Bassia Eriophora: Desert Gem Thrives in Saudi Reserve

The enchanting plant "bassia eriophora", known locally as "Zamim Al-Barr" or "cotton", is flourishing in the harsh desert environment of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. With its distinctive white, woolly appearance and delicate yellow flowers, the plant is a captivating sight. Its pleasant aroma adds to its allure. Thriving in sandy soils, the Zamim Al-Barr is testament to the resilience of nature. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this herb holds potential medicinal properties. It can grow up to a meter tall and its silvery leaves create a dazzling effect when sunlight hits them, earning it the nickname "desert diamond". The reserve itself has witnessed a remarkable ecological transformation. Since its inception in 2018, the vegetation cover has surged from a mere 1.5% to an impressive 6.7%. This green revolution is attributed to three successful desert afforestation projects completed in 2023, which saw the planting of over 593,700 trees. The reserve now boasts a rich biodiversity, with 179 plant s pecies calling it home. Source: Saudi Press Agency