa, Ochradenus
Haloxylon-salicornicum-community, dominating aucheri, Physorrhynchus chamaerapistrum and
extensive tracts of desert. In the UAE, it occurs in Tephrosia apollinea. Capparis cartilaginea and C.
the northern half of the country where it is common spinosa are two species with large, leathery leaves
on sandy, gravelly and rocky plains, as well as gently that occur throughout the mountains, the former often
undulating sand sheets. It is conceivable that Haloxylon hanging from calcareous rocky cliffs.
salicornicum is one of several species that may have
benefited somewhat over recent decades as a result With increasing elevation, Acacia gradually disappears
of increased grazing pressures, as it is less palatable and is rarely encountered above 500 meters, although
than, for instance, Rhanterium epapposum or Panicum Euphorbia remains common at much higher altitudes.
turgidum. However, in the absence of other species, Trees, such as Moringa peregrina and Ficus cordata
camels may browse this shrub heavily and could, ssp. salicifolia, become more prominent on rock debris,
therefore, contribute towards its decline. especially near wadis. The shrub Dodonaea viscosa is
widespread and common throughout the mountains,
Despite its name, Haloxylon salicornicum is only often reaching the summits. In the far north-east of the
slightly tolerant of salt, and as a result, is absent from country, the Arabian almond (Amygdalus arabica) is
communities in which halophytes play a major role. As an important constituent of the vegetation above 1000
the salinity of the soil increases, the species is replaced meters. Further south, olive trees (Olea europaea) are
by either Zygophyllum qatarense or Z. mandavillei, locally common in high mountain situations.
but an intergrading of Haloxylon and Zygophyllum
can be observed over large areas where soil conditions Acacia tortilis fringes the margins of many wadis,
allow, with H. salicornicum usually confined to the regularly occurring in wadi beds on elevated banks,
slightly higher, less saline ground, and Zygophyllum to and is frequently accompanied by Lycium shawii and
depressions. Gaillonta anchen. The latter is often associated with
the superficially similar Pteropyrum scoparium in wide
Zygophyllum qatarense regularly dominates on wadi beds, as well as on adjacent gravel plains and
interdunal plains that are influenced by elevated rocky slopes.
soil salinity. Deil (2000) indicates that Zygophyllum
mandavillei, a very similar species to Z. qatarense and The only known species of orchid in the UAE, Epipactis
one that was thought to be widespread in the interior veratrifolia, thrives in moist shady conditions along the
of the UAE, is actually restricted to a small area of banks of wadis and artificial watercourses, typically
southern Arabia. accompanied by the fern Adiantum capillus- eneris.
Other regular associates on interdunal plains include Nerium oleander (oleander) and the grass Saccharum
the perennials Fagonia ovalifolia, a small woody ravennae form a distinct community in the deeply
plant, Heliotropium digynum, found mainly on sandy incised, canyon-like wadis at higher altitudes, as
interdunal corridors, and H. bacciferum, a plant which described by Dell and Muller-Hohenstein (1996).
tolerates more saline, gravelly substrates. 6. Freshwater Habitats
5. Mountains and Wadis Natural freshwater habitats are generally rare in the
UAE, being largely confined to the mountains where
The Hajar Mountains, the major mountain system of there are a number of permanent streams and rockpools.
8
Typical aquatic plants encountered in such locations not true succulents. Many species are present
include Potamogeton lucens, P. pectinatus, Najas in the UAE, such as Zygophyllum spp.,
marina and Zannichellia palustris. Haloxylon spp. and Salsola spp.
3.2 Non-succulent perennials
A number of artificial aquatic habitats have been created • Such plants are capable of withstanding the
in recent years, such as Al Wathba Lake near Abu harsh dry-hot desert environment. Their
Dhabi Island. This lake, now a protected area, contains survival depends on one of two basic strategies:
a mixture of brackish and fresh water. Phragmites reducing water consumption and/or increasing
australis (reed), a cosmopolitan species, forms dense water conservation. Their adaptation
stands there. mechanisms depend on two strategies.
• Increasing their ability to absorb water from
7. Oases and Modern Agricultural Farms soils with very low water content
• Increasing their ability to reduce water loss
Freshwater oases are found scattered throughout the through transpiration these strategies can be
country, for instance on the plains on either side of the achieved through three types of adaptation:
Hajar Mountains, and in many desert locations of Abu morphological, anatomical and physiological.
Dhabi Emirate. The largest desert oasis occurs in the 4. Morphological Adaptation which can be summarized
Liwa Crescent, which is in fact a series of individual as follows:
oases stretching for more than 100 kilometers. 4.1 Root system adaptation
• The basic adaptation in this category is the
Adaptation to Drought possession of an extensive and deep root
Several adaptation mechanisms are summarized as system that enables the plant to exploit higher
follows: soil volume and absorb higher quantities
1. Desiccation-tolerant plants of water. Examples are desert plants like
This mechanism is dominant in lower plants like Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Prosopis spp. and
algae. Few higher plants fall into this category, and Acacia spp.
none of them are known to exist in the UAE deserts. 4.2 Shoot system adaptation
2. Drought-escaping plants Desert plants possess many traits that reduce
This plant group escapes the damaging effects of the size of thetranspiring surface, thereby
drought. These are usually short-lived plants that reducing the amount of water loss.This usually
appear after seasonal rainfall and complete their life achieved through:
cycles (germination to flowering and seed setting) in • Shedding plant organs or tissue during times
a short time. They are known as ephemerals. of severe water shortage
3. Perennial xerophytes • Modifing large aerial parts (leaves and stems)
These long-lived plants are true desert plants that into spines
can withstand drought through either resistance or • Protecting transpiration surface by old plant
avoidance mechanisms. There are two recognized parts (ie, covering buds by old leaves or
groups of perennial xerophytes. folding vegetative parts to reduce transpiration
3.1 Succulent perennials surface)
• True succulents. Characterized by fleshy 5. Anatomical Adaptation
vegetative parts capable of water storage Generally, anatomical adaptation works by reducing
with thick cuticles and a crassulacean acid the amount of water loss from the plant. Main
metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis pathway adaptations are:
that reduces water consumption through • Presence of cutin layer on the epidermis
stomatal closure during the day. Species • Waxy layer covering vegetative parts
belonging to the genus Euphorbia are the only • Presence of hair layer (trichomes) or cork layer on
representatives of this group in the UAE. the epidermis
• Non-true succulents. Characterized by fleshy • Small and compacted epidermis cells
foliage capable of moisture storage that are • Presence of silica in epidermis cells
9
• Cryptic (hidden) stomata Adaptation to Salinity
• Presence of water storing cells
As stated earlier, many adaptation mechanisms useful
6. Physiological Adaptation in tolerating drought are also effective in tolerating
salinity. Salt-tolerant plants can usually withstand high
Similar to other types of adaptation, physiological salt concentrations in their protoplasm.
adaptation also works by either reducing the amount Several mechanisms of salinity control that differentiate
of water loss from the plant or increasing the ability between glycophytes and salt-tolerant plants and/
of the plant to absorb more water. However, this or halophytes have been proposed. According to
is achieved through various physiological and Poljakoff-Mayber and Lerner (1999), there are six main
biochemical changes in plants, such as: mechanisms.
• Control of transpiration. Some plants are capable • Ability to accumulate or exclude ions selectively
of controlling stomatal opening during the day. • Control of ion uptake by roots and control of
In periods of limited water availability, they open transport to the shoot of the leaf
during periods of lower transpiration demands, like • Selectivity in xylem release
early morning and late afternoon, and close during • Role of accumulated ions in osmotic adaptation/
midday. adjustment
• High osmotic pressure. This is a main physiological • Compartmentation of ions at both the cellular and
adaptation to both drought and salinity. It is related the whole plant level
to the plant’s ability to reduce its osmotic potential, • Accumulation of compatible solutes (like proline)
and consequently total water potential, to lower
and their role in salt tolerance
levels compared with the water potential in the
• Salinity resistance mechanisms in plants can be
surrounding environment. Such a mechanism is
grouped into two main strategies.
achieved through increased concentration of cell
solutes to a degree that the osmotic potential of the
cell is lower than that of the soil. This enables the 1. Avoiding the damaging effects of salts on cell
roots to absorb water from dry soil and to reduce components
water loss through the leaves. a. Dilution
• Bound water. Some tolerant plants have higher This mechanism is found in highly and
rates of water bound to the living cell components, moderately salt-tolerant plants. Succulent plants
thus reducing the ability of water to be lost through maintain high amounts of water in their tissue
evaporation. that help reduce the effects of salt accumulation
• Proline accumulation. Tolerant plants accumulate in the cell, like Zygophyllum spp. and Haloxylon
higher amounts of amino acids, like proline, spp. In moderately or highly salt-tolerant
when they are subjected to stress. Such organic crops like barley, fast growth rates and water
compounds help in reducing osmotic potential and absorption help to reduce salt concentrations.
increasing the bonding of water to cell components, b. Exclusion and extrusion
consequently reducing water loss. Exclusion refers to a passive mechanism of salt
• Photosynthetic pathway. C3, C4 and CAM are the removal, while extrusion (excretion) is the active
three recognized carbon fixation pathways. C4 and removal of salts from the plant, or prevention
CAM mechanisms are associated with higher water from entry. Since the differentiation between the
use efficiency and/or more water conservation. two mechanisms is often unclear, here the two
Many hot desert plants possess either of these are considered together. Salt-tolerant plants are
two mechanisms. Many native grasses of tropical capable of excluding salts at several levels.
origin like Panicum and Lasiurus spp. And shrubs • At the root level. Impermeability to salts:
like Atriplex have the C4 pathway. Cacti and active exclusion outside the root
Euphorbia, for example, are CAM plants. Some • At the leaf and shoot level. Salt glands
CAM plants are capable of switching between C3 (Limonium spp., Tamarix spp.): salt bladders
and CAM according to water availability. (Atriplex spp.): hairs: shedding of leaves or
10
whole shoots to eliminate accumulated salts

(Suaeda spp., Haloxylon spp.)
• At the cellular and membrane level. Removal
and compartmentation of Na and Cl from
cytoplasm to vacuoles and cell walls through
active mechanisms and existence of energy
spending. Several Na/H+ antiporter and
ion transport channels are associated with
salinity tolerance.
2. Osmoregulation (osmotic adjustment)
The first negative response of plants to salinity
is the loss of turgor due to inability to withdraw
water highly concentrated with salts. If the water
is too salty, the plant is rendered incapable of
growth, shrinks and die. Salt-tolerant plants
overcome the dehydration effect caused by
salinity by increasing the solute concentration in
its cells to facilitate access to water from media
with low osmotic potential.
Plants that utilize this mechanism must increase their

solute concentration while reducing their osmotic
potential (measured in the turgid state) to levels below
that of their aqueous environments. The maintenance
of cell turgor by a sufficient increase in cell solutes to
compensate for the external osmotic stress is called
osmoregulation or osmotic adjustment. Osmoregulation
can be achieved by:
• Active uptake of salt or salt ions, or
• Synthesis of organic solutes
Both mechanisms are important in osmoregulation. The
first is more common in halophytes, the second in other
types of salt-tolerant plants (Levitt 1980).
This book is intended to cover only native plants,

adapted ones and those which requires only low to
medium water requirements, or tolarate high salinity
11
Acridocarpus orientalis A. Juss.
Photographed by Jacky Judas

12
Native Trees of the United Arab Emirates
Synonym: Anomalopterys orientalis (A.Juss.) Kuntze.

Arabic Name: ‫ عثوت‬،‫قفص‬
Family: Malpighiaceae.
Hight: 2-5 m
Spread:: 2-4 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Description: A. orientalis is perennial, small shrub, stems much-branched,

erect, up to 2-5 m tall, young branches are covered with reddish hair, old
grey bark. Leaves simple, usually evergreen, alternate, oblong-elliptic, 5-15
cm long and 2-6 cm broad, on stalks up to 2 cm. Young leaves with veins
covered with reddish-brown hair, older leaves green, smooth, with network
of prominent veins. Flowers bright yellow, aggregated in terminal racemes,
with long, tomentose pedicles, 2-3 cm long. Sepals 5, free, reddish-brown,
velvety pubescent, about 5 mm long. Stamens are 10. Ovary 3-carpelled,
one of them usually aborting, styles 3 in number, one of them usually
reduced as its carpel, free, with a minute, papillate stigma. Fruit paired,
with single seeds at base of large, softly hairy wings, 3.5-4.5 cm long and 2-2.5 cm broad.
Flowering Time: Flower blooms twice a year i.e. from April to June and October to November.
Habitat: Rocky regions and wadis at medium elevations.
Distribution: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Somalia.
Very rare in the UAE. Recorded only from Jebal Hafit at Al-Ain and on border between Oman and UAE: along a banks and
floor of wadi Tarabat. Genus Acridocarpus. is represented in the UAE by a single species.
Salt tolerance: - Medium Salinity
Other Environmental tolerances:
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: By seeds.
Traditional Uses: A. orientalis is an important medicinal plant for some of the locals of Arabian region. The plant was used
in traditional medication for treatment of inflammatory diseases that may have potential in cancer treatments. The seeds of
A. orientalis were used by locals in pain relief medicine. The seeds were crushed into a powder and the extracted oil was to
be massaged onto the forehead and joint. The women used to apply this oil on their skin as a softener. The reddish hairs of
the young leaves were gathered, dried and powdered to be mixed with water and were used as a tanning agent to treat udder
inflammations in cattle. The seeds of A. orientalis are used as a source of yellow dye in Oman. The plant is attractive to bees,
butterflies and birds: its bright yellow flowers are a source of pollen and nectar for honey bees. A. orientalis is cropped by
goats in the wild.
Photographed by Jacky Judas Distribution of Acridocarpus orientalis
13
Amygdalus Arabica (Oliv.) Meikle
Photographed by: PxHere
Photographed by Jermyo R. Rolfe - New Zealand Plant Conservation

14
Synonym: Prunus arabica (Olivier) Meikle .

Arabic Name: ‫ لوز‬،‫ لوز البر‬،‫ميز‬
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Hight; 2 - 3 m
Spread; 1.5-2 m
Foliage; Deciduous
Hardness; 5°C
Description: Amygdalus arabica (Arabian almond) is a shrub or tree, erect,

branched from base (sometimes single trunk), up to 2-4 m high, with pointed,
greenish, smooth, angled twigs. Leaves sparse, linear to lanceolate, 1-3.5 cm
long and 0.3-0.7 cm broad, subsessile, glabrous, acute with toothed or serrate
margins, soon falling off. Flowers solitary, with no stalk, mostly appearing
before the leaves, about 2 cm in diameter. Receptacle cup-shaped, 0.2-0.5
cm long. Sepals 0.2-0.5 cm long and 0.2 cm wide, ovate, nearly acute, more
or less glabrous, reflexed after petal-fall. Petals 5, pale pinkish-white with
red center, 0.5-1.0 cm long and 0.4-0.8 cm wide, free, broadly obovate with
toothed or emarginated to apex. Stamens 0.2-0.4 cm long, prominent, anthers
nearly oblong. Style terminal, hairy at base. Stigma small, capitate. Ovary
ovoid, downy. Fruit ovoid, 1.5-2.5 cm long, 2-valved, covered with soft hairs.
Fruit contains one, edible, brown, almond nut/seed, 1 cm long. Photographed by: TANAKA Juuyoh PxHere
Flowering Period: January to April.

Habitat: Mountain slopes (at elevations above 600 m), wadis among rocks, dry soils, dry steepes and open oak woodlands.
Distribution: Uncommon in the UAE. Available in north Ras Al-Khaimah at Sha’am. Common in the Ru’us al-Jibal; domi-
nant tree over there above 1000 meters elevation.W. Asia - Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Aradia, Oman, Iraq, Iran.
Salt tolerance: Moderate
Other Environmental Tolerances: full sun, light shade, well drained, extreme drought resistentent.
Irrigation: Mdedium.
Propagation: By Seeds.
Traditional Uses: The oil extracted from the seeds of the plant is used in the manufacturing of soaps while locals use it as
hair oil. Crushed almond seeds of P. arabica are mixed with milk and taken as tonic. A. arabica is very rare tree. A green and
dark grey to green dye is obtained from the leaves and fruit of the plant respectively Wood of A. arabica is majorly used to
make handles for tribal axes (yirz or yuruz) and walking sticks. Fruit - raw or cooked. The ovoid fruit is about 25mm long, it
contains a single large seed.
Photographed by: PxHere Distribution of Amygdalus arabica (Oliv.) Meikle
15
Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.
Amygdalus arabica (Oliv.)

