Riyadh: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is home to a distinctive range of plant life, including Al Ghada, a large perennial tree well adapted to sandy dunes and found across most areas of the reserve, adding both ecological value and natural beauty to the landscape.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al Ghada belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is a large tree that grows widely across the reserve. The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority places particular emphasis on this species as part of its efforts to preserve ecological balance. Reaching heights of up to four meters, the tree's distinctive features include woody stems and drooping young branches. It also produces small yellow flowers and yellowish winged fruits.
Continued care for native plant species reflects the authority's commitment to protecting ecosystems, sustaining natural resources, and supporting ambitious national initiatives for comprehensive environmental sustainability, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative. Al Ghada is widely distributed across Saudi Arabia, ranging from the Al-Rub' Al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert in the south to the northern reaches of the Al-Nafud desert. Its extensive branching enables it to trap sand and stabilize sand dunes.
The species can reproduce naturally in its habitats when protected. Unregulated grazing and woodcutting, however, remain among the main factors affecting its sustainability.