Riyadh: The harsha plant (Brassica tournefortii), an annual of the Cruciferae family, appears abundantly in the deserts of Northern Borders Region, especially after rainfall. It spreads across open lands, between houses, and along roadsides, creating a scene that reflects the vitality of the vegetation and wildlife renewal during spring.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the plant is characterized by flat leaves that spread across the ground in a circular form and are known for their rough texture. From their center emerges a main stem that grows upward and branches into several offshoots. These stems become smooth and leafless as they grow, giving the plant its distinctive appearance in open desert environments.
At the ends of the branches, small yellow flowers bloom with a diameter ranging between 3 and 4 millimeters. They consist of four cross-shaped petals, a botanical characteristic that distinguishes members of the Cruciferae family. After the flowering cycle is completed, small pods form containing the plant's seeds, which help its reproduction and spread in the soil when suitable climatic conditions are available.
The plant is considered a valuable grazing plant relied upon by camels and sheep as a food source. Its presence, along with a number of other spring plants, contributes to supporting plant diversity and improving natural rangelands in the region, enhancing ecological balance and reflecting the richness of the desert environment in Northern Borders Region during the spring season.