Abu Dhabi - Inhabitants in the area remembered using the tree's delicate branches to put on eyeliner.
Published: Mon 6 Jul 2020, 2:36 PM
Updated: Tue 7 Jul 2020, 5:55 PM
A living tree estimated to be more than 100 years old has been discovered in Abu Dhabi.
The evergreen tree - Al Sarh - was found in Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) said on Monday. The agency has now registered the only Al Sarh tree in the emirate, specifically within the rock formations in Malakat, east of Al Ain and close to the UAE's border with Oman.
Inhabitants of Malakat estimated the tree to be more than 100 years old and remembered using its delicate branches as an instrument to put on eyeliner, which is called 'Al Maroud".
The area where the tree was found is within a topography that makes access difficult, which helped to provide protection for the last tree of this type. The tree was discovered as part of an EAD programme designed to preserve and propagate important local plants through a seeding programme.
"We will also work with scientific research centres in local universities to attempt to multiply the number of trees through the use of its existing tissue and accordingly measure the success of the project. In the event of success in the multiplication of the tree, rehabilitation operations will be carried out within selected sites of its natural habitats," said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD secretary-general.
Have you seen Al Sarh tree?
Al Sarh tree, only observed growing in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, is an evergreen tree with a height of approximately eight metres with small oval leaves, a leathery texture and dense branches. The branches give the tree a spherical green crown that provides a perfect shade footprint when its growth is complete. Its single flowers grow in January and February and turn into small, prickly fruits that ripen in March and April. It is known to grow across Africa, with a lesser population found in the Arabian peninsula.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
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