Salt-tolerant Acacia ampliceps tree seeds

Common name: Salt Acacia. Scientific name: Acacia ampliceps. Salt Acacia is a tall tree or shrub, recently introduced in the Arabian Gulf region, and its original habitat is Australia, where it grows along watercourses or in the beds of valleys, ravines, and drainage channels, in areas where hills are abundant in heavy, saline, and alkaline soils. These conditions are similar to some valleys and pastures in the Riyadh region, where rainwater collects in winter. It is a fast-growing plant but does not live long, usually not exceeding 50 years. The plant has a spreading growth habit, branching near the soil surface, sometimes almost sprawling. The stems are slender and drooping, and the leaf stalks are light green. The flowers appear in white to cream-colored, spherical, vertical inflorescences. Until recently, there was significant confusion distinguishing this species from the Scented Acacia, as Salt Acacia is highly tolerant of salinity but sensitive to frost. The plant is affected by insect pests. It propagates by seeds. Cutting may become necessary for maintenance. Due to its dense growth habit, it is suitable as a ground cover plant. Its sprawling growth sometimes makes it suitable for soil cover. Its use near green spaces, for example, is limited. Regional studies have shown that this plant has potential for use in reclamation of salt flats and marshes, as a low windbreak, for dune stabilization, and erosion control. It is also suitable as fodder in arid regions. The plant can tolerate drought for up to 9 months.