Renewable Natural Resources
Renewable natural resources are those that can be recycled, reproduced or regenerated. These include crops, wild plants, animals, water, air, etc. Centuries of intensive human use, settlements and other land clearings for various developments have greatly changed the original landscape and thereby destroyed our natural resource base to a great extent. Moreover, the unsustainable use of the world’s natural resources, not only to meet the increasing demand but also to quench his greed, is also depleting the biological resources at an alarming rate. As per the current estimates, the world population has crossed the mark of 6 billion; and is expected to be doubled in less than 50 years. Unless population is controlled and sound resource management policy is implemented throughout the world, majority of human beings below the poverty line, particularly in the third world, will face a difficult life in the coming decades.
The population growth rate of Saudi Arabia is one of the highest in the world. As per the current circumstances, the existing population of 20 million is expected to be doubled by 2040. The rapid growths of human population and economy of the oil rich countries in the Arabian Peninsula and particularly of Saudi Arabia during the last three decades are projected to continue in the coming years. This growth has accelerated and often put pressure on the Kingdom’s renewable resource base. Since large tracts of vegetation rich areas are to be transformed for meeting the increasing demands of the industrial and agriculture sectors and for the urban development, the small remaining pockets of natural area are vital for future developments. The following paragraphs depict the current status of the wild plant heritage of Saudi Arabia and portray some of the untapped economically important plants.
Although Saudi Arabia is a large country, covering an area of 2, 250,000 sq km, the floristic elements are limited to a few thousands, in contrast to the rich floras of East African, West Asian and Mediterranean countries. Yet, the prevailing hospitable climate and topography of some parts of the Arabian Peninsula have indeed allowed the entry of many plants from neighbouring countries. However, populations of most of these wild plants on the Peninsular side are in a highly degraded state due to a number of reasons such as the unpredictable climate, lack of sufficient precipitation, meager regeneration, overgrazing, poor agricultural practices, unsustainable gathering of fuel wood, etc. Recent estimates show that Saudi Arabia contains about 2243 species in 142 families, of which 20% of plants are endangered, about 25% are rare and about 2% are endemic.
Ever since the beginning of civilization, the basic needs required by man like food, clothing and shelter are fulfilled by plants. Economically important plants of Saudi Arabia are very few. Nevertheless, each plant we see around us contains some form of chemical compounds which could be used for the manufacture of some products. Bedouins, the nomadic community of Saudi Arabia, are basically farmers and known for their hardiness and endurance are the real sons of the desert. They are will acquainted with the extremes of the arid land life. For existence and necessity, these nomadic communities had to move from place to place for better pasture land for their herd and to avoid the extreme climate. During such constant movements they were forced to use the natural resources which were available around their dwelling places. But the use of these plants were localized and restricted. The value of one plant in an area largely depends on the skills or culture of the tribal people. A plant used for medicinal or food in one region does not have the same effect or perhaps believed even poisonous in another region. According to one survey conducted on Saudi plants, 98 of them were used or considered edible by Bedouins. Out of these only a few plants such as Malva parviflora, Eruca sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Corchorus olitorius, Lactuca saligna etc. are widely used in these days. Edibility of certain plants such as Tripleurospermum auriculatum, Rumex vesicarius, etc., is also well known to many people. There are only a few plants which can be eaten whole, either raw or cooked, whereas in most other plants the edible part is either root (Emex spinosa, Scorzonera papposa, Orobanche cernua), stem( Foeniculum vulgare, Sisymbrium irio) or leaves (Launaea nudicaulis, Scorzonera papposa).
There is another group of plants which is also important to nomadic communites. Acacia gerrardii, Ziziphus spina-christi, Tamarix aphylla, Maerua crassifolia, Acacia raddiana, Juniperus procera etc. were very prominent for the construction of traditional mud houses and tents. Wood of most of these plants are very hard, durable and resistant to termites and water. People used to collect a kind of gum from A. Seyal for confectionery and for the manufacture of ink. Salvadora persica is another important plant whose value is widely accepted throughout the world. The compounds present in the wood and root of this plant are acting as a dentrifice and mouth cleanser. A few tooth pastes containing these compounds are also marketed under the trade names, “Meswak” and “Fluroswak”. The resins obtained from species such as Commiphora erythraea, C. kataf, C. myrrha, etc. were a major source of “bdellillium” for the manufacture of perfumes. Acacia spp., Haloxylon persicum, Calligonum comosum, Juniperus spp., Ziziphus spina-christi, Maerua crassifolia, etc. are well known throughout Arabia for their excellent, long and clear burning firewood.
In ancient times, Bedouins used various types herbal plants for curing many ailments. Traditional use of these herbal medicines are still in use at least in some quarters. Artemisia sieberi, Rhus tripatrita (cough), Citrullus colocynthis, Senna italica (Digestive disorders); Cynomorium coccineum, Artemisia judaica (Colic); Capparis spinosa, Peganum harmala, Ochradenus baccatus (Aches in joints, limbs); Anastatica heirochuntica (to ease the pain of delivery) etc. are some of the common medicinal plants used by ‘Bedouins’ in Saudi Arabia.
Rangelands constitute about 70-80% of the total area of Saudi Arabia. These areas are important for the grazing of wild and domesticated herds. Important pasture plants of the Kingdom’s range lands include Acacia spp., Anabasis setifera, A. articulata, Artemisia sieberi, Astagalus spinosa, Acacia spp. Haloxylon salicornicum , Rhanterium epapposum, Indigofera spinosa, etc.
All most all plants are useful in one way or the other. The Bedouins utilize wild plants for producing medicines, oils, etc, some of which are essential to their daily existence. The management and utilization of these relatively meagre plant resources of the deserts are one of the impressive aspects of the nomadic communities’ life in the past few decades.
The ethenobotanical resources of Saudi Arabia can be broadly classified into fibre yielding plants, oil-producing plants, timber plants, edible plants and medicinal plants. Juniperus, Prosopis, Tamarix, Ziziphus, etc. were a good source of timber for construction. The use of Salvadora persica roots as tooth-brush, Myrrh from Commiphora, Henna from Lawsonia inermis, etc. is common even in these days. Reeds such as Phragmites, Typha, Scirpus are still being used more making baskets, mats, etc., although to keep the tradition alive. Pillows have been made from the inflorescence of Typha, Sacharum, Aerva javanica and mats from the fibres of Sansevieria, Dracaena, etc.
Not less than 319 species have been identified in the past decades which have been widely used in Saudi folk medicine. Various essential oils were extracted from species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Species such as Anastatica hierochuntica, Matricaria aurea, Lawsonia inermis, Mentha spp. Calligonum comosum, Teucrium polium, Withania somnifera, Anagyris foetida, Senna alexandrina, etc. are good sources of medicines for treating various ailments. Scientists have reported the presence of linalool in Lavandula pubescens. It also contains small amount of camphor and large amounts of sesquiterpenes. Microbiological screening also revealed that the oil was active against many microorganisms. Achillea fragrantissima, a common plant in the central raudhas and northern parts, contains unsaturated fatty acids, giving the characteristic odour. The content of the lipids in the aerial tops is appreciable and may be of economical significance. Analysis on Horwoodia dicksoniae also proved to contain high percentage of volatile oils, which makes the species one of the rare aromatic plants of Brassicaceae. Plectranthus tenuiflorus, Cleome chrysantha, Rosa abyssinica, Artemisia spp. Lavandula dentata and a considerable number of flowers of various plants also contain various types of volatile oils which could be used in perfume or pharmaceutical industries. Moringa peregrina, a tree species in the northwestern Hijaz Mountains is a good source of oil, which could be used as a medicine or as an edible oil.
A significant number of wild plants are remarkable for their variety and beauty. Gynandrissisyrinchium (Iridaceae), Pancratium tortuosum, Crinum album, Scadoxus multiflorus (Amaryllidaceae), Anthemis deserti, Centaurothamnus maximus (Asteraceae), Delonix elata, Cadia purpurea (Fabaceae) and a number of other species belonging to Aloe, Caralluma, Duvalia, Euphorbia, Klenia, etc are elegant plants with colourful foliage or flowers.