Meikle
Photographed by John Sawyer, New Zealand Plant Conservation Network
Photographed by Jermyo R. Rolfe - New Zealand Plant Conservation

16
Synonym: Avicennia alba Blume,. Avicennia intermedia

Griff. Avicennia mindanaensis Elmer, Avicennia
sphaerocarpa Stapf ex Ridl,. Avicennia spicata Kuntze.
Arabic Name: ‫قرم‬
Family: Acanthaceae (Bear’s Breeches Family - formerly
classified in the family Verbenaceae or Avicenniaceae).
Hight: 3 to 10 m
Spread: 3 – 7 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: 17°C
Description: A. marina (Mangrove, Grey Mangrove, White

Mangrove, Tivar, Blackwood tree) is an ever green tree or
shrub, openly branched, rounded crown, growing up to 4-10 meters tall (in northern Australia recorded up to 25 m). Trunk
gnarled, light brown. Branches and stems green, soft. Leaves opposite, oblong, elliptic or obovate, entire, acute, 3-7 cm long,
1-3 cm broad, tapering at base to a short petiole, coriaceous, green or upper face, greenish-white on the lower, turning somewhat
blackish when dried. Petiole short, 3-6 mm long. Flowers white to golden-yellow in color, sessile, in dense heads of 3-5, at apex
of short-peduncled cymes. Bracts and 2-bracteoles concave, ovate. Calyx lobes 2-4 mm long, ovate, obtuse, tomentose on the
back. Corolla about 5 mm long, with 4-subequal spreading lobes. Fruit an almond-shaped, 2-valved capsule, pale-green, 2-3
cm, with single seed. Lateral roots send vertical air-roots (pneumatophores) to take in air above the oxygen-poor mud.
Flowering Time: March to July.
Habitat: Muddy tidal seashore, inter-tidal mudflats with extreme limited wave action, in sea-water forming mangrove
vegetation.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Locally abundant at nonspecific stands in creeks along the Arabian Gulf coast, along the
coast of Gulf islands and at Khor Kalba on the east coast. Also recorded between Tarif and Abu Dhabi Island, Ramas, Ras Al-
Khaimah, Um Al-Quwain and Khor Kalba and Abu Dhabi. A. is a small genus consisting about six species in the world and is
represented by single species in the UAE
Salt tolerance: high salinity.
Other Environmental tolerances: very tolerant to heavy metals in soil, stagnant water, tolerates drier areas with an annual
rainfalls low as 200mm.
Traditional Uses: Flowers of the shrub are also used in perfumery because of its attractive aroma. Honey harvested from A.
marina plantations is renowned for its special quality and taste, and is highly appreciated by communities. Fruits of A. marina
are used universally as vegetables.
Photographed by Bill Campbell - New Zealand Plant Conservation Network Distribution of Avicennia marina
17
Calligonum comosum
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources

18
Synonym: Calligonum comosum var. turkestanicum Korovin.

Arabic Name: ‫ رمو‬،‫ أرطى‬،‫ أرطة‬،‫ عبل‬،‫أرطا‬
Family: Polygonaceae
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi Emirate: (Calligonum spp.)
24,825.
Height: 2m-3m
Spread: 2m-5m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardness: -30C
Description: Woody, deciduous shrub, 50-150cm high, much branched,

glabrous, with whitish older branches, swollen and knotty at the nodes and
younger slender green branchlets. Leaves if present minute, filiform, adnate
to the ochrea. Pedicels equal or longer than perianth. Flower is white-pink-
ish,oblong, obtuse. Fruit is red or greenish, 1-1.5cm long, 0.5-1cm broad,
ovate, covered with rough branching bristles arising from 4-pairs, jointed
short longitudinal wings.
Flowering Period: February to April
Habitat: Sands and sand dunes and salty places.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Sharjah, Dhaid, Al Ain, Giathy and
Liwa.
Salt tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerant up to 2500 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate vulnerable, Desiccation
resistant, Stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation: Low or none when mature.
Traditional uses: It is an ornamental plant. One of the old well-known
plants in the folk medicinal use. The leaves are anti-inflammatory and an-
ti-ulcer. It is used in the treatment of gastric problems. The young shoots
and leaves are made to an ointment and used to treat skin problems. The
plant is used traditionally for skin infections and is reported to possess antibacterial activities. This species is an excellent des-
ert sand binder, cultivated and used for windbreaks around desert plantations: used as firewood, as it burns smokelessly: dried
leaves and stems are chewed to treat toothache, young shoots collected as salad greens or powdered to add to milk as a tonic or
flavouring, fruits are edible.
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Distribution of Calligonum comosum
19
Calligonum crinitum

20
Synonym: Calligonum crinitum subsp. arabicum (Soskov) Soskov.

Arabic Name: ‫ ارطى‬،‫أبل‬
Family: Polygonaceae
Hight: 2m-5m
Spread: 3m-4m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -30C
Description: Large shrub, 50-180cm high, with stout, coiled, grey-

whitish stems and branches. Young shoots, slender, flexible, green,
swollen and knotty at the nodes. Leaves mostly absent: ochrea entire,
cup-like. Flowers solitary or 2-3 at the nodes. Perianth tiny lobes,
oblong, obtuse, white-pink, with darker median vein. Fruits oblong,
yellowish-green, 1-1.5cm long, covered with simple, long, soft,
branched spreading bristles.
Flowering Time: January to March Photographed by Gideon Pisanty (Gidip) ‫ גדעון פיזנטי‬Wikipedia commons
Habitat: Sand, sand dunes and salty places.

Distribution: Uncommon in the UAE. Also cultivated along the
roadsides in Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jebel al-Dhana and Sila.
Salt tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerant up to 2500 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate resistant,
Desiccation resistant, stagnant water resistant.
Irrigation medium to low.
Traditional uses: Grazed by the animal, used for fuel and as an
ornamental plant. One of the old well-known plants in the folk
medicinal use. The species is an excellent desert binder, cultivated and
used for windbreaks around desert plantation. Used as fire wood, as
it burns smokeless. The dried leaves and stems are chewed to treat
toothache, young shoots collected as salad greens or powdered to add
to milk as a tonic or flavoring, fruits are edible.
Photographed by Gideon Pisanty (Gidip) ‫ גדעון פיזנטי‬Wikipedia commons
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Distribution of Calligonum crinitum
21
Calotropis procera
Photographed by Asima Bibi-Barrari Natural Resources Photographed by Wilfredo Rodríguez wikimedia commons
Photographed by Anthere Wikimedia commons

22
Synonym: Asclepias gigantean Jacq., Asclepias patula Decne., Asclepias

procera Aiton, Asclepias heterophylla Decne., Calotropis busseana
K.Schum., Calotropis gigantean var. procera (Aiton) P.T.Li, Calotropis
heterophylla Wall. ex Wight, Calotropis inflexa Chiov., Calotropis persica
Gand., Calotropis syriaca Woodson, Calotropis wallichii Wight, Calotropis
busseana K. Schum., Madorius procerus (Aiton) Kuntze (1-3).
Arabic Name: ‫ شكجر‬،‫ عشر‬،‫اشخر‬
Family: Apocynaceae (Formerly termed as Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed
Family).
Height: 2 m-5 m.
Spread: 2 m-4 m.
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -30 C.
Description: C. procera (Sodom’s apple, apple of Sodom, French cotton, rubber bush, rubber tree, kapok tree, king’s crown) is
a perennial, stout shrub or small tree, up to 2-5 m, tomentose, woody base. Main stem rough, patchy bark, much-branched. Old
branches often hollow, young branches smooth, whitish. Sticky white latex excreted when any part of plant is broken. Leaves
round to ovoid, 8-17 cm broad and 10-25 cm long, pale green, opposite, smooth edge, blunt tip, covered with fine white wooly
hairs when young, smooth when older. Flowers clustered on stalks up to 2 cm. c. 1.5 cm across, five pointed petals, inside
dark purple towards tip, paler towards center, outside greenish white. Stigmatic cap pentagonal, shiny green. Fruit 5-15 cm in
diameter, smooth, green, often paired ovoid or ellipsoid. Seeds many, small, cream-coloured, flat, attached to glossy white long
pappus.
Flowering period: March to September.
Habitat: Sandy plains, low dunes and gravel of lower wadis.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Widespread in the northern part of the country. Recorded from Ras Al-Khaimah, Dubai,
Masafi, and Al-Ain
Salt tolerance: very high (6000 ppm)
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate: resistant, Desiccation: resistant, Stagnant water: vulnerable.
Irrigation: Low or none.
Propagation: direct sowing, sowing and pricking out, cuttings.
Toxicity: poisonous
Traditional Uses: C. procera holds a reputed position as a medicinal plant in different systems of medications. All parts of the plant
possess valuable medicinal chattels. The decoction of the aerial part of C. procera is commonly used in Saudi Arabian traditional
medicine in the treatment of variety of diseases including fever, joint pain, muscular spasm and constipation. History reflected
that the bedu in UAE used the C. procera latex for treatment of all kind of skin ailments and toothache. Powdered dried leaves of
the plant were used locally at homes to treat worm infestations.
In Arabian Peninsula the traditional folklores used the bark of
the plant roots for treatment of dysentery. Egyptian folkloric
medication reported that the root bark of C. procera was used
as diaphoretic, and cures asthma and syphilis. The people of
deserts traditionally smoked the dried leaves for asthmatic
patients: while the fresh leaves were used as a poultice in case
of sun burn and to relieve pain of scorpion stings. In Oman
and Sudanese folkloric remedies the juice extracted from C.
procera was used as anthelmintic, laxative, and cure for piles.
Crushed flowers are used as analgesic, astringent and curing
inflammations and tumors. In Indian traditional medications
the plant is considered to be effective against ulcers, spleen
enlargement and liver diseases, and curing leprosy. The
species is used in traditional medicine across the world as
digestive, stomachic and purgative, various skin diseases and
enlargement of the abdominal viscera. Reference:
23
Cordia myxa L.
Photographed by Andrea Moro, http.luirig.altervista.org Photographed by Andrea Moro, httpluirig.altervista.org
24
Synonym: Bourreria glabra G.Don, Cordia ixiocarpa F.Muell., Cordia

myxa var. ixiocarpa (F.Muell.) Domin, Cordia officinalis Lam, Cordia
paniculata Roth, Cordia petta-pelioporet B.Heyne ex Roth, Cordia scab-
rifolia Benth. ex Griseb., Ehretia glabra Roth ex Roem. & Schult., Ehretia
glabra Roth, Gerascanthus myxus (L.) Borhidi, and Vitex gomphophylla
Baker.
Arabic Name: ‫ المخيط‬،‫ بمبر‬،‫كو‬
Family: Boraginaceae (Borage or Forget-me-not Family).
Hight: 3 – 10 Meters
Spread: 4 m-10 m
Foliage: deciduous
Description: C. myxa (Assyrian plum, clammy cherry, glue berry, small C.sebastan
tree, sapistan tree) is a medium size, broad-leaved, deciduous tree, forming dense
crown, with single trunk, heighten up to 9 meters. Bole (main trunk) generally
stout, cylindrical, and crooked. Bark greyish-brown, with longitudinal and vertical
fissures. Leaves variable, alternate, oblong and ovate, usually with sharp tip,
yellow-green, 4-12 cm broad and 6-15 cm long, glabrous above and pubescent
below, young leaves tend to be hairy, with wavy or toothed edges. Inflorescence
mostly terminal, white. Individual florets nearly 5 mm in diameter, somewhat hairy
and white. Calyx glabrous, 8 mm long. Filaments hairy. Fruit drupe, oblong-ovoid,
light pale to brown or lightly pinkish in colour, 2 cm long and broad (widens in size
as ripening), base of fruit encased by conical cup (enlarged calyx), with single seed.
The fruit is being full of viscid glue like mucilage, the pulp is somewhat translucent.
Flowering Time: March to April, while fruiting during July to August.
Habitat: Sandy plains, clayey loam soils, plantations and wadis banks near water.
Distribution: Uncommon in the UAE. Recorded from Hajar Mountains and Abu-Dhabi to Dubai road.
Salt tolerance: High 5000 ppm.
Irrigation: High
Propagation: By Seed.
Traditional Uses: C. myxa is a multi-purpose tree, often harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source
of materials. It has been cultivated for its many uses since the time of the ancient Egyptians, and is still sometimes cultivated
nowadays for its edible and medicinal fruit in many areas of the tropics and subtropics. The Arabs who were familiar to the
plant used the bark, leaves and fruit of the C. myxa in their local
medicine for variety of ailments. They used these parts variously
as diuretics, demulcents and in treatment of stomachic, coughs
and chest complaints. In UAE the Bedouins were used to
extract the juice of the bark to take internally in the treatment of
fevers. They also add this extract to the coconut oil for treating
colic.Its regular use is supposed to be helpful in good growth
of hairs. People familiar to it make some domestic preparations
and used by the people whose body’s composition might have
tendency going badly.The fruit is sweet in taste and is fully
enjoyed by adults and especially children. In India the fruit is
being a part of pickles. In some countries the fruit sweet, sticky,
mucilaginous flesh is mixed in honey to make a sweetmeat or
to sweeten gruels and porridge. The pulp in a half ripe fruit can
even be used as an alternative to paper glue in office work.
25
Cordia sinensis
Photographed by Ethel Aardvark Wikimedia commons
26
Synonym: Cordia angustifolia Roxb. Cordia cuneata B.Heyne

ex A.DC., Cordia gharaf Ehrenb. Ex Asch., Cordia quer-
cifolia Klotzsch., Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult., Cordia
subopposita A.DC., Gerascanthus gharaf (Ehrenb. ex Asch.)
Borhidi., Gerascanthus nevillii (Alston) Borhidi
Arabic Name: ‫سابستان‬
Family: Boraginaceae
Height: 4 – 12 Meters
Spread: 4 m-10 m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardness: 0°C
Description: C. sinensis exhibits a range of growth forms, from low shrub to a multi-stemmed tree up to 12m in height. The stem
bark is brown, to cream brown. Flowers are white or cream in color. The fruit is conical, orange or red with a fleshy, viscid pulp
overlying a 1-4 large seeds.
Flowering period: March - April
Habitat: Rock cliffs.
Distribution: Rare. Recorded from a single location on south-facing cliffs in wadi Naqab (Ru’us al-jibel).
Salt tolerance: High 5000 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate : resistant,
Desiccation : resistant, Stagnant water : vulnerable.
Irrigation: high
Traditional Uses: Fruit is edible. The roots are used to induce
abortion. About 3 pieces of root the size of a finger when
chewed are said to be sufficient for this. A decoction of the root
and bark is used to treat stomach disorders. Roots are boiled
and the decoction used for the treatment of malaria. The bark is
astringent and is used to prepare a gargle. The leaves are used
alone or in mixture with other medicinal plants as a treatment
against fever. Eaten as a snack, especially by children, it is also
added to porridges instead of sugar and is pickled. The bark is
used for covering local huts. Larger pieces are hollowed out to
make pots. The wood is used for fuel.
Distribution of Cordia sinensis
27
Dodonaea viscosa
Photographed by Andrea J.M Garg Wikimedia Commons Photographed by JMK, Wikimedia Commons
28
Synonym: Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia (L.f.) Benth.,

Dodonaea viscosa var. arborescens (Hook.f.) Sherff
Arabic Name: ‫ مشرص‬،‫ نيح‬،‫ قشار‬،‫ شت‬،‫شحص‬
Family: Sapindaceae
Height: 1 m-5 m
Spread: 2 m-4 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -9°C
Description: D. viscosa is a shrub growing plant with erected

stem from 3-1 m tall, rarely a small tree to 10 m in height. The
leaves are simple elliptical, 13-6 cm long and 4-2 cm broad, and
secrete a resinous substance. They are rounded tip, tapering to
base, almost without stalk i.e. 2-1 x 8-3 cm, with smoot edges and
glands, sticky and shiny green in appearance while one cultivated
variety also develops purple leaves when grown in direct light.
Flowers tiny, clustered in leaf nodes on stalks up to 1 cm, attain yellow to orange-red color and are produced in short racemes.
The plant is grown from seed (some sources recommend pre-treatment of the seed in very hot water), dark black in color, 3-2
mm in length and firm when ripe, contained in three or four winged capsules that become bitter when mature. The pollen is
transported by anemophily. It is believed that D. viscosa flowers lack petals during evolution to increase exposure to the wind.
The wood is extremely tough and durable.
Flowering Period: February to May
Habitat: Generally occurring in open habitats, including woodlands, wadis, wadi banks, hillsides and on well-drained soil.
Distribution: Located in UAE and widely spread in Hajar Mountains and Ru’us al-Jibal. Wildly grown in Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
Egypt, Lebanon, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, England and Spain while being considered native to
Australia.
Salt tolerance: Very high 7000 ppm
Other Environmental tolerances: Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation: low.
Propagation: Sowing and pricking out, cutting.
Traditional Uses: The old Arabs used D. viscosa as incense for funerals, crushed leaves were to be applied to painful tooth.
Poultice of fruits and leaves applied as treatment for sour muscles
Various parts of the plant are used traditionally in Africa and Asia for treating digestive system disorders, infections, rheumatism,
respiratory complaints and skin problems
Photographed by MRc toptrpicals.com Distribution of Dodonaea viscosa
29
Ficus carica
Photographed by Luis Fernández García, Wikimedia Commons
30
Synonym: Ficus carica var. afghanica Popov., Ficus carica

var. rupestris Hausskn.
Arabic Name: ‫تين‬
Family: Moraceae
Hight: 5m-6m
Spread: 3m-4m
Foliage deciduous
Description: Small mountain tree to 6 m, with short, smooth,

whitish bark, much branched. Young twigs soft and pithy, often
mottled and knobby. Leaves variable in shape and size, usually
with 5 broadly-rounded or pointed lobes with ribs to each apex,
slightly hairy beneath: to 15 cm, often toothed, much- reduced
and very dance if constantly grazed. Leaf stalk to 10 cm. Flowers
inconspicuous but mature edible fig easily recognized, from 1-3
cm across, green maturing to purple, variable throughout the
year.
Flowering Period: June – September.
Habitat: Common at higher elevations.
Distribution:. In Fujeirah and Ras Al Khaimah, less frequent
further south: occasional on Jabel Hafit.
Salt tolerance: moderate
Other Environmental tolerances: wind resistant: frost tolerant:
sun or shade.
Irrigation: Medium
Propagation: Seed:
Traditional Uses: Ficus carica has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive,
endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used in gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract
infection. It has emerged as a good source of traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as anemia, cancer,
diabetes, leprosy, liver diseases, paralysis, skin diseases, and ulcers. It is a promising candidate in pharmaceutical biology for
the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.The fruit is often dried for later use.
Photographed by Piotr Frydecki, Wikimedia Commons Distribution of Ficus carica
31
Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia (Vahl) C.C.Berg
Photographed by JonRichfield Wikimedia commons

32
Synonym: Ficus cordata Kunth & C.D.Bouché .

Arabic Name: ‫ حمط‬،‫ أثب‬،‫ جرف‬،‫التين البري‬
Type: Tree
Hight: 8m-12m
Spread: 6m-8m
Foliage: semi-deciduous
Hardness: -30C
Family: Moraceae
Description: Medium-sized to large, spreading, densely branched, slow-

growing, semi-deciduous tree, usually up to about 10 m tall, but can grow
to 20 m high. Bark pale, grey and smooth, when damaged with milky latex.
Young branches slightly hairy. Leaves ovate to linear-ovate, the base truncate
to heart-shaped, 130–160 × 40–55 mm, blade dull green, leathery. The leaf
margin is entire, often wavy in young plants. The petiole is 10–40 mm long:
the leaf tip is pointed to acuminate. The leaf stipules are about 5 mm long,
soon deciduous. Fruits without stalks, rounded and about 8 mm in diameter,
somewhat warty, light green, becoming reddish to reddish brown when ripe
Flowering Period: May to December.
Habitat: Sandy or silty soils, mountain slopes, rocky limestone, gravel,
wadis and along cliffs fringing water courses.
Distribution: It has been reported that F. cordata (subsp. salicifolia) is the
most drought resistant of the figs species found in Saudi Arabia. Common in
UAE. Found in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Salt tolerance: Moderate to high Salt tolerant up to 4000 ppm: drought
tolerant.
Other Environmental tolerances: Urban climate : vulnerable, Dessication
: resistant, Stagnant water : vulnerable.
full sun, frost sensitive.
Irrigation: Medium
Propagation: Seed: tip cuttings: air layering.
Traditional Uses: In UAE from this plant sap of leaves Used to treat scorpion
stings. Milky juice from stem and unripe fruits used to remove warts. Also
applied on inflammations of skin to draw out pus and to relieve hemorrhoids.
The bark used in tanning of leather to give it a dark red colour.
In the UAE the milk exudate from stems and fruits is used to
treat warts, also applied on inflammation of skin to relieve
hemorrhoids pain.
The bark is a source of tannins. And as a dye. The fruit of most
other species are also edible though they are usually of only
local economic importance or eaten as bushfood. However,
they are important food resources for wildlife. The small ripe
speckled Fruit is an edible fig.
33
Ficus Johannis
Photographed by Loki - Schmidt - Garten Hamburg (Deutschland)

