Arfaj
العرفج · Rhanterium epapposum
A desert shrub that covers sandy plains in the north and east. It has a special smell after rain.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | العرفج |
|---|---|
| English name | Arfaj |
| Scientific name | Rhanterium epapposum |
| Family | Daisy family (Asteraceae) |
| Plant type | Desert shrub |
| Height | Usually 50 to 100 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to December
Flowering time
March to May
Yellow flowers in spring after rainJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Dense with whitish stems and small narrow leaves. Yellow flowers in spring, and it turns green fast after rain.
Where it grows
On sandy and gravel plains in the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders.
Soil
Sandy and sandy-gravel soil.
Water and irrigation
Lives on rain.
Climate and light
Handles heat, cold and full sun.
Propagation
From seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Good grazing for camels and livestock
- Holds sand
- Was used as quick-burning firewood
Drawbacks
- Burns easily and raises fire risk when dry
- Not very decorative
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Rhanterium epapposum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Rhanterium epapposum
- Wikipedia: Rhanterium epapposum
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)