As many as 98 wild species are reported edible and are eaten in one way or the other. Amaranthus viridis, Rumex vesicarius, Corchorus olitorius, Portulaca oleracea, Lactuca spp., Eruca sativa, Malva parviflora, etc some of the important plants of which the fresh leaves are eaten.
Some of the economically important plants of Saudi Arabia
Leaves of Hyphaene thebaica, when they are green and fresh, are used to make baskets, mates, etc. The fibre obtained from its leaves was of great value in the past. The baskets and mats made from leaves of this palm were believed to be long lasting, than the baskets made with the leaves of Date palm. Although not as popular as before, the items made from Hyphaene thebaica can still be seen in the markets in and around Jizan. The outer layer of the unripe, green fruit is edible which children of the Tihama region often eat.
The fruits of Ziziphus spina-christi are edible and are a crucial source of nourishment in the past. People engaged in honey production widely cultivate these trees in their premises, as it is important bee forage. Its foliage is also browsed by livestock during extreme dry season. The powdered leaves of this tree have been widely used as a hair wash in Eastern Saudi Arabia and elsewhere and have been considered very effective in strengthening the hair roots and softening hair. The wood was one of the important timbers in the past for the construction of houses and for the manufacture of utensils. Elsewhere in Arabia, remedies prepared from the leaves were prescribed for the removal of impurities from the intestines and were said to be effective for the skin.
Avicennia marina, a popular mangrove tree seen along the Red Sea coast and Arabian Gulf coast, grows in dense stands in many parts of coastal region, particularly in the southern Tihama and Farasan Islands. It is one of the ecologically important and highly productive littoral biotopes. Mangrove trees grow in extremely hostile conditions such as high salinity formed soils. They not only safeguard the land from erosion but also create more land by gradually pushing the sea back. Besides land protection, the habitat of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata present in the Farasan Islands are important because it provides breeding and nursery grounds for a variety of organisms. Many terrestrial and aquatic animals find refuge under these trees. The pneumatothods that stand erect above the water are an ideal site for the breeding of a number of fish, particularly of crabs, shrimps and prawns. It is also believed that Avicennia marina is known for its capacity to remove pollutants from water.
Dracaena ombet, though not as popular as D. cinnabari of Socotran island and D. draco of Canary Islands, is also important for the local community. Apart from the resin of this plant, the fibre extracted from the leaves is also used to make ropes and threads. Its trunks were also used for making beehives.
Moringa peregrina is a deciduous trees with pendulous branches. Fruit is a 30 cm long capsule. Oil obtained from its pods is being used by local people for cooking or for burning. In other countries, extraction from the pods is being used in perfumery, and to treat ailments of stomach, leprosy, pustules on the face and for the relief of itching.
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial climber with succulent quadrangular stem and 3-lobed serrate leaves. Livestock browse the new leaves and growing shoots when hungry but the attractive berries, which look so tempting and succulent, are not edible. In Oman, the plant was allowed to grow up and over the roofs of houses and animal shelters in order to have a firm matting cover above the grass thatching.
Pandanus odoratissimus is a large shrub with sword-like leaves. Trunks and branches often with stilt (aerial) roots. Leaves thick, toothed, more than a meter long. It is cultivated in many parts of southwestern region, mainly in the premises of houses. The inflorescence is very aromatic and is being sold in the market. In other countries, where it is cultivated commercially, oil is obtained from male flowers.
A. Medicinal plants
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. Euphorbiaceae
An extract of leaves is used for treating bee stings.
Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae
Crushed roots are used on scorpion bites to ease irritation.
Achillea biebersteinii Afan. Compositae
An infusion form its leaves is used for the treatment of itching.
Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. Apocynaceae
Its sap is used for treating dislocations, painful joints, swellings etc.
Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schults Amaranthaceae
A paste made from its inflorescence is used for treating bruises.
Ambrosia maritima L. Compositae
Plant extract is used to relieve spasms.
Anastatica heirochuntica L. Crucifereae
A solution of dried plant and water is used by women to ease childbirth.
Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) DC. Boraginaceae
A solution obtained from boiling the whole plant in water is taken as tea to relieve fever.
Artemisia sieberi Besser Compositae
The whole plant is used as a smoke inhalant to treat various diseases. Leaves are used as an anthelmintic.
Astragalus atropilosus (Hochst.) Bunge Papilionaceae
Mixture of dried leaves and animal fat is applied to relieve backpain.
Calligonum comosum L’Herit Polygonaceae
Dried stems and leaves are used against toothache
Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl. Apocynaceae
Its berries are eaten for colic, menstrual pain
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Cucurbitaceae
Leaves, seeds and roots are used to treat insect bits and colic.
Clematis simensis Fresen. Menispermaceae
Fresh leaves are used as a poultice to treat rheumatic pain.
Conyza incana Willd. Compositae
The smoke of burned leaves are used to repel insects, also used for relieving muscular pain.
Cynomorium coccineum L. Cynomoraceae
The fleshy part of the plant is eaten as a laxative.
Dracaena ombet Kotschy & Peyr Agavaceae
Resin used for treating haemorrhage, skin infections.
Ecbolium virde (Forssk.) Alston Acanthaceae
Its leaves are used for treating skin rashes.
Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele Euphorbiaceae
An extract of leaves and roots is used as a laxative
Euryops arabicus Steud. Compositae
The leaves and stems are used for treating wounds.
Geranium trilophum Boiss. Geraniaceae
A mixture of ground plant and water is applied on the body to relieve pain.
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Papilionaceae
Mixture of powdered rhizome and water or olive oil is used for treating muscle pain.
Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br.
Chewing the leaves of this plant will prevent the ability of the tongue to taste sweet.
Haploplyllum tuberculatum (Frossk.) Fiori Rutaceae
Leaves are used as a sedative. The juice of leaves is used to strengthen weak muscles.
Indigofera articulata Gouan Papilionaceae
Soaked roots are chewed to relieve toothache
Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae
Leaves(“Henna”) is widely used by women as a dye.
Matricaria aurea (Loel.) Sch.-Bip. Compositae
Inflorescence is used for making a tea for all stomach ailments.
Mentha longifolia (L.) L. Labiatae
Fresh leaves with tea is taken to relieve stomach-ache and head-ache
Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori Moringaceae
Oil from the seeds is used to relieve headaches, fever
Nepeta deflersiana Schweinf. Labiatae
A mixture of leaves extract and tea is taken orally to ease stomach problems
Nerium oleander L. Apocynaceae
An extract from leaves is used for treating bronchitis, and coughs.
Ocimum basilicum L. Labiatae
Crushed fresh leaves are placed on bruises to avoid infection.
Plectranthus barbatus Andr. Labiatae
The juice of crushed fresh leaves is used as a deodorant.
Pluchea arabica (Boiss.) Qaiser & Lack Compositae
The whole plant is used for treating boils, skin sores
Polycarpaea repans (Forssk.) Aschers. et Schweinf. Caryophyllaceae
Crushed plant is applied as an antidote against snake bites.
Psiadia punctulata DC. Compositae
Branches and stems are boiled with water and used to relieve muscle pain.
Rhazya stricta Decaisne Apocynaceae
Whole plant is used for improving bad breath, chest pain, skin rash.
Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae
Leaves and roots are used to treat bad breath, toothache etc.
Ruta chalepensis L. Rutaceae
Leaves are used to cure rheumatism and abdominal colic.
Salvadora persica Garc . Salvadoraceae
Stems are used as toothbrush.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii Schweinf. ex Baker Agavaceae
Juice from the leaves is used for treating blisters
Seidletzia rosmarinus Bunge ex Boiss. Chenopodiaceae
Its leaves are used as a cleansing agent.
Senecio asirensis Boulos et Wood Compositae
A decoction made from its leaves is used for treating fevers.
Senna italica Miller Caesalpiniaceae
A solution made from boiling the leaves in water is used for treating constipation and stomach cramps.
Sisymbrium irio L. Cruicifereae
A solution obtained from boiling the seeds in water is used to relieve cold and fever.
Tamarindus indicus L. Caesalpiniaceae
Fruits are used as a laxative.
