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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid
Propagation :
direct sowing
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
none
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.4 m-0.7 m
Spread
:
0.3 m-0.8 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
violet, blue
Size
:
1 cm
Period
:
March - March
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
nutlet
Fruit size
:
0.1 cm
Teucrium oliverianum has the common Arabic name aihan or qasba’a. The English common
name is Germander. It is native on the Arabian peninsula. Aihan is a subshrub and herb with
long, erect branches. It reaches a height between 40 cm and 70 cm, growing like a dwarf shrub.
The foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen. The leaves are green on the top and olive-green un-
derneath. The triangular leaves are entire and oppositely arranged. The bloom appears in spring,
with beautiful blue-violet Lamiaceae flowers with long stamens. That and its shape make T. olive-
rianum an attractive ornamental plant. The plant develops nutlets as fruits. Propagation is by
direct sowing. Aihan does not like salinity, but in all other characteristics it is completely well
adapted to desert conditions and appreciates sandy, silty or rocky soils. Teucrium has no special
irrigation requirements, although irrigation would optimise growth and flowering. Pruning will
densify the shape. Teucrium can be found in Arriyadh and its surroundings, especially adjacent
to dry run-offs. It is really eye-catching, and cannot be ignored. The abovementioned attributes
make the Germander very valuable for landscape design in Arriyadh. It is recommended for use
as a ground cover, massed planting, as borders or in rock gardens. This bee-attracting plant can
be used in private gardens, or it has potential as an ornamental plant in the urban design. For
open country, it should be used for the rehabilitation of natural plant cover.
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Teucrium oliverianum,
Lamiaceae
Desert Germander,
aihan, qasba’a