On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity I wish to share about Ghaf Tree (which scientific name is Prosopis Cineraria)  in UAE. An indigenous species, specifically of the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, the Ghaf is a drought – tolerant, evergreen tree which is, possibly, the sturdiest plant of the harsh desert environment In the UAE, it can be seen growing on low sand dunes, undulating sand sheets and along margins of gravel plains mostly in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

The presence of Ghaf in an area indicates that there is water underground. The tree taps water stored deep in the sand, its roots penetrating as deep as 30 meters to access it. Thus, Ghaf is able to withstand very low rainfall and still stay green. How long it can survive if groundwater itself gets exhausted, is yet to be determined.

It has many medicinal qualities. Ghaf flower is pounded, mixed with sugar and used during pregnancy as safeguard against miscarriage. Water-soluble extract of the residue from methanol extract of the stem bark exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

Ghaf plant produces gum, which is obtained during May and June. The bark of the tree is dry, acrid, bitter with a sharp taste cooling anthelmintic tonic, cures leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, leukoderma, hemorrhoids and muscle tremors. The smoke of the leaves is good for eye troubles. The fruit is dry and hot, with a flavor, indigestible, causes biliousness, and destroys the nails and the hair. The pod is considered astringent in Punjab. The bark is used as a remedy for rheumatism, cough, the common cold, asthma, and scorpion stings. The plant is recommended for the treatment of snakebite.

To summarize, due to its many qualities, I strongly recommend intensive planting of this tree in UAE. The seeds of this tree germinate in this season only. I was fortunate enough to attend the annual seeding season collection. Ghaf tree sheds many seedlings & one out of thousands germinates.

The pics are attached. I was accompanied by Arushi Madan.

Thanks for reading.