RIYADH: Once found across parts of Saudi Arabia, Globularia alypum — a delicate blue-flowered shrub — has recently been rediscovered in the Kingdom’s northwest regions.
Yet, despite this encouraging sighting, the species is now listed as critically endangered due to overgrazing and land degradation, according to environmental consultant and former adviser at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, Oubaid Alouni.
“The primary cause of extinction is overgrazing, as it is an excellent grazing species. The second cause is land degradation. The third cause is neglect,” he said.
Belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, Globularia alypum — locally known as “Zuraiqa” or “Aynon Kuhli” and internationally as the blue daisy — is a perennial evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean basin. It is typically found in North Africa, southern Europe, and Southwest Asia, particularly in mountainous and rocky regions.
“This plant is highly grazing, so it is not found in plains or open areas because camels heavily graze it. Therefore, it is more commonly found in mountainous or calcareous regions,” commented Alouni.
