Quick facts
| Arabic name | القرم (الشورى) |
|---|---|
| English name | Mangrove (Qurm) |
| Scientific name | Avicennia marina |
| Family | Acanthus family (Acanthaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen coastal tree |
| Height | Usually 2 to 6 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Planted only within official coastal planting programs
A protected coastal tree; not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Its roots send up breathing tips above the mud. Leaves are shiny on top and pale grey below, and push out extra salt. Small yellow-orange flowers. Seeds start to sprout while still on the tree.
Where it grows
In tidal areas on the Arabian Gulf coast (Eastern Province) and the Red Sea coast in Jazan, the Farasan Islands and Al-Wajh lagoon in Tabuk. A less common type, Rhizophora mucronata, grows in the southern Red Sea.
Soil
Coastal mud and sand full of salt water.
Water and irrigation
Lives on sea water with the tides and does not need fresh water.
Climate and light
Hot weather and full sun. No frost.
Propagation
From young seedlings that fall into the mud. Millions are planted in national programs.
Benefits and uses
- Protects coasts from erosion and waves
- A nursery for fish and shrimp and a home for birds
- Stores carbon and helps fight climate change
Drawbacks
- Grows only in tidal coastal areas
- Harmed by pollution and coastal landfill
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Avicennia marina
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Avicennia marina
- Wikipedia: Avicennia marina
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)