Tephrosia apollinea (Delile) Link Papilionaceae
Ground leaves are used to treat cough.
Teucrium polium L. Labiatae
Juice from fresh leaves is applied on cuts and abcesses
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Solanaceae
Pounded leaves and roots are used as a poultice.
Ziziphus spina-christi(L.)Desf. Rhamnaceae
Fruits and seeds are used against dandruff, headache
B. Edible plants
Amaranthus graecizans L. Amaranthaceae
Edible part: Cooked leaves and stems
Amaranthus viridis L. Amaranthaceae
Edible part: Cooked young stems and leaves
Apium graveolens (L.) Lag. Umbelliferae
Young leaves and stems
Avena sativa L. Gramineae
Grains
Beta vulgaris L. Chenopodiaceae
Cooked roots
Capparis spinosa L. Capparaceae
Young, fresh fruits are used to make pickles.
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medicus Cruciferae
Young leaves and stems
Celtis africana Burm. f. Ulmaceae
Fresh fruits
Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae
Fresh leaves and young shoots
Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Chenopodiaceae
Fresh young leaves and stems
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Cucurbitaceae
Dried and cooked seeds
Cynomorium coccineum L. Cynomoraceae
Fleshy stem
Cyperus esculentus L. Cyperaceae
Tuberous roots
Diplotaxis erucoides (L.)DC Cruciferae
Fresh leaves and stems
Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. Gramineae
Grains
Eruca sativa Mill. Cruciferae
Young and fresh leaves
Ficus cairica L. Moraceae
Ripe fruits
Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart. Palmae
Fresh pericarp of the fruit
Lactuca serriola L. Compositae
Young green leaves
Malva parviflora L. Malvaceae
Young stems and leaves
Malva verticillata L. Malvaceae
Fresh leaves
Mentha longifolia L. Labiatae
Fresh leaves
Olea europaea L. Oleaceae
Ripe fruits
Origanum syriacum L. Labiatae
Fresh young branches
Panicum miliaceum L. Gramineae
Grains
Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. Gramineae
The flour from the ground seeds
Phoenix dactylifera L. Palmae
Ripe fruits
Portulaca oleracea L. Portulacaceae
Fresh young branches
Ranunculus muricatus L. Ranunculaceae
Fresh leaves and stems
Raphanus sativus L. Cruciferae
Tuberous roots
Rumex vesicarius L. Polygonaceae
Fresh leaves
Scorzonera papposa DC. Compositae
Whole plant eaten raw.
Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae
Dried, ripe seeds
Sisymbrium irio L. Cruciferae
Fresh, young leaves
Sonchus oleraceus L. Compositae
Tender branches
Sorghum vulgare Pers. Gramineae
Flour from ground seeds
Tamarindus indica L. Papilionaceae
Ripe fruits
Tripleurospermum auriculatum (Boiss.) Rech. f Compositae
Fresh leaves
Urtica pilulifera L. Urticaceae
Fresh young leaves
Urtica urens L. Urticaceae
Young stems and leaves
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd. Rhamnaceae
Fresh, ripe fruits
C. Aromatic Plants
(plants with aromatic foliage)
Achillea bibersteinii Afan. Compositae
Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.-Bip. Compositae
Ambrosia maritima L. Compositae
Artemisia judaica L. Compositae
Artemisia sieberi Besser Compositae
Basilicum polystachion (L.) Moench Labiatae
Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Compositae
Cymbopogon commutatus (Steud.) Stapf. Gramineae
Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. Gramineae
Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss. Umbelliferae
Lavandula spp. Labiatae
Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. Labiatae
Meriandra benghalensis Benth. Labiatae
Micromeria spp. Labiatae
Ocimum spp. Labiatae
Origanum syriacum L. Labiatae
