View of part of the Fujairah Corniche and the Hajar Mountains in the Background

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

New Species of Tree Identified in the U.A.E.

A new species of tree has been identified in the U.A.E. Its taxonomical name is Prosopis plastifora (pictured).

It is an indigenous evergreen belonging to the family that includes Acacia and Mimosa.

The Prosopis is native to the Arabian Peninsula but the recently named tree of the sub genus, plastifora, is increasingly seen within the city limits of the United Arab Emirates.

High winds are often responsible for developing colour in this tree’s foliage. The multi-coloured leaves form a brilliant autumn display with colours of every shade of the rainbow.
The foliage is extremely durable even in arid desert conditions. The leaves are expected to last for hundreds, if not thousands of years. If the leaves are consumed by goats, cattle, sheep or birds the consequences may be fatal.

Geoff Pound

Image: Prosopis plastifora: One of several trees belonging to this species in the grounds of the famous Fujairah Fort.