BURAIDAH: The tamarisk tree, one of the plant species being planted under Saudi Green Initiative, has long played key economic, social, agricultural, and geographical roles in Arabian society.
Fahd Al-Sawaji, a local desert plant enthusiast, that the tree has had extensive social uses in ancient times, including the manufacture of plowing tools and equipment for drawing water from wells.
Its wood was also used to make roofs and doors for houses, as well as for leather tanning, Sawaji told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The tamarisk tree has been used to make tools, furniture and house parts. (SPA)
Resistant to drought and tolerant of salty soil, the tamarisk (scientific name: Tamarix aphylla) is among the native species being planted across the Kingdom to fight desertification. The other ancient tree species being planted are the acacia, juniper, sidr, and ghaf trees.
