Trees of Saudi Arabia

Trees and shrubs are important in preserving the ecosystem of any region, particularly in areas where the vegetation is rich. The number of tree species in Saudi Arabia is only 97, which is about 4% of the total floristic elements. Out of these, more than 80% are present in the southwestern and western regions, including Taif region.  Among the tree genera, Acacia contains the highest number of species (10 species) followed by Ficus (7 species)

           Although tree species are widely distributed in the south western regions, only a few of them are forming into communities. Species such as Juniperus spp., Olea europaea, Acacia seyal, Maerua crassifolia, Ziziphus spina-christi, Tarchonanthus camphorates, etc are dominant and grow luxuriously in many parts of the Hijaz mountains. Acacias, in general, are the most dominant tree species in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula.