Salsola Shrubs, the Famous Plants that Feed Camels, Abound in the Northern Borders Regions

The Northern Borders region is characterized by an abundance of seasonal and annual pastoral plants, which play a sustainable role in combating desertification, increase the percentage of vegetation cover and biodiversity, and stabilize soil.

 Estimated at 104,000 km2, the region has witnessed the emergence of many species of trees, shrubs, and pastoral plants, most notably the evergreen shrub "Salsola", which is grazed predominantly by camels.

 President of Aman Environmental Society in the Northern Borders Region Nasser Rashid Al-Majlad said that the region is classified as a pastoral area, and has many multi-purpose plants. Its topography has contributed to the diversity of its plants and trees, of which the most famous is Salsola, also known as "Caroxylon imbricatum".

 This evergreen shrub is a summer plant of the Salsola vermiculata genus. It grows over a meter tall, and its leaves contain an unpleasantly smelling sap, which makes it one of the preferred pastoral plants for camels in particular.

 Nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) have contributed to afforestation and land reclamation, as well as to the restoration of native plants to their habitats.