Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
In the unforgiving heat of the desert, Al Samar trees offer more than just shade. By stabilising soil, protecting biodiversity and capturing carbon, this unassuming desert guardian is proving to be an essential natural ally in Abu Dhabi's sustainability efforts.
This resilient tree is found in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi, where it flourishes across gravel and sand plains, along wadi banks, on mountain slopes and in the rugged mountain plains.
Also known as Vachelia tortilis or Acacia tortilis, Al Samar tree boasts an umbrella-shaped canopy, which provides vital shade in the harsh desert environment. Its branches are armed with both straight and hooked thorns, a natural defence that protects its lush, highly nutritious leaves and pods from hungry herbivores.
Its delicate white flowers, small and aromatic, bloom in tight, fragrant clusters, adding beauty to arid landscapes. Its seeds, encased in spring-like pods, are a vital food source for wildlife.
This tree is known to thrive in harsh conditions, enduring drought and extreme temperatures with ease. Its deep roots securely anchor it in sandy, stony soils, and even on steep, sloping terrain.
Protecting Biodiversity and Cooling Abu Dhabi
In an interview with Aletihad, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) explained the essential role Al Samar trees play in promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience in arid and semi-arid regions.
Its flowers produce nectar that supports important pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its seeds and leaves are a crucial food source for herbivores such as gazelles and camels.
Birds and small mammals also find refuge in its branches, and its deep roots help prevent soil erosion, which contributes to improved soil fertility, supporting the growth of other plant species.
This little-known climate change fighter is also helping create a cooler, greener Abu Dhabi.
As a nitrogen-fixing species, Al Samar trees enrich the soil and improve its quality. They also sequester carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and directly mitigate climate change.
Additionally, the tree's canopy creates a cooler microclimate, which can help reduce localised heat effects.
Environmental Threats and Conservation Efforts
Despite its many benefits, Al Samar trees face several threats due to urbanisation and climate change.
As urban areas expand, the tree's natural habitat is lost to construction, pollution and soil compaction. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, leading to drought stress, extreme temperatures and shifts in rainfall patterns.
Invasive species, overgrazing and soil degradation from erosion and salinisation also threaten the tree's survival.
To address these threats, the EAD has launched several conservation initiatives. These include rehabilitating 18 hectares in Jebel Hafit National Park, where over 15,000 Al Samar saplings have been planted to restore areas degraded by overgrazing and infrastructure expansion.
EAD has also mapped over 43,000 Al Samar trees in Abu Dhabi to monitor and conserve the trees in their natural habitat.
Al Samar trees have long played an important role in the lives of local communities in the emirate, according to EAD.
Its leaves and fruits have served as fodder for camels and sheep, while its branches were once used to build roofs for homes.
The wood from the tree is prized for making high-quality charcoal, and its flowers provide a rich source of nectar for honey production, making it invaluable to beekeepers.
EAD said that a Conservation Action Plan is in place to ensure the future survival of Al Samar trees. Protected by Federal Law 24 of 1999, this tree cannot be cut and must be translocated if necessary.
Ex situ conservation efforts are ongoing, with successful planting programmes and seed conservation initiatives underway at the EAD nursery.
Moreover, the Plant Genetic Resources centre is conserving its seeds, DNA and tissue matter to ensure its preservation.
The public can also play a role in supporting EAD's conservation efforts by planting native species, supporting sustainable land practices, minimising pollution and adhering to local regulations that prevent overgrazing.