34
Synonym: Ficus johannis var. laciniata Boiss.

Arabic Name: ‫ دقام‬،‫ نش‬،‫تين‬
Family: Moraceae
Hight: 4 - 8 m
Spread: 6-7 m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardness: -30C
Description: Large shrubs or small trees, up to 8 m

high, deciduous. Barks smooth, grey-white. Latex
white. Leaves variable in size and lobation, 5-8 x
4-7 cm, palmately 3-5-lobed, sometimes deeply
palmately 3-5-lobed with each linear lobe further
dissected irregularly, rarely lobation obscure,
apex acute to rounded, base truncate or cordate,
margin obscurely dentate to serrate, sinuate, 3-5
nerved at the base, scabrous to smooth, coriaceous:
petiole 3-25 mm. peduncles 5-20 mm, subtended
by whorle of 3 bracts. Figs 1-2, in the axils of
leaves, 10-12 mm across, pyriform to subglobose,
pubescent, green, ripening pale-purple: ostioles
rounded, with many bracts.
Flowering Period: May-Aug.
Habitat: Sand-silt soil with a PH rang 7.7-8.39.
Plantations, mountains, rarely, below 500m.
Distribution: Not common but widespread in the
southern Mountains and ru’us al-jibal.
Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and
Sharjah.
Salt tolerance: Moderate to high Salt tolerant up
to 4000 ppm: drought tolerant.
Other Environmental tolerances: Phreatophytic:
wind resistant: frost tolerant: sun or shade.
Irrigation: Medium
Propagation: Seed: tip cuttings: air layering.
Traditional Uses: In U.A.E it is heavily grazed by livestock.
Sap is used to remove warts Fruit paste is applied to swellings,
tumours, and inflammation for relieving pain. It is used as aid
in liver and spleen diseases. The dry fruit of F. johannis is
a supplement food for diabetics. It is commercialized in the
market as sweet due to its high level of sugars.
35
Gaillonia aucheri (Guill.) Jaub. & Spach.
Photographed by Jacy Judas

36
Synonym: Plocama aucheri (Guill.) M.Backlund &

Thulin, Jaubertia aucheri Guill., and Neo gaillonia
aucheri (Guill.) Puff.
Arabic Name: ‫خرمان‬
Family: Rubiaceae (Madder Family).
Height: 1 – 1.5 m
Spread: 1 m
Foliage: deciduous
Description: G. aucheri is perennial, woody, stiff stems,

white-silvery shrub, giving acrid smell, intricately branched,
up to 100-150 cm, with white bark and many round knobs.
Small twigs taper to spines. Leaves cylindrical, opposite
or in threes, succulent, glossy dark green, linear or needle-
like, and 0.5-1.5 cm long. Flower white trumpet, 0.2 cm
across, tube 0.5 cm long, in cluster of 2-5, from leaf nodes
or terminal on short side-branches, half hidden in hairy
calyx. When in full flower the whole bush looks woolly.
Fruits tiny, surrounded by long feather-like hairs.
Flowering Time: January to May.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Widespread in the
Hajar Mountains. Also recorded from Fujairah, Hatta, Abu
Dhabi to Al Ain road, and Al Ain-Jebal Haffit .
Habitat: Sandy-gravely soils, wadis, and mountains at
lower elevations.
Salt tolerance: Moderate salt tolerant
Other Environmental Tolerances: Stagnant water
vulnerable, full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Traditional Uses: Very little information is available on
plant G. aucheri but some literature stated that the leaves of
the plant were considered to be medicinal. From countries
like Pakistan, India and Africa it has been reported that the
plant G. aucheri was an important part of ethno-gynecology: Photographed by Jacy Judas
which is a traditional approach of indigenous tribes to deal
with female health issues. The plant parts and especially the
leaves were used as an herbal remedies for gynecological
problems like menstrual problems and vaginal infections.
37
Grewia erythraea Schweinf
Photographed by Tim Harrison
38
Synonym: Plocama aucheri (Guill.) M.Backlund

& Thulin, Jaubertia aucheri Guill., and Neo gail-
lonia aucheri (Guill.) Puff
Arabic Name: ‫ جنة‬،‫ البشام‬،‫ شرحم‬،‫شرهم‬
Family: Tiliaceae (Lime Family).
Hight: 2.5 – 3 m
Spread: 1.5 – 2 m.
Foliage:
Description: G. erythraea (white cross-berry) is

a perennial, an erect, compact leafy shrub. Stems
intricately branched, up to 150 cm. Leaves alternate,
simple, ovate to obovate, serrate with 3-prominent
veins, 1-2 cm long, about 1 cm wide, with stellate hairs
especially on veins. Petioles short. Stipules minute.
Flowers solitary or in pairs, opposite the upper leaves,
about 1 cm long. Sepals 5, free, leathery. Petals white,
free, clawed, shorter than sepals, glandular, hairy at the
base. Stamens numerous. Style 1, stigma lobed. Fruit
orange drupes, pubescent, 4-lobed (sometimes 3-lobed),
each about 5 mm across.
Flowering Time: October to March.
Habitat: Wadis and mountain slopes, among rocks.
Distribution: Uncommon in the UAE but widespread in the Hajar Mountains and Ru’us al-Jibal. Also recorded from Dibba,
Khor-Fakkan, and Hatta.
Salt Tolorance: Medium salinity tolerant.
Other Environmental tolerances: Stagnant water, full sun, drought resistant, wind resistant.
Irrigation: Low.
Traditional Uses: A number of species of genus Grewia. have been used as medicinal agents to treat several diseases The
branches are used as firewood, and can be used in charcoal making. G. erythraea has an aggressive root system which holds
fast to the soil protecting it from water and wind erosion. The plant G. erythraea is promising as a dune fixing plant in desert
reclamation.And is also beneficial as soil improver.
Photographed by Helen Pickering http://powo.science.kew.org Distribution of Grewia erythraea
39
Grewia tenax
Photographed by Tim Harrison GES 127949-proc

40
Synonym: Grewia tenxa (Forssk.) Fiori, Grewia tenxa var.

erythraea (Schweinf.) Chiov., Grewia populifolia Vahl, Gre-
wia betulifolia Juss., and Chadara tenxa Forssk.
Arabic Name: ‫شوحط‬
Family: Tiliaceae (Lime Family).
Height: 1 to 4 meters
Spread: 1 to 3 meters
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness:
Description: Perennial, Woody, stems branched, up to 200 cm,

young stems hairy. Leaves variable: elliptic to oval to round,
0.5-3  1-3.5 cm, smooth, sharply toothed edges, on stalks up
to 1.2 cm long. Flowers solitary or in pairs, opposite leaves, C. 2
cm across, on short hairy stalk, white petals, hairy sepals, many
stamens. Fruit 2-4 lobed, orange-yellow, C. 1.2 cm across.
Flowering period: Nov – March.
Habitat: Wadis and mountain slopes, among rocks.
Distribution: Uncommon in the UAE but widespread in the
Hajar Mountains and Ru’us al-Jibal. Also recorded from Dibba,
Khor-Fakkan, and Hatta
Salt tolerance: Medium salinity.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Wind resistant, full sun,
drought tolerant.
Irrigation: Low
Traditional Uses: The fruits contain a large amount of iron and
can be made into a refreshing drink. The roots are used to make
a poultice. A mucilaginous bark preparation is used by women
against hair vermin. The plant is used as a remedy for colds and
chest complaints and also as a chief constituent in a typhoid
remedy. The bark is used to make ropes and for binding work
in hut construction. The yellow wood is extremely hard, close-
grained and termite-resistant.
A number of species of genus G. have been used as medicinal
agents to treat several diseases. In Arab world and especially
reported from Sudan that the plant G. erythraea was being
used by locals as a traditional medication for the treatment and
prevention of iron deficiency, called anemia. People at Oman
and Egypt used the roots, stem-bark and leaves of G. erythraea
as herbal remedies for the cure of diarrhea and dysentery. In
Sudanese traditional medicine the plant parts are used by
local folklores for treating pustulent skin lesions, internally on
indication of delayed afterbirth and sometimes as a tranquilizer.
Fruit of the plant are edible and was used by natives as
tranquillizer to treat headaches.
41
Grewia villosa
Photographed by Tim Harrison GES127634_proc

42
Synonym: Grewia villosa B.Heyne ex Roth, Grewia vil-

losa var. glabrior K.Schum.
Arabic Name: ‫ شرهام‬،‫قضيم‬
Family: Malvaceae
Height: 4 to 5 meters.
Spread: 1 – 1.5 meters.
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness:
Description: Perennial, up to 200 cm, stems with gray

bark, much-branched, young stems hairy. Leaves round
to oval, 2-7cm across, grey-green, densely veined, often
folded along midrib, lower surface wooly, edge toothed,
pointed tip, on stalk to 2 cm. Flowers yellow to reddish-
brown, 1 cm across, 5 petals, clustered in leaf nodes. Sepals
and bracts hairy. Fruit round, C. 1 cm across, yellowish-
brown, hairy.
Flowering period: Oct – March.
Habitat: Hillsides, Mountains.
Distribution: Rare in scattered locations.
Salt tolerance: Medium salinity.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Drought tolerant, full
sun, wind resistant.
Irrigation: Low.
Traditional Uses: The roots are used to treat body pains. The
bark is used in the treatment of wounds, syphilis and smallpox.
A good quality fibre is obtained from the inner bark. Used
for making ropes. An extract from the bark is used for gluing
tobacco leaves. The small stems are used for walking sticks,
spear shafts, bows and for making granaries.
Photographed by MR© toptrpicals.com Distribution of Grewia villosa
43
Haloxylon persicum
Photographed by Barari Natural Resources
44
Synonym: Anabasis saxaul Fisch. ex Ulbr., Arthro-

phytum acutifolium (Minkw.) Minkw., Arthrophytum
arborescens Litv., Arthrophytum persicum (Bunge)
Sav.-Rycz.
Arabic Name: ‫غضا‬
Family: Amaranthaceae
Hight: 2 m – 4 m
Spread: 2 m - 3 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -6oC
Description: Small trees, up to 5 m high, with stout rugged

stems and light grey barks: branches of the preceding year
whitish, densely covered with circular cracks: annotinous
shoots pale-green, rather rigid, 1-2 mm across, usually erect
when young, drooping when old: leaves reduced, scale-like,
terminating in straw-coloured cusps, appressed to stems.
Flowers solitary in the axils of obtuse, scale-like bracts
borne on very short, twigs: bracteoles round-oval, scarious-
margined, obtusely carinate, as long as flowers: perianth
segments obtuse, membranous, winged in fruits near summit: wings suborbicular, or reniform-semiorbicular, usually somewhat
twisted, rounded or subcordate at bases, with span of 9-12 mm. Fruits depressed, 2-2.5 mm across, scarcely surpassing the
winged perianth.
Flowering period: October-November..
Habitat: Forming large hummocks in deep drift sand.
Distribution: Locally common in narrow belt inland from Abu Dhabi coast from Dibb’iyah to Al-Ghar.
Salt tolerance: High (5000 ppm)
Irrigation: none.
Traditional Uses: The plant’s extensive root system is useful for stabilising sandy soils. The wood is durable and heavy and
is used in general carpentry. As it burns well and gives a good heat it is used as a fuel. Other species of Haloxylon. are used to
treat hypoglycemia and it is also reported as good fodder for camels. Fruiting branches of H. scoparium are mixed with butter
as cataplasm for treating snake bites.
Photographed by Alexey Sergeev http://www.asergeev.com flora of Qatar Distribution of Haloxylon persicum
45
Haloxylon salicornicum
Photographed by Asima Bibi-Barrari Natural Resources Photographed by Asima Bibi-Barrari Natural Resources
46
Synonym: Arthrophytum articulatum (Moq.) Iljin, Caroxylon

articulatum Moq., Haloxylon articulatum (Moq.) Bunge, Hammada
elegans (Bunge) Botsch.
Arabic Name: ‫رمث‬
Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot or Glasswort Family).
Hight: 2 m – 4 m
Spread: 2 m - 3 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -6oC
Description: H salicornicum is a perennial, low erect strict pale almost
leafless shrub or undershrub, up to 100 cm (or more in height). Stems woody
at base, very straggly and spreading, branches thick, and jointed. Stems blue-
green when young, but turning greyish when old: cylindrical with leaves
reduced to small scales cupping stem joints that can be hairy. Leaves reduced
or rudimentary with woolly axils. Inflorescence minute, yellow, in dense, 8
cm long spikes from leaf nodes of terminal or lateral branches. Fruit winged,
0.6-0.8 cm in diameter, with overlapping papery wings in white, pink, dark
red, brown or purplish shades: obovate-orbicular, scarious, and unequal.
Flowering Period: September to December.
Habitat: The plant is found in sand hills, sand ridges and other arid habitats.
Sandy hills, sandy ridges and alluvial gravelly plains of stony desert.
Distribution: Very common and widespread in the UAE. Recorded from
Dubai road, Madam, Hatta, Shwayab, Abu Dhabi road, Liwa, and Al Ain.
Salt tolerance: High Salt tolerant up to 5000 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Propagation: By seeds, usually with the percentage of germination of up to 70%. Stored seeds lose their viability gradually.
December – February is the best time for collecting the seeds.
Traditional uses: Stems boiled in water used to treat low blood sugar. The plant is also used for rheumatism. The ash of the plant
is taken with water against internal ulcers. The plant was also used to make soap: roots used as firewood. H. salicornicum is a shrub
species found in arid regions and has multi-dimensional beneficial applications to human being, that include fruiting tops and seeds
as animal feed, seed as emergency food, wood as fuel, different plant parts for medicine, and restoration of degraded lands. In Egypt
and surrounding states the Bedouin women frequently used plant parts of H. salicornicum in tea as a folkloric remedy: who is
experiencing difficulties during pregnancy, as well as to provide relief from dysmenorrhea
Photographed by Philippe Chassot, philou.i234.me Distribution of Haloxylon salicornicum
47
Lawsonia inermis
Photographed by Ali Hassan - Barrari Natural Resources
48
Synonym: Lawsonia alba Lam., Lawsonia falcata Lour. ,

Lawsonia speciosa L.
Arabic Name: ‫ حنا‬،‫حنة‬
Family: Lythraceae
Hight: 4m-6m
Spread: 3m-4m
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness: -30C
Descriptions: It is an evergreen, shrubby tree, straggly, up
to 4-6 meters (though specimens up to 12 meters have been
recorded), with round branches, often spinescent. Leaves
elliptical to lence-shaped, opposite, 1-4 cm long and 0.51.5
cm wide, oblanceolate to obovate, acute, narrowed at the base,
with short petioled. Flowers are creamy-white, red, pink or
yellow, about 1 cm in diameter, in dense terminal clusters like
lilac blossoms, up to 15 cm long, massive pleasant fragrant,
sepals 4-lobes, acute, 0.4-0.7 cm long. Petals 4, obovate,
wrinkled, 0.5-0.9 cm long. Stamens 8, in pairs, longer than
the petals, inserted at the base of calyx-tube, anthers 2-celled.
Style 1, slender persistent, 0.6-1.2 cm long. Fruit round,
woody capsule with persisting calyx, 4-celled, 0.3-0.5 x 0.5-
0.7 cm across, globose, green to red and brown to black at
maturity with irregularly opening into four splits on maturity.
Seeds numerous, orange-brown in color, of pyramidal shape
4-8 mm in diameter with 32-49 seeds per fruit.
Flowering Period: September to February.
Habitat: Sandy soils, desert oases, urban areas, plantations and
gardens, semi-arid regions, rocky cervices and occasionally
along sides of wadis.
Distribution: Frequently common in the UAE. Available in
Hajar Mountain, Dubai, Masafi to Dibba and Al-Ain.
Salt tolerance: Low Salt tolerant up to 1000 ppm.
Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation medium.
Propagation: By seeds. Because of their hard seed coats, the
seeds need to steep in water for 3-7 days. Softwood cutting
root easily, Branches with 6-8 buds are used.
Traditional uses: The Henna blossoms are fragrant and they
have been used in perfumes since 1500 BC. They were the
Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) favorite scent. The plant is
familiar, used and considered around the world as the oldest
cosmetic. A decoction of the bark is used as an emmenagogue,
and also to treat liver problems and nervous symptoms. The
stem bark is chewed and then kept between the teeth for
about 25 minutes in order to treat toothache. Because of its
dense habit of growth, and amenability to pruning, the plant
is particularly useful as a hedge and is traditionally planted as
a windbreak in vineyards. The wood is used for making small
objects such as tent pegs and tool handles.
49
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne.
Photographed by Alexey Sergeev http://www.asergeev.com
50
Synonym: Cynanchum pyrotechnicum Forssk., Leptadenia spartum Wight ,

Microloma pyrotechnicum (Forssk.) Spreng., Periploca pyrotechnica (Forssk.)
Spreng. ex Decne., Sarcostemma pyrotechnicum (Forssk.) Schult.
Arabic Name: ‫ أجوام‬،‫ معاليت‬،‫مرخ‬
Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Hight: 2.5 – 3.5 m.
Spread: 1.5 – 2 m
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness:
Description: L. pyrotechnica (broom brush) is a perennial, bushy, compact,

dense, many branched, erect shrub, up to 250-300 cm, having cylindrical whip
like stems. Yellowish bitter juice produced when stems are broken. Leafless or
with few linear leaves: which only appear on young spring growth and are of
lance shaped. Inflorescence small clusters in stem nodes. Flowers numerous,
small, yellow-green, five triangular, velvety petals, fragrant at dusk. Calyx 1-2
mm long, pubescent: lobes ovate-deltoid, acute. Corolla 4-6 mm in diameter,
rotate, lobes elliptical triangular, acute. Corona with short lobes, alternating with Photographed by AAlexey Sergeev http://www.asergeev.com
petals. Ovary 1-2 cm long, glabrous, many ovuled, follicles 6-12 cm long, terete,
lanceolate, striate, tapering towards apex. Seeds 7-9 mm long, brown, lanceolate,
flat, glabrous, attached to long white hairs.
Flowering Period: November to June.
Habitat: Found in dry habitats particularly in Desert zones, intermediate sandy
and gravely plains, and low dunes.
Distribution: Common and widespread in the northern emirates and the eastern
part of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Recorded from Ras Al-Khaimah, Masafi, Faqa to
Dubai, Hatta, Shwayb, and Al-Ain. Represented in the UAE with this single
species.
Salt Tolerance: High salinity
Other environmental tolerances: Highly drought-resistant, full sun and
reflected heat,
Traditional Uses: All parts of L. pyrotechnica are used in folk remedies to
cure skin, skeleton and gynecological disorder. The smoke of the burnt plant Photographed by AAlexey Sergeev http://www.asergeev.com
is used to treat headache in Pakistan while rheumatism in
Sudan. In Pakistan a stem decoction is taken as antihistaminic
and an expectorant while in India it is used to treat gout and
rheumatism. The plant sap is applied on skin to treat smallpox,
psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. The juice of the leaves is
traditionally used for treatment of asthma, rheumatism and
infantile diarrhea. To remove thorn, leaf paste is prepared and
applied over the thorn injury. The fruits and stem decoction
is used to treat earache and chronic renal problems. It is also
used as carminative and purgative. The roots are used for the
treatment of asthma, constipation and stomach complaints.
Roots are also used to treat sterility, to prevent spontaneous
abortion and as a diuretic to treat venereal diseases. The root
bark mixed with cow’s milk is used as purgative.
51
Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult.
52
Synonym: Lycium acanthocladium Speg., Lycium

aggregatum Ruiz & Pav. , Lycium arabicum Schweinf. ex
Boiss.
Arabic Name: ‫ صريم‬،‫ عوسج‬،‫قصد‬
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Hight: 4m
Spread: 6m
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness: -90C
Description: L. shawii (desert thorn or Arabian boxthron) is

a perennial, woody, stems intricately branched, rigid, spinous
shrub, up to 150-300 cm high. The spines are 5-10 mm long,
occasionally to 15 mm. leaves elliptical to spoon-shaped,
smooth edge, tapering at base to a short petiole, 1-3 cm long
and 0.3-1 cm wide. Flowers solitary or clusters, 1-2 flowered.
Peduncle 1-9 mm long. Calyx narrowly tubular, up to 6 mm
long, with 5-equal teeth. Corolla 10-16 mm long, tubular, with
the obtuse lobes of the limb, 1-3 mm long, variable in color,
white, pink to purple. Stamens unequal, filaments glabrous.
Fruit (wolfberry) is an orange to reddish berry, of pea-size,
edible and 3-5 mm in diameter.
Flowering Period: The plant flowers almost all the year but
flowers are common in September to April.
Habitat: Deserts or semi desert localities, sandy soils, gravel
plains, loamy to halophytic soils, hillsides, wadis and in field
plantations.
Common and widespread, except for south western part of Abu Dhabi emirate, Madam, Jebal Al-Faya, Hatta, Al-Ain, Ras
Al-Khaimah. Represented in the UAE by a single specie i.e. L. shawii.
Other Environmental tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation low, none.
Propagation: By seeds and cutting.
Traditional Uses: In Saudi Arabia the plant is used in traditional medicine, the stem is boiled in water and strained liquid
is used as a laxative and diuretic. Leaves are used to treat jaundice. Berries are edible when is ripe and eaten to treat
colic, also applied around
eyes to improve vision. In
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
local bedu believe the bush
to be an abode of ‘djinn’,
therefore the wood is not
cut for fuel The powder
and decoction of L. shawii
aerial part are used as a
folklore remedy in the
treatment of diabetes by the
local community in various
parts of Saudi Arabia
53
Maerua crassifolia
Ori Fragman-Saapir www.treknature.com

