Quick facts
| Arabic name | السعدان |
|---|---|
| English name | Saadan (Neurada) |
| Scientific name | Neurada procumbens |
| Family | Neurada family (Neuradaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual creeping wild herb |
| Height | 3 to 10 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to December
It grows by itself after winter rain Flowering time
February to April
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
A plant that lies flat on the ground with woolly grey leaves, small white flowers and flat, spiny disc-shaped fruits.
Where it grows
Grows in sands and plains after rain.
Soil
Sandy soil.
Water and irrigation
Lives on rain.
Climate and light
Handles heat and grows in winter and spring.
Propagation
By seeds inside the spiny fruits.
Benefits and uses
- One of the best grazing plants for camels and sheep
- Covers sand and reduces blowing
- Handles drought
- Part of Arab heritage and proverbs
Drawbacks
- Dry fruits are spiny and hurt feet
- Short-lived
- Depends on rain
Important notes
Watch out for its dry spiny fruits when walking barefoot in the desert.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Neurada procumbens
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Neurada procumbens
- 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)