Manual of Riyadh Plants

Part 1: Introduction

Vegetation habitats

Vegetation habitats are divided into two groups:

First: Manmade environment including:

Urban areas (cities and metropolitan areas):

These comprise

the urban communities, which include towns and villages. They

often include urban landscapes and surrounding farmlands.

Agricultural areas:

These comprise the vast areas of

agricultural lands which cover the southern, middle

and northern parts of the region. They are considered an

important part of the geo-environmental map.

Second: Natural environment comprising the

original habitat for the indigenous plants in

Arriyadh region including:

Sand Dunes:

Bulk density of sand found in low-lying areas

in the east and west of Arriyadh region where scattered local

plants may be found.

Sand Sheets:

Are sand covered plains spread widely across

the Arriyadh region. They cover extensive areas often several

square kilometres in unspoiled landscapes.

Rocky Plains:

Most rocky plains are composed of solid rocks

(Cretaceous limestone) where vegetation is generally sparse.

Gravel Plains:

These comprise plains of gravel, which cover

the western part of Arriyadh region. Savanna type plants are

dispersed across these plains and associated small shrubs and

ground covers may also be found.

Rocks/ Rocky Outcrops/Mountains:

Rocks in Arriyadh

region are categorised as resistant rocks such as Granite non-

resistant/rocky outcrops. They are located in isolated parts of

the region. Associated vegetation includes trees and shrubs,

which are generally found in the lower areas and around

water streams.

Mud Plains:

These plains are typically located in low-lying

areas comprising soft sand. Shrubs and perennial herbs and

ground covers predominantly grow in these areas.

Marshes:

These comprise desert areas with a characteristic

flat crust as a result of the high intensity of salt in the soils.

They do not naturally support vegetation because of these

high saline levels. They can be utilised for cultivation of a

limited variety of plants and weeds.

Alluvial Fans (Alluvial Sediments):

These areas are

comprised of alluvial sediments transported from the

mountains, which are widespread in the western area of

Arriyadh. A number of trees, shrubs and grazing herbs are

found on the alluvial fans.