54
Synonym: Maerua arabica

J.F.Gmel., Maerua uniflora Vahl ,
Wiegmannia arabica (J.F.Gmel.)
Hochst. & Steud.
Arabic Name: ‫سرح‬
Family: Capparaceae
Hight: 5 m
Spread: 4 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: 0oC
Description: M. crassifolia is an
evergreen tree with a spreading,
much-branched crown: it can grow
up to 10 meters tall. The bole is often
stunted and twisted, it can be up to
25cm in diameter. Leaves: Shortly
petiolate, usually clustered on short
spur-branches: alternate or fasciculate:
Oblong-ovate, leather-like, glaucous, grey-green, finely pubescent or glabrous The fruit is a brown, oblong pod, constricted
between the seeds, and 5 - 10cm long.
Flowering period: March - April.
Habitat: Rare, on gravel plains.
Distribution: Near to Hilli Al Ain. All plants stuntented and covered with minute leaves. Larger trees are umbrella shaped.
Salt tolerance: High (5000 ppm)
Irrigation: low, none
Traditional Uses: The crushed leaves are used as a febrifuge, whilst an infusion of the dried leaves is used for arresting vomiting
and treating stomach disorders. Leaves obtained from Sudan are reported to be very high in calcium. Leaves in decoction are
considered to be a specific against skin-affections of the head. The leaves, pounded with the bark and taken in a draught in hot
milk, constitute a cure for fever and toothache. The twigs are used to make chew sticks as a means of dental hygiene. A black
dye is obtained from the wood ashes. It is used for the purification of water. The whitish wood is very hard. It is used to make
handles for weapons, implements, ploughs, water-troughs, staves and toothpicks. The wood is seldom used as a fuel because it
burns with a nauseating smell.
55
Moringa peregrine
Photographed by Ali Hassan - Barari Natural Resources
56
Synonym: Moringa ovalifoliolata Dinter & A. Berger., Moringa

zeylanica Burmann
Arabic Name: ‫شوع‬
Family: Moringaceae
Hight: 8m-10
Spread: 6m-8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness: 30C
Description: Attractive, grey tree, 2-4 meters high, with numerous leafless
slender branches with whip-like appearance. Leaves few, those when
present consisting of 3 pairs, rush-like, oblong, obtuse, leaflets. Flowers
pedicelled, 1cm in diameter, usually appear on the tree before leafing. Calyx
cup-shaped, 5-lobes, reflexed, unequal, petaloid 0.4-0.8cm long. Petals 5,
unequal, white, heavily tinged with purple near centre, 0.6-1.0cm long.
Fruit is 15-25cm long, pendulous, with 3, rounded angles and 6-grooves.
Seeds angled, nutlike, white and rich in oil (ben-oil).
Flowering Period: February to June.
Habitat: In sandy soils, steppic regions and salty wadis. Mountains, wadis
among rocks, on rocky slopes up to 850 meters in height and sometimes on
nearly bare rock with a strongly reduced root system.
Distribution: Common and widespread in the eastern and northern
mountains of the UAE. Also available in Dibba, Al-Ain and Jebal Hafit
ranges.
Salt tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerant up to 2000 ppm: drought tolerant
but may defoliate.
Other Environmental tolerances: brittle branches: not wind resistant: not frost tolerant: best in full sun.
Irrigation: Medium
Propagation: Seed: semi hard wood tip cuttings, self-propagating.
Traditional uses: In the UAE, the oil obtained from the seeds of this plant is used for headache, fever, muscular pain, stomach
pain and burns. The oil mixed with clove and cardamom and used as a drink to easy delivery. Extract of the leaves is used for
inflammations. The main product obtained from M. peregrina is seed oil is called ben oil. The use of the oil locally and in
traditional medicines goes back to antiquity and is already referred to in old Egyptian texts and the Bible. The seeds are used
in medicine in the Middle East and Sudan. The oil is used to treat abdominal cramps, chest pain and skin soothing. The plant is
grown as ornamental in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Distribution of Moringa peregrine
57
Nannorrhops ritchiana
58
Synonym: Nannorrhops arabica Burret, Nannorrhops naudiniana Becc.,

Nannorrhops stocksiana Becc.
Arabic Name: ‫ عصف‬،‫ عرف‬،‫زربت‬
Family: Arecaceae
Hight: 1 – 2 m
Spread: 0.5 – 1 m
Foliage: evergreen
Description: It is a shrub-like clumping palm, with several stems growing from

a single base. The stems grow slowly and often tightly together, reaching 1–2 m
(3–7 ft) or taller. It is a fan palm (Arecaceae tribe Corypheae), with the leaves
with a long, smooth (unspined) petiole terminating in a rounded fan of 20–30
leaflets, 30–12 cm (12–5 in) long, with a distinct glaucous blue-green to grey-
green colour.The flowers are borne in tall, open clusters up to 3 m (10 ft) long
at the top of the stems: it is usually dioecious with male and female flowers on
separate plants. The fruit is a brown drupe. The individual stems are monocarpic,
dying back to the ground after flowering, with the plant continuing growth from
basal sprouts. Photographed by Ali Hassan - Barari Natural Resources
Flowering period: Mar – Jun.
Habitat: Gravel along low wadi banks.
Distribution: Rare, Found along west flank of the Hajar mountains from Shawkah
south to Mahdah.
Salt tolerance: High tolerance.
Other Environmental tolerances: Desiccation resistant, stagnant water
vulnerable.
Irrigation: Medium.
Traditional uses: Many uses for fiber in Oman, where the tree is more common:
baskets, camel and donkey harnesses, mats, hand-held fans. Used specially for
ropes for fishing nets, because the fiber becomes stronger when it gets wet. Fibers
of the dwarf palm can be split into finer strands than those of the wild date palm,
but cannot stand exposure to heat and sunlight. Also used with goat skin to make
milking bowls. The woolly hair at the base of leaves was used to dress wounds.
Hard pips of fruit were used in slingshots and even as substitutes for bullets.
Photographed by Ali Hassan - Barari Natural Resources Distribution of Nannorrhops ritchiana
59
Nerium Oleander
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Bararri Natural Resources

60
Synonym: Nerium oleander var. indicum (Mill.) O.Deg.

& Greenwell, Nerium oleander subsp. kurdicum Rech.f.
Arabic Name: ‫ ورد الحمير‬،‫ دفلة‬،‫ حبن‬،‫دفلى‬
Family: Apocynaceae
Hight: 2m-3m
Spread: 2m-6m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -60C
Description: Much branched shrubs, up to about 3-4 m high.
Leaves opposite or whorled, leathery thick, shortly petiolate,
lanceolate, tapering at both ends, up to c. 15 x 2 cm, prominent-
nerved, entire, acute. Flowers usually pink but variable from
white to rose-red (single in wild forms, often double in cultivated
forms). Sepals small, linear-lobed. Corolla tubes c. 20 mm long
with coronas of 5 scales at the throat: lobes obovate, each as long
as the tubes: fragrant. Stamens included: apical anther-appendages
slender, twisted. Follicles up to c. 20 x 2 cm. Seeds hairy, oblong-
ellipsoid, c. 6 mm long with an apical tuft of hairs about as long
as a seed itself.
Flowering period: February-October.
Habitat: Succeeds in different soil types, prefers a fertile well-
drained soil. Lime tolerant. In or near running water. In salty places
or by streams and pools, also cultivated
Distribution: Common and widespread in the Hajar Mountains
.Common as wild plant in the UAE: Dubai, Al Ain, Fujairah and
Abu Dhabi.
Salt tolerance: Very high Salt tolerant up to 9000 ppm.
Other Environmental tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation medium.
Propagation: By seeds, or cutting half-ripe side shoots or by cutting of mature leading shoot.
Traditional uses: In UAE it is not grazed. Contains cardiac glucosides with digitalis-like action and should be used with
extreme caution. Steam from boiled leaves in healed to relive sinusitis. Leaves is used as insecticide. Powdered leaves are
applied to skin for itch, ulcers and tumors. It is an Ornamental plant with many uses in folk medicine. The whole plant is
claimed to have anti-cancer activity. The plant usage is prohibited by health authorities.
Distribution of Nerium Oleander
61
Olea europaea
Photographed by Burkhard Mücke Wikimedia commons Photographed by H. Zell Wikimedia commons
62
Synonym: Olea europaea subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S.Green, Olea euro-

paea f. dulcis Collen., Olea europaea subsp. Europaea , Olea europaea
var. verrucosa Willd.
Arabic Name: ‫ عثوم‬،‫ زيتون‬،‫ متان‬،‫عتم‬
Family: Oleaceae
Height: 6 – 9 m
Spread: 6 – 9 m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -9°C
Description: Tree upto 7 (-100)m. Leaves opposite, lance-shaped to elipttic.
1-2X 2-6cm, upper surface green, lower surface yellowish-green. And with
hairs like scales. Flowers whitish, 4 lobbe C. 0.5cm aross, fragrant. Fruit
102cm long, purple-black when ripe, with one seed.
Flowering period: May – Aug.
Habitat: Mountains above c. 800m.
Distribution: Locally common in Hajar mountains, where it is the dominant
tree above c. 900 m. Recordedby G.R. Feunler from the Jebel Qitab area and
from Jebel Hatta southwords.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate: resistant Desiccation:
resistant Stagnant water: vulnerable.
Irrigation: low
Propagation: cuttings, grafting.
Traditional Uses: Resin from stem, mixed with gall, ingested to treat
cataracts. Macerated bark ingested to treat constipation, but applied to
stomach it stops diarrhea. Twigs chewed to keep gums healthy. Fresh leaves
crushed and used as soap to treat boils. Ash of burnt leaves applied to blisters
and ulcers. Juice of fruits applied to skin around the eyes to sooth them.
Powdered fruit mixed with salt and dates applied to fractures. Oils from wild
fruits used as antidote against all poisons. Carrying a piece of olive wood
is aid to ward of ‘dijin’ Olive wood is resistant to termites and was used as
construction material and for making artefacts. Fruit of wild olive is inedible,
but cultivated O. europaea has edible fruits.
Distribution of Olea europaea
63
Phoenix dactylifera L.
Photographed by Ali Hassan - Bararri Natural Resources
64
Synonym: Phoenix dactylifera var. adunca D.H.Christ ex Becc., Phoenix

dactylifera var. cylindrocarpa Mart., Phoenix dactylifera var. jubae Webb &
Berthel.
Arabic Name: ‫ نخلة‬،‫ نخيل‬،‫نخل‬
Family: Arecaceae (Palmae) Palm Family
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi Emirate: 361,584.
Type: Palm
Hight: 25m-45m
Spread: 7m-12m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -9C.
Description: P. dactylifera (date, date palm, feather palm) is a dioecious shrubs

or trees with cylindrical, unbranched, simple stem often with basal suckers (which
are usually removed in cultivation), up to 16 meter. Leaves up to 3-6 m long,
deeply cut into 12-15 x 100-150 cm, often folded upward with sharp tips. Flowers
sessile, white creamy, 5-8 mm long, on a richly branched spadix, surrounded
by solitary, large, green to reddish-brown spathe, 50-75 cm long, which split
longitudinally as the panicles emerge. Calyx cup-shaped, 3 toothed. Petals 3, in
female flowers twice as long as the calyx: carpels 3, 2-3 mm long, with stigmas
only exposed at anthesis, reflexed. Staminate flowers mostly asymmetrical, with
6 stamens. Male and female flowers on different trees. Fruit (Tamr in Arabic/Date
in English) edible, variable, 2-6 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, ovoid-cylindrical, green,
yellow to orange-brown to black in texture (according to varietal traits), splendid
sweetie honeyed and juicy to dry. Seed variable, single grooved elliptical hard
furrow, 1-2.5 cm long, brown in color.
Flowering Period: Flowering in late spring and fruit ripe in summer months.
Habitat: Grow in sandy and clayey soil. It is a plant/tree of warm temperate
regions. It also tolerates some salinity. Spontaneous growth not common except
in neglected or abandoned grooves and occasionally near pools in central desert.
Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the country at all elevations.
Represented in the UAE by a single species, with many varieties.
Salt tolerance: Low salt tolerant.
Other Environmental tolerances: phreatophytic: wind resistant: frost tolerant:
full sun.
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: Offsets or fresh seed.
Traditional Uses: Green dates are aphrodisiac and good
tonic for general body health. Terminal buds are eaten to heal
intestinal problems. Date kernel are grounded and poultice
made of it: is applied to genital ulcers. Pollens are also used
worldwide as dietary supplements. DPPs and male palm
flowers were traditionally claimed to be aphrodisiacs and
fertility enhancers. DPPs have been used in the Middle East as
a natural drug for treatment of male infertility.
65
Pistacia khinjuk
Photographed by Ori Fragman-Sapir, www.treknature.com
66
Arabic Name: ‫بطم‬

Family: Anacardiaceae
Height: 5 - 10 Meters
Spread: 2-3Meters
Foliage: Deciduous
Description: perennial tree, up to 2.5-4.5 m. One or more trunks,

branches after cutting 2 m. Leaves 8-15 cm long, several leaflets on
reddish stalks, variable in shape. From round to oval with pointed tip,
glossy green, smooth edges. Flowers reddish, in clusters. Male flowers
without stalks on multi-branched spray up to 10cm, very small. Female
flowers with stalks in loose spray up to 15 cm. Fruits round berries., c.
55 cm, green when young, maturing reddish.
Flowering period: Mar – June.
Habitat: On cliffs.
Distribution: rare. Recorded from wadi Lakayyam only.
Salt tolerance: Moderate salt tolerant.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Stagnant water: vulnerable. full sun.
Irrigation: Medium.
Traditional Uses: A resin obtained from the bark is used in the treatment
of stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. An
exudate secreted from the plant stems is used as a therapy for treatment
of burns and stomach ulcers. This report almost certainly refers to the
gum resin obtained from the bark. The fruits (this report is likely to be referring more specifically to the seeds are said to be
aphrodisiac. They are also used in the treatment of liver, kidney, heart, and respiratory system disorders. An oil obtained from the
seed is used for lighting. Galls are produced on the plant as a result of insect activity. These can contain up to 75% tannic acid
and can be used for tanning and dyeing. They give a blue-black color when ferric chloride is used as a mordant. The wood is used
for fuel. A mastic obtained from the bark has been used as flavouring for a locally produced spirit (Araq) commonly known as
mastaki. The seeds are edible. Eaten roasted.
Distribution of Pistacia khinjuk
67
Prosopis cineraria
Photographed by Ali Hassan-Barrari Natural Resources
68
Synonym: Adenanthera aculeata Roxb., Mimosa cineraria

L., Prosopis spicata Burm.
Arabic Name: ‫غاف‬
Family‎: ‎Fabaceae
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi Emirate: 5,736,645
Hight: 7 m-10 m
Spread: 9 m-12 m
Foliage: semi-evergreen
Hardness: -9°C
Description: Erect, grey, dense tree, up to 10 meters, with slender,
tough branches and scattered prickles. Leaves 2-pinnate: pinnae
of 2-4 pairs: leaflets in 6-15 pairs, oblong, 8-18mm long, 3-5mm
wide. Flowers 4-6mm long, sessile, in axillary spikes, 4-10cm long,
and terminal panicles, often interrupted at a base, solitary or twin.
Calyx truncate, not ciliated. Corolla yellow, tiny. Pod 5-15cm long,
0.40.8mm wide, linear, curved, torulose, glabrous, reddish-brown.
Seeds many, oblong, brown.
Flowering Time: December March.
Habitat: Sandy or silty soils. Tolerates dry and saline conditions.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Widespread in the northeastern
part of the country. Extended Ghaf forests exist to the southeast of
Digdaga and smaller grooves can be found in the beds of wide wadis
throughout the Hajar Mountains. Also available in Fujairah, Dubai,
Zaabil, Shwayab, Al-Ain, near Jebal Hafit, Jebal Al-Dhanna and Al-
Gaithy. Represented in the UAE with three species viz., P. cineraria, P. farcta (Banks et. Sol.) Macbride and P. juliflora (SW.) DC.
Salt tolerance: Highly Salt tolerant up to 4500 ppm.
Other Environmental tolerances: drought resistant, phreatophytic: wind resistant: frost tolerant: full sun.
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: Scarified seed: self-propagating.
Traditional uses: P. cineraria is used for as forest fiver. Forest, Fiber, Fuel, Fodder and Food. It is a good fodder plant and shade
tree for wildlife in barren sandy deserts. The tree is browsed by camels, sheep and cattle. The leaves and especially pods are used
as an additional fodder for deer’s and goats due to its higher protein content. Seed pods and young leaves of P. cineraria were used
to be eaten by bedu. The tree of P. cineraria is much appreciated as a good sand binder and is being used as wind-break in deserts.
The pods are used as vegetable in the dried and green form. The bark and leaves are used for tanning. The plant is reported to be
astringent, demulcent and pectoral.
Distribution of Prosopis cineraria
69
Prosopis farcta
Photographed by Zeynel Cebeci Wikimedia commons
70
Synonym: Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F.Macbr., Lagonychium

