Desert Flora is the UAE’s premier supplier of desert plants, dedicated to providing a broad range of hardy, drought-resistant flora tailored to the arid conditions of the region. Our unique selection includes plants that thrive in the UAE’s desert climate, including iconic varieties like Ghaf trees, Date palms, Sidr trees (Ziziphus spina-christi), Sukkulents, and Aloe vera. We take pride in being the only dedicated desert plant supplier in the UAE, serving everyone from home gardeners to large-scale landscape architects with plants that embody the resilience and beauty of the desert.
Our mission is to foster a greener, more sustainable future in the UAE by promoting desert plants that are naturally adapted to the region’s arid conditions. We aim to support eco-friendly landscaping efforts that conserve water and maintain the natural aesthetic and biodiversity of desert environments. Through our exclusive selection of desert plants, we empower landscapers, architects, and individuals to create sustainable landscapes that celebrate the UAE’s natural beauty and heritage.
Acacia Arabica, commonly known as Babul or Kikar, is a species of tree in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, but it has also been introduced to other regions.
Acacia ehrenbergiana, commonly known as Salam, Salam Acacia, or Ehrenberg's Acacia, is a species of Acacia native to arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Africa. This plant is well-adapted to desert environments and is often found in areas where other vegetation is sparse.
Acacia farnesiana, commonly known as sweet acacia or huisache, is a small, thorny tree or shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It's native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas but has been widely introduced to other parts of the world.
Acacia raddiana, commonly known as the Umbrella Thorn Acacia, is a drought-tolerant tree native to arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. It's well adapted to desert environments and can survive in extreme heat and poor soils, making it an important species for combating desertification.
Fruit: The fruit is a long, flat, twisted pod, usually brown when mature. Each pod contains several seeds, which are dispersed by animals and wind.
Acacia tortilis, commonly known as the Umbrella Thorn Acacia, is a tree native to arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. It is well-suited to dry environments due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils.
Roots: Acacia tortilis has an extensive root system, allowing it to access deep groundwater and survive in harsh, dry conditions.
Ecological Role: It provides shelter and food for various animals, including birds, insects, and herbivores. The tree helps stabilize soils and improve fertility through nitrogen fixation, making it vital for land restoration projects.
This tree is a symbol of resilience, able to thrive in some of the toughest environments on earth.
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is a tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and thrives in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem is highly valued for its medicinal properties and various uses in agriculture, personal care, and traditional medicine.
Uses:
Temperature: Neem grows well in hot, arid regions. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 50°C (122°F) but is less tolerant of frost.
Rainfall: It prefers areas with annual rainfall between 400 mm to 1,200 mm, though it can survive in regions with as low as 200 mm of rainfall by relying on groundwater.
Native Range: Neem is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Prosopis cineraria is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Khejri in India, Ghaf in the United Arab Emirates, and Jand in Pakistan. This tree is highly valued for its ecological, economic, and cultural importance, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and South Asia.
Size and Shape: Prosopis cineraria is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 3 to 5 meters, though it can grow taller under favorable conditions. The tree has a well-developed taproot system that allows it to access deep groundwater, making it highly drought-resistant. Its crown is dense and rounded, providing ample shade.
Leaves: The leaves are bipinnate, small, and feathery, with a gray-green color. Each leaf consists of multiple small leaflets that help reduce water loss through transpiration.
Bark: The bark is rough and dark brown to black, often cracked or fissured. It is used in traditional medicine and has various medicinal properties.
Flowers: The flowers are small, yellow or cream-colored, and appear in clusters. They are fragrant and bloom during the late spring to early summer, attracting various pollinators, including bees.
Fruit: The fruit is a pod, typically 10-20 cm long, containing 10-20 seeds. The pods are flattened, curved, and ripen to a brown or yellowish-brown color. These pods are edible and can be used as a source of food for both humans and livestock.
Habitat: Prosopis cineraria thrive in arid and semi-arid regions, often found in deserts, dry forests, and along riverbanks. It is highly tolerant of saline and alkaline soils, making it an important species in land reclamation projects.
Uses:
Ecological Importance: Prosopis cinerarium plays a crucial role in preventing desertification by stabilizing sand dunes and improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Its dense canopy provides shade and shelter for various wildlife species.
Economic and Cultural Significance: The tree is considered sacred in some cultures and is often protected by local communities. Its wood is highly valued for fuel, timber, and charcoal. The pods are used as fodder for livestock, and the leaves can be used as mulch or green manure.
Medicinal Uses: Various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and pods, are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as respiratory disorders, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
Prosopis cineraria are a vital species for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management in arid regions, providing numerous benefits to both the environment and local communities.
Tamarix nilotica, commonly known as Nile tamarisk, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. It belongs to the Tamaricaceae family and is known for its tolerance to saline and dry conditions, making it well-suited to harsh environments.
Habitat and Tolerances:
Saline Tolerance: Tamarix nilotica thrives in saline soils and is commonly found in coastal regions, salt marshes, and riverbanks. It can tolerate high levels of soil salinity and water scarcity, making it a valuable plant in arid and semi-arid regions.
Water Use: The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low annual rainfall. It has deep roots that allow it to access groundwater in arid environments.
Native Range: It is native to Egypt, Sudan, and other parts of North Africa, as well as regions of the Middle East.
Uses:
Erosion Control and Soil Stabilization: Tamarix nilotica is commonly used to prevent soil erosion, especially in riverbanks and coastal areas. Its extensive root system helps stabilize soil in sandy or saline environments.
Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, various parts of Tamarix nilotica are used to treat ailments such as digestive issues, skin disorders, and respiratory problems. The plant is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Wood and Fuel: The wood of Tamarix nilotica is used for fuel in some regions. Although the wood is not of high quality for construction, it can be used for firewood and charcoal production.
Ornamental Use: Due to its feathery appearance and attractive flowers, Tamarix nilotica is occasionally planted as an ornamental shrub in gardens, particularly in arid and saline environments.
Ziziphus spina-christi, commonly known as the Christ's thorn Jujube, Jerusalem thorn, or Sidr Tree, is a thorny, evergreen tree that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. This plant has historical and religious significance, particularly in the Middle East, and is also known for its medicinal and ecological value.
Habitat:
Ziziphus spina-christi is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia. It is commonly found in dry, rocky, or sandy soils and can survive in areas with minimal rainfall.
Cultivation:
Uses:
Medicinal Uses:
Traditional Medicine: Ziziphus spina-christi has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Various parts of the tree, including the leaves, bark, and fruit, are used to treat ailments such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, wounds, and skin conditions.
Leaves and Bark: The leaves and bark are often used to prepare poultices or decoctions for treating wounds, infections, and inflammation.
Fruit: The fruit of Ziziphus spina-christi is edible and can be eaten fresh or dried. It is rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals, and is sometimes used to make jams, jellies, or fermented beverages.