Pegolettia senegalensis Cass. Compositae
Pulicaria glutinosa Jaub. & Spach. Compositae
Pulicaria guestii Rech. F. & Rawi Compositae
Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. Compositae
Pulicaria jauberti Gamal-Eldin Compositae
Pulicaria schimperi DC. Compositae
Ruta chalepensis L. Rutaceae
Scutellaria arabica Jaub. & Spach Labiatae
Tagetes minuta L. Compositae
Tanacetum santolinoides (DC.)Fein. & Fer. Compositae
Teucrium spp. Labiatae
Thymus decussatus Benth . Labiatae
D. Ornamental Plants
(plants with attractive flowers or shoots)
Abutilon pannosum (G.Forst.) Schltdl. Malvaceae
Adenium arabicum Balf. f. Apocynaceae
Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schult Amaranthaceae
Ajuga arabica P. Davis Labiatae
Albuca abyssinica Dryand Liliaceae
Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss. Boraginaceae
Allium spp. Liliaceae
Aloe spp. Liliaceae
Amaranthus hybridus L. Amaranthaceae
Anisotes trisulcus (Forssk.) Vahl. Acanthaceae
Anthemis spp. Compositae
Arundo donax L. Gramineae
Asperagus spp. Liliaceae
Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. Liliaceae
Astragalus kahiricus DC. Papilionaceae
Astragalus seiberi DC. Papilionaceae
Astripomoea malvacea (Koltz.) Meeuse Convolvulaceae
Barbeya oleoides Schweinf. Barbeyaceae
Buddleja polystachya Fresen. Loganiaceae
Campanula spp. Campanulaceae
Caralluma spp. Asclepiadaceae
Cenchrus ciliaris L. Gramineae
Cichorium spp. Compositae
Clitoria ternatea L. Papilionaceae
Colutea istria Mill. Papilionaceae
Convolvulus arvensis L. Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus oxyphyllus Boiss. Convolvulaceae
Crinum album (Forssk.) Herbert Amaryllidaceae
Delonix elata (L.) Gamble Caesalpiniaceae
Delosperma harazianum (Defl.) Popp. & Ihl. Aizoaceae
Desmidorchis penicillatus (Defl.) N.E. Br. Asclepiadaceae
Dianthus spp. Caryophyllaceae
Diplotaxis erucoides (L.)DC. Cruciferae
Diplotaxis harra(Forssk.) Boiss. Cruciferae
Dobera glabra (Forssk.) Poir. Salvadoraceae
Dodonaea angustifolia L.f. Sapindaceae
Dracaena ombet Kotschy Agavaceae
Duvalia spp. Asclepiadaceae
Ecbolium virde (Forssk.) Alston Acanthaceae
Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. Boraginaceae
Ephedra aphylla Forssk. Ephedraceae
Erodium glaucophyllum (L.) L’Her. Geraniaceae
Eulophia petersii (Rchb.f.)Rchb.f. Orchidaceae
Euphorbia ammak Schweinf. Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia cactus Ehrenb. Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia fractiflexa S. Carter & Wood Euphorbiaceae
Euroyps arabicus Steud. Compositae
Ficus spp. Moraceae
Gladiolus spp. Iridaceae
Gypsophila capillaris (Forssk.) C.Chr. Caryophyllaceae
Hibiscus deflersii Schweinf. Malvaceae
Hibiscus vitifolius L. Malvaceae
Horwoodia dicksoniae Turill Cruciferae
Hybanthus enneaspermus (Vent.) Muell. Violaceae
Hypericum spp. Hypericaceae
Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart. Palmae
Huernia spp. Asclepiadaceae
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Gramineae
Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-Gawl. Convolvulaceae
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.)Choisy Convolvulaceae
Iris postii Mouterde Iridaceae
Ixiolirion tataricum (Pall.) Herb. Iridaceae
Jasminum grandiflorum L. Oleaceae
Juncus rigidus Desf. Juncaceae
Juniperus spp. Cupressaceae
Klenia pendula (Forssk.) Sch.-Bip. Compositae
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne Asclepiadaceae
Limonium axillare (Forssk.) Kuntze Plumbaginaceae
Limonium carnosum (Boiss.) Kuntze Plumbaginaceae
Limonium cylindrifolium (Forssk.) Verdc. Plumbaginaceae
Lonicera etrusca Santi Caprifoliaceae