stephanianum (Willd.) M. Bieb., Prosopis stephaniana (Willed.)
Spreng., Mimosa farcta (Banks et Sol.), Mimosa stephaniana M. Bieb.
and Acacia stephaniana M. Bieb, Prosopis stephaniana (Willd.) Spreng.
Arabic Name: ‫ عوسج‬،‫ عقول‬،‫ينبوت‬
Family: Mimosaceae (Leguminosae)
Hight: 0.4 m-2 m
Spread: 0.6 m-3 m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardness: -6°C
Description: L. farctum (Syrian mesquite) is an erect, perennial, dwarf
tree or shrub, pubescent, prickly (spiny), usually branching, more or less from base, 70-100 cm (and up to 250-400 cm in
rare cases) in height with gray or whitish bark. Leaves alternate, paripinnate compound of 3-6 pairs, and each pinnae of
5-10, linear-oblong, acute, leaflets 2-4 mm long and about 1 mm wide. Petioles short and hairy. Inflorescence 3-8 cm long,
cylindrical, spikes of pedicellate, yellow-golden flowers, 3-5 mm long. Calyx 5-toothed. Corolla 3-4 mm long, 5 parted,
longer than calyx. Stamens are 10 and free. Fruit is corky, woolen ovoid or oblong-cylindrical purplish to dark brown pod, 2-4
cm long, with a short pointed beak. Seeds are few, dark brown in color and usually ovoid compressed. Propagated by suckers
from roots and by seeds distributed inside light, corky pods, which shatter by winds and water. The plant is rich in pollen, and
is a significant pollination plant during Middle Eastern summer.
Flowering Time: April to August.
Distribution: UAE, Syria, S. Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Turkey, India, Cyprus, Algeria, North Africa and Russia.
The specie is rare and uncommon in the UAE, being found in the scattered locations around Swiahan, Al-Ain and Al-
Muataredh farm.
Habitat: Sandy and saline soils, gravelly soil, in orchards, vegetable and crop fields as a weed, along irrigation channels and
water courses, flourishes in Mediterranean heat but dislikes shadows.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate: resistant, Desiccation: resistant, Stagnant water: vulnerable
Irrigation: Low, None
Traditional Uses: Prosopis farcta fruit has a desirable nutritive value and can be considered as a part of the forage needs
in ruminant nutrition. It is used as forage for livestock feed at Iran and Pakistan (5). In its long history of prime importance
in the traditional medicine especially in Iran: the decoction of the plant is traditionally used to cure cardiac and chest pain.
It is also used for the remedy of angina pectoris (6). Prosopis farcta is widely known and suggested by nomadic people for
lowering the blood sugar level (7). It is used in Palestine as an
astringent and anti-dysenteric (8). The Fruit of Prosopis farcta
is edible. Bedouin nomads are known to eat the fruit roasted.
In folk medicine, the fruit is used as a diuretic and against
constipation, hemorrhoids, tooth pain, diabetes, kidney stones,
skin conditions and more (9). The fruits of Prosopis farcta are
widely used in Egyptian folk medicine as a hypoglycemic
drug, as an astringent and as anti-dysenteric (10). In Iraq,
profitable barley cultivation was found to depend on the
existence of Prosopis farcta in the fields. This species
counteracts salinity and maintains porosity of the soil by deep
rooting. Tolerance to drought and salinity is advantageous
for soil improvement and to control erosion. The pollen in
Prosopis farcta is adored by honey bees. It is a useful fodder
for cattle and sheep in desert areas.
71
Prosopis juliflora.
Photographed by Rohalamin Wikipedia
72
Synonym: Prosopis juliflora f. arborea Hauman , Prosopis juliflora var.

constricta Sarg. , Prosopis juliflora var. torreyana L.D.Benson
Arabic Name: ‫ مسكيت‬،‫غويف‬
Family‎: ‎Fabaceae
Hight: 5 m-15 m
Spread: 6 m-12 m
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Hardness: -18°C
Description: Evergreen, spreading, small tree, 2-6 meters high, generally armed
with stipular spines and glabrous foliage. Leaves bipinnate with 1-3 pinnae pairs:
rachis 1-8cm long: leaflets opposite, 10-22 pairs, 6-16mm long, 2-3mm wide,
entire, oblong, obtuse. Stipules spiny, 3-10cm long. Inflorescence a dense spike,
5-10cm in length, 1cm broad. Flowers greenish-yellow, 4-5mm long. Calyx tiny,
cup shaped, 5 toothed, slightly ciliate. Petals 5, free, hairy. Stamens 10, free, ex-
serted. Pod straw-coloured, 6-20cm long and 6-10mm wide, straight or curved,
somewhat torulose, with many seeds.
Flowering Period: March-May.
Habitat: Thrives in most soils including: sandy, rocky, poor and saline soils. Cul-
tivated as windbreak and ornamental but frequently escaped around salty areas.
Distribution: Very common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sila.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation resis-
tant, stagnant water resistant.
Irrigation low.
Propagation: Sowing and picking out.
Traditional uses: A sweet gum exudes from the trunk. It is used in making
sweets. The wood is used as a flavoring to smoke foods. A tea made from it is
thought to be good for treating digestive disturbances and skin lesions. An orna-
mental and forage tree.
Distribution of Prosopis juliflora
73
Salix acmophylla
Photographed by Eitan f, Wikimedia commons

74
Arabic Name: ‫ صفصاف‬،‫سوجار‬

Family: Salicaceae
Hight: 4 – 5 meters
Spread: 3 – 4 meters
Foliage: Deciduous
Description: Large shrub or small tree, branches glabrous

with irregular, mainly vertical cracks, young branches hairy.
Leaves 5-16 cm long, (5)-7-20 mm wide, linear lanceolate,
acute-acuminate, entire or serrulate, green and glabrous
above, pale beneath, silky when young. Petiole 2.5-9 mm
long. Stipules minute, caducous. Flowers appearing after the
leaves. Male catkin 1.5-4-(5) cm long, on short leafy shoots:
peduncle 8-12 mm long, rachis villous. Bracts 1.5-2 mm long,
ovate or oblong, villous, tip subacute. Stamens 4-6, filaments
free, woolly towards base, anthers pale yellow. Disc of 2
yellow glands. Female catkin c. 2-2.5 cm long, on short leafy
shoots, peduncle c. 2-3 mm, rachis villous, bracts as in the
male catkin, disc opposite the bract, semi-annular, yellow:
stipe 2-3 times the length of the gland. Ovary glabrous, style
< 0.5 mm, stigmas 2. Fruiting catkin 2.5-5 cm long. Capsule
ovoid, 3-5.5 mm, glabrous, stipe 0.4-1.8 (-2.5) mm long.
Flowering period: Mar - May.
Habitat: Wadis near water.
Distribution: Rare. Recorded from scattered locations in
Hajar mountains wadis.
Salt tolerance: Medium Salinity.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Drought Resistance:
Full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: By seed.
Traditional Uses: The genus is traditionally used in folk
medicine and represents a valuable source of biologically
active compounds among them salicin, a prodrug for salicylic
acid.
Distribution of Salix acmophylla
75
Salvadora persica
Photographed by Ali Hassan - Barrari Natural Resources

76
Synonym: Salvadora persica var. persica

Arabic Name: ‫ مســواك‬،‫ لشــلش‬،‫ رك‬،‫أرك‬
Family: Salvadoraceae (Salvadora or Muswak-tree Family).
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi Emirate: 6,749,822
Height: 3m-7m
Spread: 3m-6m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: 30 C
Description: S1 persica (toothbrush tree, mustard tree, mustard
bush) is an evergreen, perennial, glabrous, woody, straggling
shrub or small tree, with opposite branches (mostly growing as
dense spreading bush), up to 3 meters high. Leaves pale-green,
coriaceous, 2-6 cm long and 0.8-2 cm wide, opposite, elliptic to
lance-shaped, smooth edge, pointed tip, tapering at the base on
1-1.5 cm long petiole. Racemes spike-like forming a leafy panicle.
Flowers tiny, greenish-yellow or cream colored, with strong smell,
0.2-0.4 cm long, pedicles 0.1-0.2 cm long. Calyx 4 lobed, bell-
shaped, about 0.2 cm long. Corolla 4-lobed, twice as long as calyx.
Stamens 4, shorter than the corolla lobes. Fruit a drupe, 0.2-0.5
cm in diameter, globose, smooth, red to black in color and edible.
Flowering Period: March to July.
Habitat: Frequently cultivated in many salty, sandy or alluvial
soils of all the UAE, especially in western dunes, also in wadis
and coastal areas as windbreak along the roadsides and also found
as a wild escapee.
Distribution: Not common in the wild in the UAE. Available in
Shwayb, Hatta, Al-Ain, Jebal Hafit and Al-Ghiathy regions. Only
one genus with a single species is reported in the UAE i.e. S.
persica.
Desiccation resistant, stagnant water resistant.
Irrigation low, none.
Propagation: By seeds or by cuttings of half-ripe wood rooted in
a sandy medium.
Traditional uses: Arab used to make decoction of dried fruits of
S. persica after cooking them with sugar and spices to regulate
menstruation and heals blood discharge after baby birth. S. persica
also have antiurolithiatic properties. Lightly grazed by camels and
goats, fruits are edible, used in landscaping. The seeds can be used
to extract a detergent oil. The traditional use of this plant is famous
in the wider Muslim world as its use has been described in the
Holy Bible, Holy Quran and Sunnah. The fibrous branches have
been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for oral
hygiene use. Small twigs, commonly known as Miswak (around
3-5 mm in diameter) are used throughout Arabian Peninsula and
rest of Muslim world: as it has both physical and anti-microbial
action, helping to control plaque and prevent tooth decay.
Distribution of Salvadora persica
77
Tamarix aphylla

78
Arabic Name: ‫ طرفة‬،‫أثل‬

Family: Tamaricaceae
Hight: 6m-15m
Spread: 6m-12m
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardness: -150C
Description: Trees or tall shrubs, up to c. 13 m high with reddish
brown to grey barks, entirely glabrous. Leaves vagi-nate, abruptly
mucronate 1.5-3 mm long, hoary due to the salt depositions from
the impressed punctate glands. Ra-cemes mostly aestival, simple
or compound, 2-6 cm long, 2-5 mm broad, spirally curved.
Flowers bisexual, subsessile, pinkish white, pedicels less than 1
mm long. Bracts vaginate, ovate, acuminate, 1.25-1.5 mm long,
0.5 mm broad. Sepals 5, free, 1.5 mm long, c. 1 mm broad, almost
entire, obtuse, broadly ovate to elliptic, outer 2 somewhat smaller
than the inner 3. Petals 5, filaments filiform, 2 mm long, anthers
cordate, somewhat apiculate. Discs deeply 5 lobed, filaments
inserted in between the lobes of the discs, insertion peridis-cal.
Stigmas 3 or 4, discoid, styles half the length of the ova-ries.
Ovaries conical, 1.75-2 mm long. Capsules pyramidal, rounded
at the tips, 2.5-3.5 mm long, c. 1.5 mm broad.
Flowering period: June-October.
Habitat: Sand and gravel plains, hilsides, wadibanks.
Distribution: Rare. Recorded from Hajar Mountain wadis. May
occur as planted tree in sandy desert (Liwa).
Salt tolerance: Very high Salt tolerant up to Up to 20000 ppm
Other Environmental Tolerances: Sandy or silty soil to pH 11·5. Will tolerate a high water ‘table or inundation: drought resistant,
phreatophytic: wind resistant: frost resistant: full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: Seed: hardwood cuttings: selfpropagating.
Traditional uses: In UAE it is used as dried powdered leaves boiled with water ingested to treat prolonged labour. Dried powdered
applied to saddle sores and rope burns in animals. Foliage fed to livestock to purge. Wood is resistant to termites and used for
construction.
Tamarix aphylla has been used as a windbreak and shade tree. The nectar from blossoms of the tree produces a good quality of honey.
It could be utilized for plantation as an agroforestry species as well as for reclamation of marginal lands.
Distribution of Tamarix aphylla
79
Tamarix arabica Bunge
Photographed by Nicholas Turland
80
Synonym: Tamarix senegalensis DC.

Family: Tamaricaceae (Tamarisk Family).
Hight: 3m-8m
Spread: 2m-6m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -90C
Description: T. arabica (Arabian tamarisk, Athel tree, tamarisk, salt
cedar) is a perennial, evergreen bush or small tree, up to 3 meters
high. Several stems arise from the base. Branches slender with brown
or red-brown colour. Leaves partially encircling stem with at least a
short triangular blade. Racemes loose, 1.5-4 cm long, 3-4 mm wide.
Pedicles are shorter than calyx while bracts are longer than pedicles.
Petals 5, about 1.5 mm long, caduceus, obovate-oblong, pink to
white with sweet aroma. Filaments inserted into the deeper notches
of the disk: anthers apiculate, pink or sometimes cream-white. Fruit
conical capsule, 2.5-5 mm long, reddish-brown, tapering to apex with
3 stigmas. Seeds are in thousands and tiny, about 1 mm in diameter,
with terminal tuft of hairs from the apex: which favors them in wind
dispersal.
Flowering Period: February to May.
Habitat: Saline sandy places and along roadsides.
Distribution: Common in the UAE and along the whole Arabian
Gulf coast. Recorded from Sharjah to Ajman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and
Al-Ain. Has also been recorded growing on steep and dunes in the
Rub’ al-Khali desert. In UAE Tamaricaceae family is represented
by only one genus naming T., with three species i.e. T. aphylla (L.)
Karsten, T. arabica Bge. And T. passerinoides.
Salt tolerant: Highly Salt tolerant up to 16000 ppm
Other Environmental Tolerances: Sandy or silty soil to pH 11·5. Will tolerate a high water ‘table or inundation: drought resistant,
phreatophytic: wind resistant: frost resistant: full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: Seed: hardwood cuttings: selfpropagating.
Traditional Uses: Early documentations mentioned the frequent use of T. plant parts in different medications. T. nilotica has been used
since Pharaonic times to treat fever, relieve headache, and draw out inflammation and as an aphrodisiac agent. The old bedu of Saudi Arabia
and UAE used to burn this shrub overnight and then apply to the
diseased skin of camels and other animals. The camels were used
to graze on T. arabica plant when they were having stomachic and
rumen burning problems. T. nilotica is used in Egyptian traditional
medicine as an antiseptic agent
This plant has been the part of many traditional medicines at several
countries to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, to staunch the flow of blood
from wounds and speed up the healing process and as a laxative. The
plant leaves are used to make poultices and tags to clean wounds, as it
has anti-microbial properties. The traditional healers added this plant
to their remedies, as it was found to have positive effect on the liver’s
functioning and it seems that the tree possesses anti-inflammatory
properties, for which it has been advised to use externally to bring
relief from pains and swellings of rheumatism.
81
Tamarix aucheriana
Photographed by Abdul Qader - Barrari Natural Resources

82
Synonym: Trichaurus aucherianus Decne. ex

Walp.
Family: Tamaricaceae
Height: 1.5 – 2.5 m.
Spread: 1 -1.5 m
Foliage: deciduous
Description: Perennial, up to 150 – 250 cm.

several stems from base. Leaves reducedto
partially clasping small triangles, 0.2 cm long.
Leaves often greyish due to excretion of salt.
Inflorescence cylindrical, terminal, in sprays.
Flowers pink, 5 petals, C. 0.8 cm across,
prominent red stamens, fragrant. Fruit a reddish
conical capsule, 0.4  0.8-1.3 cm.
Flowering period: Oct – Feb.
Habitat: saline sand.
Distribution: Locally common in saline low –
lying areas.
Salt tolerance: High salt tolerant.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Wind resistant, full sun, Drought resistant.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: By seeds, hard cutting.
Traditional Uses: Early documentations mentioned the frequent use of T. plant parts in different medications. T. nilotica
has been used since Pharaonic times to treat fever, relieve headache, and draw out inflammation and as an aphrodisiac
agent. The old bedu of Saudi Arabia and UAE used to burn this shrub overnight and then apply to the diseased skin of
camels and other animals. The camels were used to graze on T. arabica plant when they were having stomachic and rumen
burning problems. T. nilotica is used in Egyptian traditional medicine as an antiseptic agent
This plant has been the part of many traditional medicines at several countries to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, to staunch the
flow of blood from wounds and speed up the healing process and as a laxative. The plant leaves are used to make poultices
and tags to clean wounds, as it has anti-microbial properties. The traditional healers added this plant to their remedies,
as it was found to have positive effect on the liver’s functioning and it seems that the tree possesses anti-inflammatory
properties, for which it has been advised to use externally to bring relief from pains and swellings of rheumatism.
Distribution of Tamarix aucheriana
83
Tecomella undulata (Roxb.) Seem
Photographed by Hadi Karimi, wikimedia commons

84
Synonym: Bignonia glauca Decne., Gelseminum undulatum (Sm.) Kuntze,

Tecoma glauca DC.
Arabic Name: ‫فرفار‬
Family: Bignoniaceae.
Hight: 6-10 m
Spread: 6 – 8 m
Foliage: deciduous
Description: T. undulata (orange tecoma, roheda, honey tree, desert teak and
marwar teak) is a deciduous or nearly evergreen tree, 6-10 m tall, trunk with
rough bark, drooping and hairy branches, branching at c. 100 cm. Leaves
opposite, simple, 1-2 cm broad and 3-7 cm long, oblong with wavy edges.
Inflorescence is of few flowered raceme on short lateral branches. Flowers large,
4-10 cm long. Calyx campanulate, short lobes, ovate. Corolla orange-yellow,
campanulate, lobes 5, veined, unequal and rounded. Stamens 4, exserted, anther-
cells divergent and pendulous. Disk copular. Ovary oblong with many ovules.
Fruit oblong, flattened, slightly curved capsule, 17-30 cm long, seeds winged.
Flowering Time: January to April.
Habitat: Gentle hill slopes, ravines, sandy dunes, wadi banks and plantations.
Distribution: Locally common in the UAE. Widespread in Wadi Farfar (named
after this tree), Wadi Shis, Wadi Hayl, and Masfut near Hatta.
Salt tolerance: Medium salt tolerant.
Other environmental tolerances: Drought resistant, full sun. Wind resistant.
Irrigation: Medium.
Traditional Uses: T. undulata is a medicinal herb. The bark obtained from the
stem is used traditionally in medicine for syphilis. Powdered bark of 1-3 grams
is added in 50-100 ml of water to make a decoction: which is used for treatment
of chronic fever, cold, abdominal colic, worm infestation, wounds, bleeding
disorders such as menorrhagia, and nasal bleeding etc. The leaves are boiled
in water at homes and are used as a remedy for anemia, acne, liver, spleen
disorder, skin diseases. It also acts as mild laxative.
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Distribution of Tecomella undulata
85
Vachellia flava
Photographed by Bamba Tubaab, the free media repository, S.Wikimedia Commons

86
Synonym: Acacia ehrenbergiana

Arabic Name: ‫ حرده‬،‫سلم‬
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi
Emirate: 36,875.
Family: Fabaceae
Hight: 9 Meters
Spread: 10 Meters
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -60C
Description: Large desert shrub, up to 2 meters,

glabrescent. Branches many from the base.
Spines usually straight, whitish, 2-4cm long.
Leaves mostly with 1-2 pairs of pinnae: leaflets
6-9 pairs. Flowers yellow, fragrant, appearing
before the leaves, solitary or clustered in the
axils. Legume glabrous 4-8cm long, falcate,
constricted between the seeds.
Flowering Time: April to May
Habitat: Sandy soils and banks of salty wadis.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Found in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaima.
Salt tolerance: Sandy or silty soil: low salinity tolerance.
Other Environmental tolerances: drought resistant, phreatophytic: wind resistant: frost tolerant: full sun. Established
plants are highly drought tolerant.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: Fresh, scarified seed, but slow but that can be improved by soaking in hot water for 12 to 24 hours.
Traditional uses: Highly grazable, fuel and ornamental tree, has many folk medicinal uses.It is used in the treatment of
diarrhea dysentery. It is also helpful in cases of internal bleeding, Skin problems, hemorrhoids and some aye problems. It
was used in the UAE and some parts of Arab world for treating paralysis. The flowers are also visited by bees which make
A. ehrenbergiana honey from the nectar. The timber is used for charcoal and firewood.
Photographed by Alexey Sergeev http://www.asergeev.com Distribution of Vachellia flava
87
Vachellia nilotica
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Photographed by Dinesh Valke Wikimedia Commons
88
Synonym: Acacia arabica var. nilotica (L.) Benth., Acacia

scorpioides var. nilotica (L.) A. Chev.
Arabic Name: ‫ سنط‬،‫قرط‬
Family: Fabaceae
Hight; 6m-9m
Spread; 7m-9m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; 00C
Description: Tree, 2-10 meters high with variable shape of twigs.

