Quick facts
| Arabic name | القرظ (القرض) |
|---|---|
| English name | Qarad (Gum Arabic Tree) |
| Scientific name | Vachellia nilotica (Acacia nilotica) |
| Family | Legume family (Fabaceae) |
| Plant type | Thorny tree |
| Height | Usually 5 to 10 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to February
Harvest
Not harvested
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
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
Dark cracked bark, paired white thorns, tiny compound leaves, yellow ball flowers, and green pods pinched between seeds like beads.
Where it grows
Found in the Tihama valleys of Makkah, Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha.
Soil
Loamy and clay valley soil.
Water and irrigation
Drought tolerant and uses valley moisture.
Climate and light
Hot with full sun.
Propagation
From seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Its pods are rich in tannin and used to tan leather
- Produces gum
- Grazing and shade
Drawbacks
- Sharp thorns
- Can spread a lot and form thick bushes
Important notes
Cutting trees and collecting firewood are not allowed by law in Saudi Arabia.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Vachellia nilotica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Vachellia nilotica
- Wikipedia: Vachellia nilotica
- 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)