Matthiola longipetala (Vent) DC. Cruciferae
Mesembryanthemum forsskalii Boiss. Aizoaceae
Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori Moringaceae
Nicotiana glauca R. Graham Solanaceae
Nuxia oppositifolia Hochst. Loganiaceae
Olea europaea L. Oleaceae
Oncoba spinosa L. Flacourtiaceae
Opuntia spp. Cactaceae
Pancratium spp. Amaryllidaceae
Pandanus odoratissimus L. Pandanaceae
Pelargonium multibracteatum Hochst. Geraniaceae
Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. Gramineae
Phragmites australis(Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Gramineae
Plumbago zeylanica L. Plumbaginaceae
Primula verticillata Forssk. Primulaceae
Prunus korshinskyi Hand.-Mazz. Rosaceae
Rosa abyssinica Lindley Rosaceae
Rumex nervosus Vahl Polygonaceae
Rumex vesicarius L. Polygonaceae
Salix mucronata Tunb. Salicaceae
Salvia spinosa L. Labiatae
Sansevieria ehrenbergii schwinf. ex Bak. Agavaceae
Scabiosa palaestina L. Dipsacaceae
Scadoxus multiflorus (Martyn) Raf. Amaryllidaceae
Schimpera arabica Hochst. & Steud. Cruciferae
Schouwia purpurea (Forssk.) Schweinf. Cruciferae
Scorzonera spp. Compositae
Senecio asirensis Boulous & Wood Compositae
Senecio hadiensis Forssk. Compositae
Senna alexandrina Mill. Caesalpiniaceae
Senra incana Cav. Malvaceae
Sulcolluma shadhabana (Lavr.) Plowes Asclepiadaceae
Tamarix spp. Tamaricaceae
Tephrosia nubica (Boiss.) Bak. Papilionaceae
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Papilionaceae
Trichodesma trichodesmoides (Bunge) Guerke Boraginaceae
Tulipia biflora Pall. Liliaceae
Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook. Compositae
Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl Cruciferae
E. Important Grazing plants
Acacia spp. Leguminosae
Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan) Parl. Gramineae
Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. Chenopodiaceae
Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. Verbenaceae
Cenchrus ciliaris L. Gramineae
Centropodia forsskalii (Vahl) Cope Gramineae
Cornulaca arabica Botsch. Chenopodiaceae
Deverra triradiata Hochst. ex Boiss Umbelliferae
Diptergium glaucum Decne. Capparaceae
Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf Gramineae
Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.)Bge. Chenopodiaceae
Hordium murinum L. Gramineae
Horwoodia dicksoniae Turrill Cruciferae
Lasiurus scindicus Henr. Gramineae
Lycium shawii Solanaceae
Panicum turgidum Forssk. Gramineae
Pennisetum divisum (Gmel.) Henr. Gramineae
Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. Compositae
Rostraria pumila (Desf.) Tzvelev Gramineae
Salsola vermiculata L. Chenopodiaceae
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Gramineae
Stipa capensis Thunb. Gramineae
Stipagrostis drarii (Tackh.) de Winter Gramineae
Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anders. Gramineae
Traganum nudatum Del. Chenopodiaceae
Tribulus macropterus var. arabicus (Hosni) Thomas & Hemaid Zygophyllaceae
Zygophyllum hamiense var. mandavillei (Hadidi)Thomas & Chau. Zygophyllaceae
Oils
Achillea spp. Asteraceae
Moringa peregrina Moringaceae
Timber Plants
Acacia spp. Leguminosae
Juniperus spp. Cupressaceae
Phoenix dactylifera Arecaceae
Tamarix aphylla Tamaricaceae
Ziziphus spina-christi Rhamnaceae
Dyes
Arnebia decumbens Boraginaceae
Arnebia tinctoria Boraginaceae
Chrozophora tinctoria Boraginaceae
Indigofera tinctoria Leguminosae
Lawsonia inermis Lythraceae
Mats, Baskets, etc.
Dracaena ombet Dracaenaceae
Hyphaene thebaica Aracaceae
Pheonix dactylifera Aracaceae
Phragmites australis Poaceae
Sanseveria ehrenbergii Agavaceae
Scirpus litoralis Cyperaceae
Typha domingensis Typhaceae