Bark on trunk rough, grey or brown. Stpules spinescent, 1-6cm
long, divergent. Leaf often pinnae in 2-11 pairs, leaflets numerous,
7-30 pairs. Flowers in globular heads. Calyx tubular campanulate,
5-dentate. Corolla bright yellow. Pod very variable in form,
indehiscent, glabrous or downy, up to 15cm long and 1-2cm broad,
constricted between the seeds. Seeds suborbicular, small, blackish-brown.
Flowring Period: March to November.
Habitat: Alluvial and salty places and cultivated as ornamental plant.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Recorded from Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, AlHili, near
Jebal Hafit and Al-Dhaher.
Salt Tolerant: Highly salt tolerant up to 8000 ppm; drought resistant.
Other Environmental tolerances: phreatophytic; wind resistant; not frost tolerant;
full sun.
Propagation: Fresh scarified seed; self-propagating.
Traditional Uses: Highly grazable, fuel and ornamental tree. A. nilotica has a wealth
of medicinal uses. The exudate gum of this tree is known as Arabic gum and has been
collected from the paranoiac times for the manufacture of medicines, dyes and paints.
Many tribes of Arab Bedouins use it for medicinal purposes such as to treat cough,
diarrhoea, dysentery etc. Gum has been used as an emulsifying agent and emollient.
It is edible and is used to relieve throat and chest complaints. The resin from the plant
mixed with egg-white and applied to eyes to treat cataract. A. nilotica tree is also
cultivated in the gardens for its aesthetic appearance and presences of globular bright
yellow flowers; which are also approached by honey bees for pollen.
Distribution of Vachellia nilotica
89
Vachellia tortilis
Photographed by Forestowlet. wikimedia commons
90
Synonyms: Acacia tortilis

Arabic Name: ‫سمر‬
Family: Fabaceae
Hight: 15 – 21 m
Spread: 14m
Foliage: Evergreen
Hardness: -60C
Description: Umbrella-shaped tree or big shrub, 2-4 meters high,

branching from base, young branches reddish-brown, usually
pubescent. Spines partly long, white, straight and partly small,
recurved, dark-tipped. Pinnae 2-10 pairs, leaflets 6-18 pairs. Flowers
in globular heads, 4-7mm across, white to pale-yellow. Pod 39cm
long and about 0.5cm wide, contorted or spirally twisted in 1-3 coils,
pubescent.
Flowering Period: March to April.
Habitat: In wadis, salty depressions and oases.
Distribution: Very common in the north of UAE: Al Ain, Masafi,
Sharjah and R’as al-Khaimah.
Salt tolerant: Moderate salt tolerant up to 2000 ppm: drought resistant.
Other Environmental tolerances: phreatophytic: wind resistant:
frost tolerant: full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: Fresh, scarified seed: self-propagating. For good seed
germination, seed should be treated with concentrated sulphuric acid.
Traditional uses: The timber is used for fencepost, firewood,
furniture. The pods make good fodder for desert grazers and foliage
is palatable, being one of the major dry season fodder trees. The bark
is used for stings .An infusion of the bark is drunk as a treatment for
stomach ache and diarrhea. The dried powdered bark is used as tonic
in healing wounds. The stem is used to treat asthma.
Distribution of Vachellia tortilis
91
Vitex agnus
Photographed by Stan Shebs, Wikimedia commons

92
Synonym: Vitex agnus-castus L.

Arabic Name: ‫ارشاد‬
Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 1.5 m-7.5 m
Spread: 2 m-5 m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardness: -21°C
Discription: Perennial, woody, stems much-branched, up to 3(-4) m,

young stems soft. Leaves with five lobes, hand-like. Inflorescence
terminal, branched pyramid-shaped spike. Flowers lilac, bell-like, c.0.5
cm across. Fruit a round capsule.
Flowering period: Dec – May.
Habitat: Plantation, gardens, wadis.
Distribution: Locally common as introduced plant in plantation, gardens
and along sides.Somtimes escaped into wadis, where it grows as a wild
plant.
Salinity tolerance: Moderate 2500 ppm
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate: resistant, Dessication:
resistant, Stagnant water: vulnerable.
Irrigation: Medium.
Propagation: By seeds and cutting.
Traditional uses: It is believed the berries are a tonic herb for both the
male and female reproductive systems. The leaves are believed to have
the same effect, but to a lesser degree.
Distribution of Vitex agnus
93
Zizuphus spina-christi
Photographed by Ali Hassan - Barrari Natural Resources Photographed by Alexey Sergeev, Flora of Qatar
94
Synonym: Ziziphus spina-christi (Mill.) Georgi, Ziziphus

spina-christi var. microphylla Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Arabic Name: ‫سدر‬
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family).
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi Emirate: 1,430,486.
Height: 7m-14m
Spread: 5m-9m
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Hardness: -210C
Description: Evergreen shrub or tree, 2-6 meters high, with main trunk, branches spiny, elongate, spreading, somewhat divariacate,
glabrous or thinly hairy. Stipular spines 2, one straight and the other curved. Leaves ovate-oblong to elliptic, rounded at the base,
2-4cm long, 1.5-3cm wide, entire or with crenulate margins, 3-nerved at base. Pedicels short, tomentellous.Flowers minute, in
groups of 3-8 together in axillary cymes, yellowish-green. Calyx tomentose on the outer surface, lobes acute. Petals small, shorter
than sepals, nearly spathulate, concave. Fruit drupe, ovoid-globular, orange-yellow to brown, glabrous, 8-10mm in diameter, edible.
Flowering Time: September to November and March to May.
Habitat: In the desert regions, wadi beds, coastal foothills, also cultivated on the alluvial plain. Gravel plains, wadi beds, coastal
foothills, alluvial plains and plantations at all elevations up to 1500 c. meters.
Distribution: Common and widely cultivated all over the UAE. It is represented in the UAE by three species (not including the
cultivated plant), i.e. Z. lotus (L.) Lam., Z. mummularia (Burm. f.) Wight et Arn. and Z. spina-christi (L.) Wild.
Salt tolerance: Sandy or silty soil: High Salt tolerant up to 8000 ppm.
Other Environmental tolerances: drought tolerant. phreatophytic: wind resistant: frost resistant: full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: Seed: rooted suckers: self-propagating.
Traditional uses: Z. are edible and extremely rich in vitamin C, used as an ornamental and for sand movement control. In the UAE
locals used to take tea made of the fruits for the treatment of measles. The Bedouins used to take ash from wood of Z. spina-christi
and mixed it with vinegar to make a paste for curing snake bites, scorpion stings and other deadliest insects of deserts. Fruits and
kernels eaten to treat chest pain, respiratory problems and tonic. Flowers are important for honey production of wild bees (Apis
Florea) Wood of trunk used for making poles and pillars, also as fuel. Thorny branches used as livestock barriers. Leaves boiled in
water used as shampoo. In the past mixed paste with lemon applied to face or hair to soften or soothe. Crushed leaves applied to
skin sores and inflamed joints. The fruit is prescribed therapeutic in many folkloric medications as an anthelmintic, laxative, anti-
inflammatory, general tonic, stimulant, and blood purifier and is used in constipation and dysentery. Flowers of Z. spina-christi is
an important in providing pollen to apiaries for honey production.
Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Distribution of Zizuphus spina-christi
95
96
97
98
Adapted Trees of the United Arab Emirates
( Part - 2)
99
Acacia ampliceps
Photographed by Forest & Kim Starr, Wikimedia Commons
100
Family: Fabaceae
Type; Tree, Shrub
Hight; 9 m
Spread; 10 m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness: +3oC
Description: Bushy, rather untidy, large shrubs or small

trees commonly 3–5 m tall, sometimes 6–7 (–9) m tall,
occasionally prostrate. Branchlets often pendulous,
yellowish, glabrous. Phyllodes commonly pendulous,
variable, linear to lanceolate, sometimes narrowly
obovate, 7–25 (–30) cm long, 7–30 (–40) mm wide,
±thin, light green, glabrous, prominently 1‑nerved,
penninerved; glands 2, with lowermost prominent, 0–3
mm above pulvinus, and uppermost smaller and at base of mucro. Inflorescences terminal or axillary 2–11-headed racemes,
with secondary phyllode sometimes developed at base of peduncles; raceme axes to 10 cm long, robust, glabrous, subtended
when very young by bracts; peduncles 5–20 (–25) mm long, robust, glabrous; heads globular, large, subdense, 25-50-flowered,
white to cream, not showy. Flowers 5-merous; calyx united, ±truncate or sinuate-toothed. Pods submoniliform, breaking
readily at constrictions, to 11.5 cm long, 4–6 mm wide, ±woody, glabrous. Seeds longitudinal, oblong, 5–6.5 mm long,
±shiny, greyish brown to black; aril scarlet.
Flowering period: February – December.
Habitat: Grows in sand or clay along watercourses, or in
swales between coastal sandhills.
Distribution: Native to Australia and grows in
UAE(Dubai).
Salt tolerance: high (3500 ppm)
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate:
resistant, Desiccation: resistant, Stagnant water:
vulnerable,
Irrigation: Low.
Traditional Uses: A. seeds are highly nutritious and
contain around 26% protein, 26% available carbohydrate,
32% fibre and 9% fat. The fat content is higher than most
legumes with the aril providing the bulk of fatty acids
present. These fatty acids are largely unsaturated. The
energy content is high in all species tested, averaging 1480
±270 kJ per 100g. The seeds are low glycaemic index
foods - the starch is digested and absorbed very slowly,
producing a small, but sustained rise in blood glucose
and so delaying the onset of exhaustion in prolonged
exercise. The bark of all A. species contains greater or
lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents
are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example.
they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery,
and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding.
Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to
treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids,
perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc.
101
Acacia raddiana
Photographed by Issam Barhoumi, Wikimedia Commons
102
Synonym: Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) Kyal.

& Boatwr.
Arabic Name: ‫فالحي‬
Family: Fabaceae
Hight; 12m - 21 m
Spread; 14m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; 0 °C
Description: Umbrella-shaped tree or big shrub, 2-4 meters

high, branching from base, young branches reddish-brown,
usually pubescent. Spines partly long, white, straight and
partly small, recurved, dark-tipped. Pinnae 2-10 pairs, leaflets
6-18 pairs. Flowers in globular heads, 4-7mm across, white
to pale-yellow. Fruits are clove coiled, glabrous or pubescent, Photographed by Claude Lemmel & Zahora Attioui, Wikimedia Commons
pale green to yellow when ripe, containing up to 10 seeds.
Flowering Time: March to April
Habitat: In wadis, salty depressions and oases and gardens.
Distribution: In UAE, it’s commonly found along wavy
hills, valleys and gravel plains of many areas of the country.
Salt tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerant up to 2000 ppm;
drought resistant.
Other Environmental tolerances: phreatophytic; wind
resistant; frost tolerant; full sun.
Irrigation: Low
Propagation: Fresh, scarified seed; self-propagating.
Traditional uses: Highly grazable, fuel and ornamental
tree. It is used as vermifuge, disinfectant, for dermatitis, skin
disorder, wounds, and for asthma. Photographed by Claude Lemmel & Zahora Attioui, Wikimedia Commons
Photographed by Issam Barhoumi, Wikimedia Commons
103
Acacia stenophylla
Photographed by Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons

104
Synonym: Acacia stenophylla var. linearis Maiden,

Racosperma stenophyllum (Benth.) Pedley
Family: Leguminosae
Height; 12-16m
Spread; 8-10m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness: -70 C.
Description: A. stenophylla is a med tree that extends to weeping
branchs and has a straight main trunk. This tree can reach 12m-16m
in size by 8m-10m in height, although it can take several years
to grow. The long, thin, dark green leaves of the branches look
like shoestrings. The creamy white flowers can be found in rod-
like clusters and can be found from fall to spring anytime. Thin,
woody seed pods can grow after blooming, but do not produce
excessive quantities of litter.
Flowering period: March to August
Habitat: Very widely distributed in inland arid areas, heavy soils
on plains and gentle slopes.
Distribution: Native to Australia, found in the Sahara, northern
Sahel, East Africa and Arabia.
Salt tolerance: High
Other Environmental Tolerances: Drought Tolerant, Sun
Tolerant: High, Wind Tolerant.
Irrigation: Low -Medium
Traditional Uses: The bark of all A. species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents
are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can
also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin
problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc. A. stenophylla is rarely utilised by cattle,
but it is palatable to sheep. Seeds and pods of A. stenophylla were roasted and used by Indigenous Australians as a food
source. It is cultivated by plant nurseries, and used in modernist gardens and in public landscapes in
Photographed by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons Photographed by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons
105
Albizia lebbeck
Photographed by Alexey Sergeev http://www.asergeev.com flora of Qatar

106
Synonym: Albizia lebbeck var. leucoxylon Hassk., Albizia lebbeck

var. parviflora Benth., Albizia lebbeck var. pubescens Haines.,
Albizia lebbeck var. rostrata Haines.
Arabic Name: ‫ ذقن الباشا‬،‫شجرة اللبخ‬
Family: leguminosae
Hight; 12m-25m
Spread; 12m-18m
Foliage; Deciduous
Hardness; 12Oc
Description: It is a tree growing to a height of 18–30 m tall with a
trunk 50 cm to 1 m in diameter. The leaves are bipinnate, 7.5–15 cm
long, with one to four pairs of pinnae, each pinna with 6–18 leaflets.
The flowers are white, with numerous 2.5–3.8 cm long stamens,
and very fragrant. The fruit is a pod 15–30 cm long and 2.5-5.0 cm
broad, containing six to twelve seeds. Flower is White, fragrant, heads
umbellate, from the upper leaf axils, solitary or fasciculate. Filaments
exerted, connate below into a short tube. Fruit is Pods 10 - 25 cm long,
3 - 5 cm broad, thin, flat, straight, straw - colored when old, glabrous
and shining.
Flowering period Oct – Mar
Habitat: Plants are able to succeed in most soil types, including saline,
but excluding cracking clays. Tolerates P.H up to 8.0. Cultivated, fast-
growing plant gives excellent shade in streets, gardens and parks.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai, Ajman and
Fujairah.
Salt tolerance: Highly Salt tolerant up to 6000 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances Water demanding; brittle branches, not wind resistant; frost tolerant, but may defoliate; sun
or shade, drought tolerant.
Irrigation: None – Low.
Propagation: Fresh scarified seed.
Traditional uses: Its uses include environmental management, forage, medicine and wood. In some countries it is cultivated as
a shade tree and to produce timber. It has been used in treatment of respiratory infection like bronchial asthma. Such usage help
to control frequency and intensity of the asthmatic attacks.
The wood dust may cause irritation to the nose and throat. The pods contain saponins and are readily eaten by cattle but not by
sheep.
107
Azadirachta indica
Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources
108
Synonym: Azadirachta indica var. minor Valeton

Arabic Name: ‫نيم‬
Family: Meliaceae
Hight; 15m-30m
Spread; 10m-20m
Foliage; Deciduous
Hardness; 60C
Description: Deciduous tree with hard wood, 3-8 meters high. Branches
leafy, form a dense crown, rounded shape. Leaves large, 1-3 pinnate, 20-
90cm long, leaflets 3-12, opposite to alternate, ovate-lanceolate, 2-5cm
long, serrate, hairy. Flowers in Branching axillary panicles. Calyx small,
5-6 lobed. Petals 5-6, free, oblong or obovate, whitish to purple colour.
Stamens many, united into a cylindrical tube. Fruit a small globose drupe.
Flowering Period: April to May.
Habitat: Cultivated. Widely grown in dry, hot and saline conditions.
Neem can grow in different types of soils, but it is thrives best in well drained deep and sandy soils. It is drought resistance.
Distribution: Very common in the UAE: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Neem can grow in different types of soils, but thrives
better in well drained deep and sand soily. It is drought resistant.
Salt Tolerance: Highly salt tolerant up to 6000 ppm; drought resistant for established plants.
Other Environmental tolerances: phreatophytic; hot. Salty winds cause defoliation; frost causes die-back; full sun.
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: Fresh seed, but slow to germinate.
Traditional uses: It is a shade ornamental tree with some medicinal uses to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, etc. It
is also used to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance
blood sugar levels. Leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose,
intestinal warms, stomach upset, and loss of appetite, skin ulcer, and
diseases of the heart, fever, diabetes, gingivitis and liver problems. The
leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortion.
Photographed by Kevinsooryan - Wikimedia Commons
109
Balanites aegyptiaca
Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources

110
Synonym: Balanites aegyptiaca var. aegyptiaca, Balanites

aegyptiaca var. indica Voigt, Balanites aegyptiaca var. roxburghii
(Planch.) Duthie
Arabic Name: ‫الهجليج‬
Family: Balanitaceae
Hight; 5 -10 m
Spread; 4 m
Foliage; evergreen
Hardness; 15 °C
Description: It is multibranched, spiny shrub or tree up to l0 m tall.
Crown spherical, in one or several distinct masses. Trunk short and
often branching from near the base. Bark dark brown to grey, deeply
fissured. Branches armed with stout yellow or green thorns up to 8 cm
long. Leaves with two separate leaflets; leaflets obovate, asymmetric,
2.5 to 6 cm long, bright green, leathery, with fine hairs when young.
Flowers in fascicles in the leaf axils, and are fragrant, yellowish-green.
Flowering Period: July to December.
Habitat: Desert plant also cultivated in nurseries or in salty places.
Distribution: Found in variety of habitats, growing low-lying level sites with deep sandy loam. Native to regions in South
East Africa, mainly Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is
a common plant species of the dry land areas of Africa and Asia. In Nigeria, it is found in abundant in the Northern region.
Salt Tolerance: Moderately salty tolerant.
Other Environmental tolerances: drought-tolerant, Frost resistant.
Irrigation: Low, None.
Propagation: by seeds.
Traditional uses: Ornamental uses, very useful plant for wood products, many medicinal uses. A strong fiber is obtained from
the bark. Desert date fruit is mixed into porridge and eaten by nursing mothers, and the oil is used for headache and to improve
lactation. It is used in the treatment of various ailments i.e. jaundice intestinal worms, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy, dysentery,
constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach ache, asthma and fever.
111
Conocarpus erectus
Photographed by Ali Hassan, Barari Natural Resources

