Rhanterium epapposum seeds

Common name: Al-‘Arafaj Scientific name: Rhanterium epapposum Also known as: Rhanterium Al-‘Arafaj is a short shrub with a regular rounded shape, growing to a height of 40–80 cm, with silvery white branches, and small alternate lanceolate leaves. The flower of Al-‘Arafaj is the national flower of Kuwait. • Flower of Al-‘Arafaj: small yellow flowers that appear in spring. • Fruit and seeds of Al-‘Arafaj: small-sized fruits containing 6-8 seeds each. • Growing season for Al-‘Arafaj: seeds are planted late winter and in spring, and can also be cultivated year-round in agricultural reserves, enclosed or plastic-covered areas where temperature can be controlled, sunlight reaches, or where there is adequate lighting for the plant. • Suitable climate and soil for Al-‘Arafaj: it grows in shallow sandy lands and soil with high gravel content, highly resistant to salinity. All these traits indicate that this plant is highly adapted to harsh desert conditions. It requires direct sunlight and is watered regularly. • Method of cultivating Al-‘Arafaj: propagated by seeds planted at a depth of 1 cm – 2 cm from the soil surface. It can also be fertilized with organic fertilizer at least once. • Benefits and uses: Al-‘Arafaj is considered one of the best desert plants for camel grazing. It is also used as a fuel source. Due to overgrazing, Al-‘Arafaj has become a rare plant in some areas where it was once common. • Native habitat of Al-‘Arafaj: it is distributed in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries, Iraq, and Kuwait.