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Part 1: Introduction
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This manual includes a list of the plants which are considered
suitable for the conditions of Arriyadh region. It has been based
on the results of landscape designs undertaken by agencies for
some of Arriyadh›s major urban development projects including:
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Wadi Hanifah:
Wadi Hanifah runs from the north to the
south of Arriyadh through the western part of the city. It
has regular water flow throughout the year with larger flows
during the seasonal rains. The Wadi plays the leading role
in plant species biodiversity, containing many thousands
of trees, shrubs and ground covers. In addition to the
large agricultural areas, there are gardens and major parks
which significantly affect the local climate in the Wadi and
surrounding areas.
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Diplomatic Quarter:
The Arriyadh Diplomatic Quarter
was built to exploit the natural characteristics of the site
represented by many small tributaries that flow into Wadi
Hanifah. The Diplomatic Quarter comprises an estimated
25.7 hectares of landscaped parks and gardens, including
sixteen public parks, which together amount to 30% of its
total area. Of this, 24 hectares of parks are designated for
public use. In the parks and gardens a variety of different
trees, shrubs and ground covers have been cultivated. Native
plants have been favoured as well as some additional plants
imported from other similar suitable environments. Climatic
and social influences, particularly privacy requirements have
been an important consideration in designing the Diplomatic
Quarter parks and gardens and also in the selection of plants,
shrubs, trees and the irrigation systems.
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Public parks and Gardens:
Parks and Gardens are located across
Arriyadh city such as Salam park, King Abdulaziz historical
center parks, King Abdullah Park in Malaz, and Prince Salman
Park in Banban. These parks and gardens provide ecosystems that
establish optimal conditions for plant growth.
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Reserves:
these are sites that provide some of the main natural
habitats for indigenousplantswithinthecityofArriyadhthathave
been protected in a variety of different ways. Reserves are widely
dispersed and include natural protected areas that are reserved
by military authorities or reserved by private land owners.
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Open Space:
These are natural parks such as Thumama, Al
Haysiya, Rawdat Khuraim, Alwasea and other related parks.
They include areas in which various levels of vegetation
management are practiced. Some are subject to full
management and protection such as Thumama and some are
partially managed such as Al Haysiya. These areas include
basic natural habitats with the inclusion of some limited
varieties of exotic species. These environments are protected
in various ways against grazing, overuse and vehicle entry.
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Private Farms:
Most of the private farms are located within
Wadi Hanifah or other agricultural areas on the outskirts
of the city. They are exposed to harsh or desert conditions.
They play a minor role in providing plant species, but
they are important for improving the visual and aesthetic
environment, in addition to the positive effect they have on
the local climate.