112
Synonym: Conocarpus erectus var. arboreus DC.

Arabic Name: ‫الداماس‬
Family: Combretaceae
Approximate Numbers in Abu Dhabi Emirate:
(Conocarpus spp.) 972,090.
Hight; 20m
Spread; 8m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; -30C
Description: C. erectus is usually a dense multiple-trunked

shrub, 1–4 m (3.3–13.1 ft) tall, but can grow into a tree
up to 20 m (66 ft) or taller, with a trunk up to 1 m (3.3 ft)
in diameter. he bark is thick and has broad plates of thin
scales which are gray to brown. The twigs are brittle, and
angled or narrowly winged in cross-section. The leaves are
alternately arranged, simple and oblong, 2–7 cm (0.79–2.76 in) long (rarely to 10 cm or 3.9 in long) and 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18
in) broad, with a tapering tip and an entire margin. They are dark green and shiny on top, and paler with fine silky hairs
underneath, and have two salt glands at the base of each leaf.[5] The fruits are button-like (from which the common names
derive), 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) diameter, with no petals; they are produced in stalked panicles of 35-56 flowers. The fruit is
a cluster of red to brown, small scaly, two-winged cone-like seeds, 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) long. The seed heads burst when
ripe, and the seeds are dispersed by water.
Flowering Period: Throughout the year
Habitat: Succeed in moist soils, preferring one with light texture. Tolerate moderate levels of salt in the soil. Tolerate a ph
in the range 6.5-9.
It is generally found growing in brackish water in tidal lagoons and bays, but can grow in inland habitats.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Seen in Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah.
Salt tolerance: very high Salt tolerant up to 30000 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation vulnerable, stagnant water resistant,
Irrigation: medium.
Traditional uses: Considered a front line tree, the Green Buttonwood is tolerant to extreme exposure to salt. It can be used
for hedging and as a shade tree. Used in the treatment of anemia, cancer, fever, diarrhea and as astringent.
Photographed by Ali Hassan, Barari Natural Resources Photographed by Don Johnson, Inaturalst
113
Conocarpus lancifolius

114
Arabic Name: ‫دامس‬

Family: Combretaceae
Hight; 15m
Spread; 6m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; -60C
Description: An upright, medium-sized, evergreen tree, up

to 15 meters high, with many drooping branches glabrous
to sparsely appressed pilose when young. Leaves alternate,
oblong-lanceolate, entire, 3-7cm long, 12cm wide. Petiole
short, 1-2cm long. Flowers white or cream, in globose or
slightly elongated heads 5–6 mm in diam. on sericeous
peduncles; bracts triangular-acuminate, pubescent;
receptacle and sepals pubescent. Fruit c. 2.5 x 2.5 mm,
pubescent, without apical beak.
Flowering Period: spring
Habitat: Cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens,
roadsides and parks. Tolerates saline soil conditions. Highly Photographed by Ali Hassan, Barari Natural Resources
salt tolerant up to half seawater salinity.
Distribution: Common in the UAE. Seen in Al Ain, Dubai
and Sharjah.
Salt tolerance: very high Salt tolerant up to 30000 ppm.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Drought tolerance,
Urban climate resistant, Desiccation vulnerable, stagnant
water resistant.
Irrigation: medium.
Traditional uses: The leaves of conocarpus lancifolius have
antidiabetic effect. A gum obtained from the tree is used to
treat chest and bowel complaints. Very valuable landscaping
plant with high growth rate and lush foliage. A resin obtained
from the tree is used to treat chest and bowel complications.
Photographed by Alexey Sergeev, Flora of Qatar
115
Dalbergia sissoo
Photographed by Khalid Mahmood, Wikimedia Commons

116
Family: Fabaceae
Height; 10 m-25 m
Spread; 6 m-9 m
Foliage; semi-evergreen, deciduous
Hardness: -3°C
Description: Unarmed, large tree, with many grey-downy

branches and densely tomentose twigs. Stipules subulate, caducus.
Leaves imparipinnate; petioles 1-3cm long; leaflets 3-5 alternate,
roundish 1.5-5cm long, 1-4cm broad, acuminate above. Flowers
small, yellowish-white, numerous, in short axillary panicles with
racemose-corymbose branches, pedicels short. Bracts small,
caducus. Calyx tubular, teeth small, ciliate, unequal. Corolla often
twice as long as the calyx. Stamens 9. Stigma capitate. Fruit 2-5cm
long, 0.5-1.5cm broad, strap-shaped or samaroid, 1-4 seeded. Seed
reniform, brown.
Flowering period: Feb – May. Photographed by Forest & Kim, Wikimedia Commons
Habitat: Very widely planted in the salty plains along the roadsides
and fields and in forest plantations.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai and Umm al-
Qaiwain.
Salt tolerance: moderate (2000 ppm)
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate: vulnerable,
Dessication: resistant. Stagnant water: vulnerable
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: sowing and pricking out, cuttings
Toxicity: inedible
Traditional Uses: ornamental and timber plant, grazable, used in
folk medicine. Traditionally, slender tree twigs (called datun) are
first chewed as a toothbrush and then split as a tongue cleaner. This
practise has been in use in Pakistan, Africa, and the Middle East for
centuries. it is also used as fuel wood and for shade and shelter. An
ethanolic extract of the fruits of D. sissoo exhibited molluscicidal
effects against eggs of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi.
Photographed by Vinayaraj, Wikimedia Commons
Photographed by Vinayaraj, Wikimedia Commons
117
Faidherbia albida
118
Synonym: Acacia albida Delile, Acacia mossambicensis Bolle, Faidherbia

albida var. glabra Nongon., Faidherbia albida var. pseudoglabra Nongon.
Arabic Name: ‫حراز‬
Family: Fabaceae
Hight; 10 - 15 m
Spread; 8 – 10 m
Foliage; Deciduous
Hardness; 6°C
Description: A large thorny tree up to 20 m high and >2 m in diameter. Bole

forming up to 1/3 of height of tree. branchlets light grey, spiny only at nodes,
spines straight, up to 1 in. long; leaves pale and glaucous, bluish grey, glabrous
or pubescent. Leaflets oblong, up to 1 cm long, hairy, unequal at base. Flowers
are in yellow spikes 10–12.5 cm long. Fruits are bright yellowish green when
dry, up to 12–15 x 4 cm, slightly curved, ends rounded.
Flowering Period: Jan., Apr., Nov
Habitat: It grows in waterlogged soils along rivers, swamps, floodplains and dry river courses.
Distribution: In Asia it is thought to be native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Salt tolerance: Medium salinity
Other environmental Tolerances: drought-resistant, frost-resistant (up to 5 days per year), Full Sun.
Traditional uses: Wood is used for canoes, mortars, and pestles. Ashes of the wood are used in making soap and as a
depilatory and tanning agent for hides. The bark and roots are used as stringent, febrifuge, respiratory infections, digestive
disorders, haemorrhages, malaria and other fevers. The bark is used to clean the teeth as it is believed to contain Florence. An
extract is used to treat toothache.
Photographed by Bernard DUPONT, Wikimedia commons Photographed by Roger Culos, Wikimedia commons
119
Ficus benghalensis
Photographed by Forest & Kim Stagr, Wikimedia Commons

120
Synonym: Ficus benghalensis var. krishnae (C.DC.) Corner

Arabic Name: ‫تين بنغالى‬
Family: Moraceae
Hight; 10m-30m
Spread; 10m-18m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; -30C
Description: Grey bark with milky sap, rounded-head, evergreen

tree, 3-10 meters high, produces aerial roots from its branches,
which become secondary trunks. Leaves large, leathery, ovate
or elliptic, 10-20cm long, dark green with yellowgreen veins.
Male flowers smaller in size than the female ones. Fruits small,
globular, stalkless pairs, red, cherry-like.
Flowering Time: March – April
Habitat: Cultivated, it is ideal for parks, gardens roadsides and
large courtyards near sea. Grows well in full sun and has a very
long life.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai
and Fujairah.
Salt tolerance: high (5000 ppm)
Other Environmental tolerances: Urban climate resistant,
Desiccation vulnerable stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation: medium.
Propagation: Propagation is by softwood cuttings and air-
layering on branches. As an epiphyte, it starts life when the seeds
germinate in crevices between the branches of the host tree.
Traditional Uses: It is astringent to bowels; useful in treatment of biliousness, ulcers, erysipelas, vomiting, vaginal complains,
fever, inflammations, leprosy. According to Unani system of medicine, its latex is aphrodisiac, tonic, vulernary, maturant,
lessens inflammations; useful in piles, nose-diseases, gonorrhea etc. The aerial root is styptic, useful in syphilis, biliousness,
dysentery, inflammation of liver etc. It is planted for soil conservation. Timber is used for well-curbs, furniture etc. Suitable
for paper pulp. Leaf (Crude protein 9.63%) lopped for fodder Fruits are used to prepare Shurbut traditionally.
Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources Photographed by by Forest and Kim Starr, Wikimedia Commons
121
Leucaena leucocephal

122
Synonym: Leucaena blancii Ram. Goyena Leucaena

brachycarpa Urb., Leucaena collinsii subsp. Collinsii,
Mimosa leucocephala Lam.
Arabic Name: ‫لوسيانا‬
Family: Fabaceae
Hight; 4m-10m
Spread; 4m-7m
Foliage; Deciduous
Hardness; -30C
Description: Leucaena leucocephala is a shrub or small tree

usually growing 2-10 m tall, but occasionally reaching 15 m
or more in height. The leaves (up to 35 cm long) are twice-
compound (bipinnate) and have 3-10 pairs of branchlets
(pinnae). The flowers are borne in dense globular clusters, 2-6
cm long. Each of the small flowers has five tiny sepals (2-
2.5 mm long), five small greenish-white coloured petals (2-4
mm long), and ten prominent pale yellow or whitish coloured
stamens (6-10 mm long). The fruit are elongated (linear),
flattened, pods with a pointed tip (beaked apex). These pods
(8-22.5 cm long and 10-20 mm wide) are initially green in
colour, but turn brown or reddish-brown as they mature.
Flowering Period: September, October, November.
Habitat: Cultivated and grows in the warmer places, It
is found in open woodlands, gardens, parks, waste areas,
disturbed sites and on coastal foreshores and offshore islands.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai, Abu
Dhabi and Sharjah.
Salt tolerance: Modrate Salt tolerant up to 3000 ppm.
Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation: moderate.
Propagation: By seeds pre- soaked for 24 hours in warm
water.
Traditional uses: It is an ornamental and timber plant, highly
grazable. L. leucocephala is used for a variety of purposes,
such as firewood, fiber, and livestock fodder. It is cultivated
for its fodder and other important uses like hedge plant, green
nature, timber. It is effiant in nitrogen fixation. It is highly
invasive species.
123
Moringa oleifera
Photographed by Forest and Kim starr

124
Synonym: Guilandina moringa L., Hyperanthera moringa (L.) Vahl,

Moringa zeylanica Burmann
Arabic Name: ‫ بان زيتوني‬،‫شوع‬
Family: Moringaceae
Hight; 8m-10
Spread; 6m-8m
Foliage; Deciduous
Hardness; 30C
Description: M. oleifera is a fast-growing, deciduous tree. that can reach a

height of 10–12 m (32–40 ft) and trunk diameter of 45 cm (1.5 ft). The bark
has a whitish-grey colour and is surrounded by thick cork. Young shoots have
purplish or greenish-white, hairy bark. The tree has an open crown of drooping,
fragile branches and the leaves build up a feathery foliage of tripinnate leaves.
he flowers are fragrant and hermaphroditic, surrounded by five unequal, thinly
veined, yellowish-white petals. The flowers are about 1.0–1.5 cm (1/2”) long
and 2.0 cm (3/4”) broad. They grow on slender, hairy stalks in spreading
or drooping flower clusters which have a length of 10–25 cm. The fruit is a
hanging, three-sided brown capsule of 20–45 cm size which holds dark brown,
globular seeds with a diameter around 1 cm. The seeds
have three whitish papery wings and are dispersed by
wind and water.
Flowering Period: April and June.
Habitat: In sandy soils, steppic regions and salty wadis.
Mountains, wadis among rocks, on rocky slopes up to 850
meters in height and sometimes on nearly bare rock with a
strongly reduced root system.
Distribution: Common and widespread in the eastern and
northern mountains of the UAE. Also available in Dibba,
Al-Ain and Jebal Hafit ranges.
Salt tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerant up to 2000 ppm;
drought tolerant but may defoliate.
Other environmental Tolerances: Desiccation: vulnerable
Stagnant water : vulnerable.
Irrigation: Medium.
Propagation: direct sowing, sowing and pricking out,
cuttings, grafting.
Traditional uses: Moringa has been used for centuries
due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It
also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-
inflammatory properties. It contains a variety of proteins,
vitamins, and minerals.
Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, obesity, symptoms
of menopause, and many other conditions, but there is no
good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Oil from moringa seeds is used in foods, perfume, and hair
care products, and as a machine lubricant.
Photographed by Forest and Kim Starr
125
Parkinsonia aculeate
Photographed by Pavel Buršík https://www.biolib.cz/en
126
Synonym: Parkinsonia florida (A.Gray) S.Watson, Parkinsonia orientalis

Spreng., Parkinsonia texana (A.Gray) S.Watson
Arabic Name: ‫باركنسونيا‬
Family: Fabaceae
Height; 5 m-10 m
Spread; 5 m-10 m
Foliage; semi-evergreen
Hardness: -6°C
Description: P. aculeata may be a spiny shrub or a small tree. It grows 2 to 8 m

(6.6 to 26.2 ft) high, with a maximum height of 10 metres (33 ft). Palo verde may
have single or multiple stems and many branches with pendulous leaves. The
leaves and stems are hairless. The leaves are alternate and pennate (15 to 20 cm
long). The flattened petiole is edged by two rows of 25–30 tiny oval leaflets; the
leaflets are soon deciduous in dry weather (and during the winter in some areas)
leaving the green petioles and branches to photosynthesize.The branches grow
double or triple sharp spines 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) long at the axils of the
leaves. The flowers are yellow- orange and fragrant, 20 mm (0.79 in) in diameter,
growing from a long slender stalk in groups of eight to ten. They have five sepals
and five petals, four of them clearer and rhomboid ovate, the fifth elongated, with
a warmer yellow and purple spots at the base. The flowers are pollinated by bees.
The fruit is a seedpod, leathery in appearance, light brown when mature.
Flowering period: April - May
Habitat: sand dunes, clay, alkaline and chalky soils, etc.
Distribution: Native to United States and Argentina. It has been introduced in Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan and Spain.
Uncommon in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and R’as al-Khaimah.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Drought: tolerant, Urban climate: resistant, Desiccation: resistant, Stagnant water:
vulnerable
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: by seeds.
Traditional Uses: In Mexico, the leaves are steeped and made into medicine for fever and epilepsy. Leaf, fruit and stem
decoctions are taken orally and applied externally to treat fever, atony and malaria. The decoction is also said to be abortifacient.
Flower and leaf extractions in alcohol are applied as a poultice to treat rheumatism. The plant forms impenetrable hedges and
makes an effective windbreak.
Photographed by Brian Henderson, Flicker Photographed by Hectonichus, Wikimedia Commons
127
Pithecellobium dulce
128
Family: Fabaceae
Synonym: Pithecellobium littorale Record , Zygia dulcis (Roxb.)
Lyons, Acacia obliquifolia M.Martens & Galeotti , Inga javana
DC., Mimosa dulcis Roxb.
Arabic Name: ‫ غاف البحر‬،‫اللوز الهندي‬
Hight; 8m
Spread; 5m
Foliage; Evergreen, Simi-evergreen
Hardness; -30C
Description: Large dense, round-headed, prickly tree, 3-8 meters

high. Twigs somewhat flexuose, cortex grayish with bipinnate leaves.
Leaflets opposite, in 1-3 pairs, each lanceolate-oblong. Stipules
spinous. Inflorescence of axillary racemes or terminal. Flowers
small, white, in globular heads. Calyx tubular or campanulate, 4-5
toothed. Corolla tubular-campanulate, 4-5 lobed. Stamens very
numerous, fused below; filaments long, exerted. Style short. Pod
spirally twisted and contorted, 5-12cm long, brownish. Seeds small,
flat, shiny black.
Flowering Period: February.
Habitat: Succeeds in most soils. Can also grow in heavy clay soil,
poor soils or wastelands.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah and R’as al-Khaimah.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable.
Irrigation: Low or medium.
Propagation: By seeds which takes about 2 weeks to germinate. No pretreatment is required. Soaking actually reduces
germination and heating kills the seeds.
Traditional uses: The seed pods contain a sweet and sour pulp which is eaten raw. It is an ornamental tree. The leaves can
be used as a plaster to allay pain and can relief convulsions. The bark of the root is a good remedy for diarrhea and dysentery.
The bark is used as febrifuge. The fruit pulp is taken orally to stop bleeding in case of hemoptysis.
Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources Photographed by Anjitha, Wikimedia Commons
129
Senegalia modesta

130
Synonym: Acacia modesta

Family: Fabaceae
Hight; 5 – 7 m
Spread; 5-6 m
Foliage; deciduous
Hardness; -5°C
Description: is a small or medium sized deciduous tree, young shoot

hairless or nearly so. bark brownish or greenish grey, rough. Thorns are
in pairs, below the leaf-stalk, compressed, recurved, dark brown, shining,
4-5 mm long, sometimes thorns absent. Rachis is 1.2-5 cm long, with
a small gland near the base and sometimes one between the uppermost
pair of pinnae. Sidestalks are generally 2-3 pairs rarely 1, 1.2-2.5 cm
long, leaflets 3-5 pairs, stalked, stalks 1 mm long, lamina about 4-10 mm
long, about 3-7 mm broad, broadly ovate or obovate, oblique, obtuse,
glaucous, veins prominent. Flowers are borne in a stalked spike, about
3.7-7.5 cm long, stalk about 1.3-2.5 cm long. Flower-stalks are about 1
mm long. Calyx 1-1.5 mm long, broadly bell-shaped, hairless. Flowers
are about 2-2.5 mm long. Stamens are indefinite, filaments about 5 mm
long. Pods are stipitate, stipe about 5-6 mm long, pod proper about 5-7
cm long, 8-10 mm broad, thin, flat, straight, glabrous, apex deltoid,
mucronate, late splitting. Seeds are 3-5.
Flowering period: March – May
Habitat: it is found in waste places in dry soil and native to tropical and
subtropical regions.
Distribution: Common in UAE.
Salt tolerance: Medium Salinity
Other environmental tolerance: Full sun. Dry and shallow soils, drought tolerant.
Irrigation: Low.
Traditional uses: An ax is used to carve wounds in the stem in late summer; gum is collected in winter, then dried in sunlight
for 2-3 days, and stored in a glass or plastic bottle for further use. Leaves are used as fodder by goats and sheep. Wood is used
for making agricultural implements and tool handles. Young twigs are used as a miswak (toothbrush). Branches are used for
thatching and as firewood and hedges.
Photographed by Ali Hassan, Barari Natural Resources Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources
131
Senna artemisioides

