Once-Lost Sarh Tree Discovered at King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
The Sarh tree's presence in the reserve had long been considered extinct due to over-harvesting and grazing
King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has announced the discovery of a lone sarh tree (Maerua crassifolia) during recent field surveys in Wadi Al-Shawki — a first for the reserve.
Part of the Capparaceae family, the sarh tree can grow up to 10 metres tall yet boasts a thin, twisted trunk only about 25 centimetres in diameter. Though native to regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, its presence in the reserve had long been considered extinct due to over-harvesting and grazing./
A protection plan is already under way, including seed collection, nursery propagation and installation of informational signage at the site.
