Manual of Riyadh Plants

GENERAL

Origin

sub-tropical

Vigour

fairly fast

growing

Humidity

very arid, semi-

arid

Propagation :

sowing and

pricking out

Maintenance :

moderate

CONDITIONS

Urban climate :

resistant

Dessication :

resistant

Stagnant water :

vulnerable

Irrigation

low

Salinity/ppm :

high (3500 ppm)

Hardiness

+3°C

SHAPE

Type

tree, shrub

Height

9 m

Spread

10 m

Foliage

evergreen

FLOWER

Colour

white

Size

10 cm

Period

February -

December

FRUIT

Type of fruit :

pod

Fruit size

12 cm

This tall shrub or tree, recently introduced in ArArriyadh, is native to Australia, where it grows

along watercourses or in swales and drainage lines in hilly country on heavy, sometimes saline,

alkaline soils. Such topographical situations are similar to those of the shallow wadis and rowdahs

of the Arriyadh region, where water collects after winter rains. In fact, the tree can withstand dry

periods of up to nine months.

Acacia ampliceps

is a fast-growing but relatively short-lived species

with a life span of usually not more than 50 years. It has a spreading habit with canopy stems

branching from the ground. Sometimes, the plant is almost prostrate. Pendulous branchlets have

thin, light-green, lanceolate phyllodes. The flowers are in white to cream, with globose heads.

For a while, there was a confusion of this species with A. salicina. Highly tolerant to salinity, the

tree is, however, frost-sensitive. The foliage can also be susceptible to insect attack. Propagation

is by seed. Where coppicing is necessary as a maintenance measure, the tree responds well. For

landscaping purposes, the tree’s thick foliage makes it an ideal plant for screening, while the

prostrate form makes for a good groundcover shrub. Unfortunately, it sends up many suckers,

limiting its use near a lawn, for example. Regional studies have shown that A. ampliceps has great

potential for use in the reclamation of sabkah areas, as a low windbreak, in dune rehabilitation

and erosion control projects. It is also suitable as fodder in arid areas.

Acacia ampliceps,

Mimosaceae

Salt Wattle