132
Family: Fabaceae
Height; 3 m
Spread; 2-3m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; -6° C
Description: This is a shrub that grows up to 3 meters in height. It has

pinnate leaves with between 1 and 8 pairs of leaflets. It produces an
abundance of Sulfur yellow flowers which are about 1.5 cm in diameter,
followed by 2 to 7 cm long flat green pods which age to dark brown.
Fruits are an ugly green then brown bean pod. Propagation can be done
by seed as well as by stem cuttings.
Flowering Time: Winter/Spring.
Habitat: It is particularly suited to drier areas as long as it is given full
sun and good drainage. It is drought as well as salt tolerant plant.
Distribution: In the gardens and parks in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain.
Salt tolerant: High salinity
Other environmental tolerances: full sun, drainage, Suitable for dry
areas.
Irrigation: Low
Traditional uses: Ornamental plant, suitable for areas of low Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources
maintenance. It can be used as a barrier, windbreak and soil control.
Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources Photographed by Asima Bibi, Barari Natural Resources
133
Sesbania sesban
Photographed by Photographed by Forest and Kim Starr, Starrenvironmental

134
Synonym: Sesbania sesban var. concolor (Wight & Arn.) Baquar

Arabic Name: ‫سايسبان‬
Family: Fabaceae
Height; 2 m-8 m
Spread; 1.5 m-6 m
Foliage; deciduous
Hardness: 0°C
Description: S. sesban (L.) Merr. is a fast-growing, perennial legume

tree, reaching a height of up to 8 m. It has a shallow root system and its
stems may reach 12 cm in diameter. Leaves are pinnately compound with
6 to 27 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets are linear oblong, 26 mm long x 5 mm
broad. Inflorescences are 30 cm long racemes bearing 2 to 20 yellow
flowers with purple or brown streaks. Fruits are linear or slightly curved
pods up to 30 cm long. Pods contain 10 to 50 seeds.
Flowering period: April - June
Habitat. S. sesban grows in a sandy roadside habitat close to a wide
sandy plain. It is noticed that this site generally receives some irrigation
water from Dubai municipality to maintain the roadside landscape plants.
Distribution: S. was recorded with more than hundred individuals
growing in Wadi Al-Ain.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate: vulnerable, Desiccation: resistant, Stagnant water: resistant.
Irrigation: low
Propagation: sowing and pricking out
Traditional Uses: S.Sesban is used as forage (grazed or cut-and-carried), and as green manure. It provides good quality
firewood and fibre for cordage. Leaves, flowers and seeds are eaten by humans (the seeds as famine food). In Nigeria, a
decoction of the leaves is used for ethno-veterinary purpose by the Hausa people, who wash animals with it to prevent bites
by tsetse flies. S. Sesban is a N-fixing shrub suitable as a soil improver. It provides green manure and its leaves produce rich
compost. S. Sesban is a good windbreaker and provides shade and support for other plant species. In China, it has been used
for the reclamation of saline soils. S.sesban is a nitrogen-fixing tree and may be useful in alley cropping.
Photographed by Dinesh Valke Wikimedia Commons Photographed by Dinesh Valke Wikimedia Commons
135
Simmondsia Chinensis

136
Arabic Name: ‫جوجوبا‬

Family: Simmondsiaceae
Height; 1-3
Spread; 1-2
Foliage; evergreen
Hardness: −6 °C
Description: S. chinensis, or jojoba, typically grows to 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6

ft) tall, with a broad, dense crown, but there have been reports of plants
as tall as 3 meters (9.8 ft).[3] The leaves are opposite, oval in shape, 2–4
centimeters (0.79–1.57 in) long and 1.5–3 centimeters (0.59–1.18 in) broad,
thick, waxy, and glaucous gray-green in color. The flowers are small and
greenish-yellow, with 5–6 sepals and no petals.
Flowering period: March to May.
Habitat: Rocky or sandy, barren soils, sandy or gravelly soils.
Distribution: There are reports that it has been planted in Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Egypt, Haiti, Israel, Paraguay, Rhodesia, the Sahel, and South Africa.
Salt tolerance: High Salinity
Other Environmental Tolerances: high-temperature, esertification, soil degradation, drought resistant.
Irrigation: Low.
Traditional Uses: Jojoba foliage provides year-round food for many animals, including deer, javelina, bighorn sheep, and
livestock. Its nuts are eaten by squirrels, rabbits, other rodents, and larger birds. Only Bailey’s pocket mouse, however, is known
to be able to digest the wax found inside the jojoba nut. In large quantities, jojoba seed meal is toxic to many mammals, later this
effect was found to be due to simmondsin, which inhibits hunger. The indigestible wax acts as a laxative in humans.
For centuries, the seed of jojoba has been eaten raw or parched and was made into a well-flavoured drink similar to coffee.
However, its main product now is a liquid wax obtained from the seed. The wax, usually referred to as jojoba oil, and many of its
derivatives are widely used in making cosmetics such as hair and skin care products, bath oils, soaps and ointments. In medicine,
it is applied to alleviate the effects of psoriasis and other skin afflictions. Jojoba wax and especially its sulphur-containing
derivatives are stable at high temperatures which make them very suitable components of industrial oils and excellent substitutes
for sperm whale oil as additives in high-pressure and high-temperature lubricants for transformers and gear systems and in metal
working as cutting and drawing oils. The liquid wax can easily be converted to a hard wax used e.g. in manufacturing candles.
Like sperm whale oil, jojoba oil has anti-foaming properties that can be used in the production of penicillin. Other applications
have been found in the manufacture of linoleum and printing inks. New derivatives and uses of jojoba wax are still being
developed.
Photographed by David J. Stang, Wikimedia Commons
137
Tamarindus indica
Photographed by Thamizhapparithi Maari, Wikimedia Commons

138
Synonym: Tamarindus occidentalis Gaertn., Tamarindus officinalis

Hook., Tamarindus umbrosa Salisb.
Arabic Name: ‫تمر هندي‬
Family; Fabaceae
Hight; 10m-25m
Spread; 8m-15m
Foliage; Evergreen
Hardness; 30 C
Description: The tamarind is a long-lived, medium-growth tree,

which attains a maximum crown height of 12 to 18 metres (39 to 59
ft). The crown has an irregular, vase-shaped outline of dense foliage.
The evergreen leaves are alternately arranged and pinnately lobed.
The leaflets are bright green, elliptic-ovular, pinnately veined, and less
than 5 cm (2.0 in) in length.Flowers are 2.5 cm wide (one inch), five-
petalled, borne in small racemes, and yellow with orange or red streaks.
The fruit is an indehiscent legume, sometimes called a pod, 12 to 15 cm
(4.7 to 5.9 in) in length, with a hard, brown shell.
Flowering Time: Spring.
Habitat: The plant succeed in a range of soils, though they prefer
fertile soil and sandy soil, Cultivated in gardens, parks, roadsides near
sea beaches, tolerates saline conditions.
Distribution: Common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai and Bani Yas.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Urban climate resistant, Desiccation resistant, stagnant water vulnerable
Irrigation: High.
Propagation: By seeds. Pre-soaked the seeds for 24 hours in warm water. About 90% germination is achieved in 40- 50 days.
Traditional uses: The bark may be used to relieve sores, ulcers, bolus. It may also use as a decoction against asthma and
amenorrhea and as febrifuge. Young leaves are used for rheumatism, applied to sores and wounds. The tamarind tree produces
pod-like fruit that contains an edible pulp used in cuisines around the world.
139
Vachellia seyal
Photographed by Marco Schmidt, Inaturalist

140
Synonym: Acacia seyal

Arabic Name: ‫طلح‬
Family: Fabaceae
Hight; 6 - 10m
Spread; 3 – 10 m
Foliage; Semi-evergreen
Hardness; -30C
Description: It is a deciduous, prickly, small to medium sized shrub or tree. It

reaches a height of 17 m after 8-10 years. The trunk is 20-60 cm in diameter,
covered by a rust-coloured powdery bark. he leaves are dark green, bipinnate
with 3-7 pinnae which bear 11-20 pairs of leaflets.Flowers are bright yellow,
fragrant-spicy scented or sweet smelling. Fruits are 6-10 seeded curved pods,
7-20 cm long
Flowering Period: April to November
Habitat: Can be found in sand and gravel valleys, the slopes of the mountains
at a medium altitude or silty soil. They are commonly found and widespread in the eastern parts of UAE & Hafeet Mountain.
Distribution: In UAE, it’s commonly found along wavy hills, valleys and gravel plains of many areas of the country.
Salt tolerant: It can grow without water due to the depth of its roots. It also possesses a medium level of salt tolerance.
Other Environmental tolerances: wind resistant; full sun.
Propagation: Fresh scarified seed.
Traditional uses: It is important source of gum Arabic. The bark
is used to tract dysentery and bacterial infections of the skin, such
as leprosy. The bark is also used as stimulant. The gum is used as
aphrodisiac, to treat diarrhea, as an emollient to treat hemorrhaging,
intestinal ailments and rhinitis. Incense from the wood is used
to treat pain from rheumatism. Good source of feed for animals,
as it enhances the production of milk, especially in semi-dry
areas. It provides a valuable source of protein and energy during
drought when all other feed is absent. Branches are a rich source
of nutrients as they contain 38% of raw protein and phosphorus
and the calories needed to provide livestock with energy. Acacias
protect soil from erosion and combat desertification. A. wood is
used to manufacture the finest coal.
Photographed by Susan Brown, https://identify.plantnet.org/lewa/observations
141
Vachellia farnesiana

142
Synonym: Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd

Arabic Name: ‫ فتنته‬،‫عنبر‬
Hight; 4 m-6m
Hardness; -60C
Spread; 6m-8m
Foliage; Simi evergreen; evergreen
Family: leguminosae
Description: Small tree, 1.5-3 meters high. Branches slightly

zigzag, glabrous, cortex brownish to purplish. Stipules
spinescent, divergent, in pairs. Pinnae 2-8 pairs; leaflets in
10-20 pairs, oblong, acute, sessile. Flowers fragrant, yellow,
in globular heads on axillary peduncles, 15-25cm long. Calyx
tubular-campanulate, 5-dentate. Corolla and filaments yellow.
Pod 3-6cm long, 1-1.5cm broad, slightly curved, turgid,
glabrous, dark brown. Seeds oblong-ovate.
Flowering period March to May.
Habitat: Prefers a light sandy loam sand. Cultivated in garden or sometimes escaped, in salty places.
Distribution: Very common in the UAE: Al Ain, Dubai, Giathy and R’as al-Khaimah.
Salt tolerance: Very high Salt tolerant up to 9000ppm; drought tolerant,
Other Environmental tolerances: phreatophytic; wind resistant; frost tolerant; best in full sun.
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: Stored seed should be scarified, pre-soaked for hours in warm water and then sown. The seds germination in
3-4 weeks.
Traditional uses: A low-quality gum obtained from the plant is used to prepare sweets. It is used in the treatment of sore
throats, diarrhea, leucorrhoea, conjunctivitis, and metrorrhagia.
The foliage is a significant source of forage in much of its rang, with a
reported protein content of around 18%.
143
Ziziphus mauritiana

144
Synonym: Ziziphus mauritiana var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex

A. Rich.) Fiori
Arabic Name: ‫نبق كبير‬
Family: Rhamnaceae
Height; 3 to 15 m
Spread; 3 to 12 m
Foliage; evergreen
Hardness: -5°C
Description: Ziziphus mauritiana is a spiny, evergreen shrub or

small tree up to 15 m high, with trunk 40 cm or more in diameter;
spreading crown; stipular spines and many drooping branches. The
fruit is of variable shape and size. It can be oval, obovate, oblong
or round, and can be 1-2.5 in (2.5-6.25 cm) long, depending on the
variety. The flesh is white and crisp. When slightly underipe, this fruit is a bit juicy and has a pleasant aroma. The fruit’s skin is
smooth, glossy, thin but tight.
Flowering period: July to September
Habitat: deep sandy loam to loamy soils
Distribution: Z. mauritiana is found, either wild or naturalized, throughout the arid and semi-arid tracts of India and Pakistan. It is
now widely naturalized throughout the Old World tropics from Southern Africa through the Middle East to the Indian Subcontinent
and China, Indo malaya, and into Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
Salt tolerance: Medium Salinity.
Other Environmental Tolerances: Drought tolerant, Aerosol salt Tolerant.
Irrigation: Low.
Propagation: by seeds, seedlings, direct sowing, root suckers as well as by cuttings.
Traditional Uses: The fruit is eaten raw, pickled or used in beverages. It is quite nutritious and rich in vitamin C. It is second only to
guava and much higher than citrus or apples. The leaves are readily eaten by camels, cattle and goats and are considered nutritious.
The flowers are rated as a minor source of nectar for honeybees. The honey is light and of fair flavor. The fruits are applied on cuts
and ulcers; are employed in pulmonary ailments and fevers; and, mixed with salt and chili peppers, are given in indigestion and
biliousness. The dried ripe fruit is a mild laxative. The seeds are sedative and are taken, sometimes with buttermilk, to halt nausea,
vomiting, and abdominal pains in pregnancy. They check diarrhea, and are poulticed on wounds. Mixed with oil, they are rubbed on
rheumatic areas. The leaves are applied as poultices and are helpful in liver troubles, asthma and fever and, together with catechu, are
administered when an astringent is needed, as on wounds. The bitter, astringent bark decoction is taken to halt diarrhea and dysentery
and relieve gingivitis. The bark paste is applied on sores. The root is purgative. A root decoction is given as a febrifuge, taenicide and
emmenagogue, and the powdered root is dusted on wounds. Juice of the root bark is said to alleviate gout and rheumatism. Strong
doses of the bark or root may be toxic. An infusion of the flowers serves as an eye lotion.
145
146
147
Trees in the Abu Dhabi Emirate
according to Barari Natural Resources Statistics
Salvadora percica 3894796

prosopis cineraria 4225149
ziziphus spina-christi 1361642
Acacia tortilis 638183
Conocarpus 751295
Acacia raddiana 549712
Acacia ehrenbergiana 107896
Acacia seyal 116720
Prosopis juliflora 308376
Falahi 94336
Calligonum 16391
Tamarix 99482
Balanites aegyptiaca 15350
Fruits trees 5199
Phoenix dactylifera 319003
Others 327152
Total 12,830,682
148
References
1. Salt-tolerant plants of the United Arab Emirates Karim FM and Dakheel AG,. 2006.
International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, Dubai, UAE.
2. Encyclopedia of plants used in the Traditional Medicine of the United Arab Emirates,
Ahmed K. Bashir and Faizan Mahmood, 2021.
3. The Comprehensive Guide to the Wild Flowers of the United Arab Emirates, Marycke
Jongbloed, Gary Feulner, Benno Berand and A. Rob Western, 2003.
4. Comprehensive guide to the threatened plants of the Gulf Council Countries, Ahmed K.
Bashir, Gamal El Ghazali, 2015.
5. Manual of Arriyadh, Plants High Commsion for the development of Arriyadh, 2014.
6. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, https://www.wikipedia.org/
7. Useful Tropical Plants, https://tropical.theferns.info/
8. Plants For A Future, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx
9. Feedipedia Animal feed resources information system https://www.feedipedia.org/
node/357
10. Flora of the United Arab Emirates: An Introduction, Western AR, 1989.
11. Landscaping with native plants in the UAE: A review, Hasnain Alam1, Jabar Zaman
Khan Khattak, Shaijal Babu Thru Ppoyil, Shyam Kurup and Taoufik Saleh Ksiks, 2017.
12. Dubai desert conservation reserve https://www.ddcr.org/en/index.aspx
13. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/357
14. A.R Western, The Flora of the United Arab Emirates an Introduction, 1989, Ficus carica
149

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Comprehensive Guide of The Trees of The United Arab Emirates

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Comprehensive guide of the trees

of the United Arab Emirates

Ahmed Khider Bashir

Published by Barari Natural Resources

Copyright 2022 Barari Natural Resources

A special thanks to those who gave us permission to use their images. My

Ahmed Abudul Jalil Al-Baluki

whole shoots to eliminate accumulated salts

Plants that utilize this mechanism must increase their

This book is intended to cover only native plants,

Photographed by Jacky Judas

Synonym: Anomalopterys orientalis (A.Juss.) Kuntze.

Description: A. orientalis is perennial, small shrub, stems much-branched,

Photographed by Jacky Judas Distribution of Acridocarpus orientalis

Photographed by: PxHere

Photographed by Jermyo R. Rolfe - New Zealand Plant Conservation

Synonym: Prunus arabica (Olivier) Meikle .

Description: Amygdalus arabica (Arabian almond) is a shrub or tree, erect,

Flowering Period: January to April.

Photographed by: PxHere Distribution of Amygdalus arabica (Oliv.) Meikle

Amygdalus arabica (Oliv.)

Photographed by John Sawyer, New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Photographed by Jermyo R. Rolfe - New Zealand Plant Conservation

Synonym: Avicennia alba Blume,. Avicennia intermedia

Description: A. marina (Mangrove, Grey Mangrove, White

Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources

Synonym: Calligonum comosum var. turkestanicum Korovin.

Description: Woody, deciduous shrub, 50-150cm high, much branched,

Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Distribution of Calligonum comosum

Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources

Synonym: Calligonum crinitum subsp. arabicum (Soskov) Soskov.

Description: Large shrub, 50-180cm high, with stout, coiled, grey-

Habitat: Sand, sand dunes and salty places.

Photographed by Asima Bibi - Barrari Natural Resources Distribution of Calligonum crinitum

Photographed by Anthere Wikimedia commons

Synonym: Asclepias gigantean Jacq., Asclepias patula Decne., Asclepias

Photographed by Andrea Moro, http.luirig.altervista.org Photographed by Andrea Moro, httpluirig.altervista.org

Synonym: Bourreria glabra G.Don, Cordia ixiocarpa F.Muell., Cordia

Photographed by Ethel Aardvark Wikimedia commons

Synonym: Cordia angustifolia Roxb. Cordia cuneata B.Heyne

Distribution of Cordia sinensis

Synonym: Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia (L.f.) Benth.,

Description: D. viscosa is a shrub growing plant with erected

Photographed by MRc toptrpicals.com Distribution of Dodonaea viscosa

Photographed by Luis Fernández García, Wikimedia Commons

Synonym: Ficus carica var. afghanica Popov., Ficus carica

Description: Small mountain tree to 6 m, with short, smooth,

Photographed by Piotr Frydecki, Wikimedia Commons Distribution of Ficus carica

Photographed by JonRichfield Wikimedia commons

Synonym: Ficus cordata Kunth & C.D.Bouché .

Description: Medium-sized to large, spreading, densely branched, slow-

Photographed by Loki - Schmidt - Garten Hamburg (Deutschland)

Synonym: Ficus johannis var. laciniata Boiss.

Description: Large shrubs or small trees, up to 8 m

Photographed by Jacy Judas

Synonym: Plocama aucheri (Guill.) M.Backlund &

Description: G. aucheri is perennial, woody, stiff stems,

Photographed by Tim Harrison

Synonym: Plocama aucheri (Guill.) M.Backlund

Description: G. erythraea (white cross-berry) is

Photographed by Helen Pickering http://powo.science.kew.org Distribution of Grewia erythraea

Photographed by Tim Harrison GES 127949-proc

Synonym: Grewia tenxa (Forssk.) Fiori, Grewia tenxa var.