Rare tree seeds - white acacia (Faidherbia Albida)

Common name: Al-Haraz tree Scientific name: Faidherbia Albida Previous scientific name: Acacia albida Some of its names: Al-Allah tree - Senna or White Acacia - Apple Ring Acacia A perennial thorny tree that grows in arid areas but is scarce, with a rough gray trunk exceeding 10 meters in height. Its leaves are pinnate compound, initially grayish in color then gradually turn green. The Al-Haraz tree is known for being one of the fastest-growing trees. It is also distinguished by a strange phenomenon that has given rise to the saying: "Between you and me, between the Haraz and the rain." When rain falls and the trees turn green, the Haraz tree completely sheds its leaves and remains leafless throughout the rainy season, then regains its greenness afterward. This makes it favored by farmers, as its leaf fall helps fertilize the soil beneath it and allows sunlight to reach the ground, enabling the planting of new crops underneath. The Haraz tree is also an important refuge for bees at the end of the rainy season. It has strong roots and is not suitable for planting near buildings or fences. **Flowers of the rare Al-Haraz tree:** White flowers with a fragrant smell, formed in terminal spikes over 10 cm long. It blooms from March to September. **Seeds and fruit of the rare Al-Haraz tree:** Its fruits are pod-shaped, orange in color, and twisted when ripe. They open up, revealing inside hard, smooth, oval-shaped brown seeds. **Growing season for the rare Al-Haraz tree:** It is planted in the months of March, April, and October, and can also be cultivated year-round in moderate regions, agricultural reserves, enclosed or plastic-covered areas where temperature and sunlight can be controlled, or where adequate lighting is available. **Suitable climate and soil for planting the rare Al-Haraz tree:** The Al-Haraz tree is highly drought-tolerant, capable of withstanding high temperatures and frost. It typically grows in plains, lowlands, and river valleys. **Method of cultivating the rare Al-Haraz tree:** It propagates through cuttings or seeds, which require treatment due to their hard nature. Seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seed’s tip can be scratched to accelerate germination, but care must be taken not to damage or touch the embryo inside, as this can kill it. **Its benefits and uses:** Planted as windbreaks and for its fragrant flowers that attract bees. Its wood is used in some industries, along with medicinal applications. **Original habitat:** Africa, from where it spread to the Middle East, India, and Pakistan.