Quick facts
| Arabic name | الأسل (السمار) |
|---|---|
| English name | Sea Rush (Samar) |
| Scientific name | Juncus rigidus |
| Family | Rush family (Juncaceae) |
| Plant type | Perennial rush |
| Height | 1 to 1.5 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
It grows by itself in salt marshes
Harvest
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
Stiff green round stems with sharp tips growing in clumps, and small brown flowers near the top.
Where it grows
Grows in marshes, damp salt flats and around springs.
Soil
Damp salty or muddy soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs constant moisture.
Climate and light
Handles heat and cold.
Propagation
By dividing clumps and by seed.
Benefits and uses
- Used to make traditional mats and baskets
- Holds wet soil
- Cleans water in wetlands
- Home for birds
Drawbacks
- Sharp tips
- Needs constant water
- Not suited to regular gardens
Important notes
Weaving mats from sea rush is a heritage craft in Al-Ahsa.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Juncus rigidus
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Juncus rigidus
- 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)