Yellow flowers of Gum Arabic Tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica)(?) in area of Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, September 11, 2014Acacia arabica, Acacia scorpioides
Al-sant, Babul, Egyptian thorn, gum arabic tree, karuvela maram, Kikar, lekkerruikpeul, prickly acacia, Sant tree, scented thorn, thorn mimosa
Vachellia nilotica (widely known by the taxonomic synonym Acacia nilotica, or the common names gum arabic tree, Babul/Kikar, Egyptian thorn, Sant tree, Al-sant or prickly acacia; called thorn mimosa or prickly acacia in Australia; lekkerruikpeul or scented thorn in South Africa; karuvela maram in South India) is a species of Vachellia native to Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. It is also currently an invasive species of significant concern in Australia.[+]
Vachellia nilotica, also known as Acacia nilotica or Egyptian thorn, is a tree species native to Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is commonly found in coastal and inland areas. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including the northern and southern parts of the country.
Research in Qatar has highlighted the plant's ability to thrive in saline environments, making it a valuable species for soil stabilization and dune fixation in coastal ecosystems. Additionally, Vachellia nilotica has been found to provide habitat and food for local wildlife, such as birds and insects.
Overall, Vachellia nilotica is an important component of Qatar's flora, contributing to the country's biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Yellow flowers of Gum Arabic Tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica)(?) in area of Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, September 11, 2014
Gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, April 29, 2015
Constricted pod of gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) taken from Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, June 26, 2015
White-grey pod of gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) taken from Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, June 26, 2015
Split seed pod of gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) taken from Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, June 26, 2015
Gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) planted near HBKU Research Complex in Education City. Doha, Qatar, January 20, 2016
Large gum arabic trees (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in area of Ras Laffan farms. North-eastern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in abandoned gardens in area of Ras Laffan farms. North-eastern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Large gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in abandoned gardens in area of Ras Laffan farms. North-eastern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Dry seed pods of gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) on the ground in abandoned gardens in area of Ras Laffan farms. North-eastern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in a park of Qatar University. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2016
Gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, June 6, 2016
Large gum arabic tree (babul, Vachellia nilotica, Acacia arabica) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, June 6, 2016Vachellia nilotica was observed to produce yellow flowers in September. The trees were found in various locations in Qatar, including Al Sham Street, Aspire Park, and Ras Laffan farms. The pods of the tree were constricted and white-grey in color, with some being split open to reveal seeds. The trees were seen in different stages, from blooming to producing dry seed pods. They were also found in abandoned gardens and parks, including Qatar University and Aspire Park. Large gum arabic trees were observed in Ras Laffan farms and Aspire Park, indicating the tree's ability to grow and thrive in Qatar's environment. The observations were made over a period of two years, from 2014 to 2016, and provide insight into the tree's growth habits and characteristics in Qatar.
www.theplantlist.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.