Teucrium Oliverianum plant helping mitigate desertification in Saudi Arabia's north
RIYADH: The perennial herbaceous plant Teucrium oliverianum has spread extensively throughout the Saudi Arabia's Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, indicating a balanced ecosystem, the Saudi Press Agency has reported recently.
Citing experts, the report noted that the reserve has seen a remarkable expansion in its vegetation cover and "has now reached its best condition since its establishment in 2018." It also indicates a healthy, stable vegetation cover, and soil free from erosion or desertification.
Variedly known to locals as al-aihlan or ahneh, the plant is characterized by long, thin stems and delicate leaves, coated with fine bristles that help minimize water loss, adding to its adaptability to harsh environments.
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the plant is highly valued for grazing. It also provides shelter and sustenance for various small desert animals and insects, making it an essential part of the natural food chain.
In an earlier report, SPA quoted wild plant expert Abdullah Al-Barrak as saying Teucrium oliverianum is also a valuable food source for honeybees.
Renowned for its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves and striking blue-violet flowers, the plant has become an iconic symbol of the flora of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve.
The 91,500-square-kilometer reserve, formerly known as Al-Taysiyah Natural Reserve, is the second-largest royal reserve in the Kingdom, spread across regions of Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders and Eastern Province.
The reserve's vegetation cover has surged from 1.5% in 2018 to an impressive 6.7%, and now boasts over 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties, officials have said.
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