Thorn Acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana, local name Salam) trimmed by grazing camels in desert near Cave of Brightness in south central area. Qatar, February 19, 2010Acacia flava
Sallam
Acacia ehrenbergiana is a species of drought-resistant bush or small tree found in the Sahara, northern Sahel, East Africa and Arabia. It is commonly known as salam, or as tamat in the Tuareg language.
Acacia ehrenbergiana, also known as Salam tree, is a thorny tree or shrub native to Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it is found growing wild in coastal and inland areas, tolerating saline soils and high temperatures. It has been identified in various regions of Qatar, including the north and west coasts, where it often forms dense thickets. The plant's ability to fix nitrogen and thrive in harsh conditions makes it a vital component of Qatar's desert ecosystems.
Thorn Acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana, local name Salam) trimmed by grazing camels in desert near Cave of Brightness in south central area. Qatar, February 19, 2010
Yellow flower on a Acacia ehrenbergiana(?) at entrance of Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, March 3, 2014
Yellow flowers of Acacia ehrenbergiana on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Dry seed pods of Acacia ehrenbergiana carpeting desert near road to Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 7, 2014
Thorn Acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana, local name Salam) near road to Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 7, 2014
Yellow flower on a Acacia ehrenbergiana(?) in Uwaynat Bin Husayn near Simaisma. Qatar, February 28, 2015
Acacia ehrenbergiana(?) on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Qatar, March 21, 2015
Acacia ehrenbergiana and Lycium in a wadi in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, March 27, 2015
Thorn acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana) with dry fruits on windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Southern Qatar, July 11, 2015
Dry seed pods of thorn acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana) on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Southern Qatar, July 11, 2015
Acacia ehrenbergiana with white thorns on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Qatar, November 27, 2015
Yellow flowers of Acacia ehrenbergiana on a periphery of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 22, 2016
Flowers of thorn acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana, local name Salam) in a green depression in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
Thorn acacia (Acacia ehrenbergiana) with dry fruits on roadside in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, June 10, 2016Observations of Acacia ehrenbergiana in Qatar reveal that the plant is widely distributed across the country. It has been found in various locations, including desert areas near Cave of Brightness, Umm Bab, and Harrarah, as well as along roadsides such as Salwa Road. The plant produces yellow flowers, which have been observed in February, March, and April. Dry seed pods have also been seen, often carpeting the desert floor or found on roadside areas. The thorns of the plant are white, and it has been noted to be trimmed by grazing camels. Acacia ehrenbergiana has also been found growing in association with other plants, such as Lycium, and in areas with center-pivot irrigation like Green Circles.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.