Seeds of the Surrh tree - Al-Marwa (Maerua crassifolia)

Common name: Al-Sarah. Scientific name: Maerua crassifolia. Also called: Atil, Al-Marou, Atheel, the shaded tree, the dune tree, desert umbrella. The original habitat of the Al-Sarah (Maerua) tree: • Arabian Peninsula and Africa. Description of the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • Al-Sarah is a perennial wild tree in the Arabian Peninsula, known for its cool, shady canopy in summer. Its branches are intertwined and highly branched, characterized by being thornless. Its leaves are dense, small in size, evergreen, semi-oval, and resemble henna shrub leaves. Its height ranges between 3m-11m. Description of the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree flower: • The flowers are white, fragrant, and numerous stamens, appearing in spring. Uses and benefits of the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • Known for its abundant shade and the fact that it provides cool shade in summer. • Has many uses in the medical field. • Used for beekeeping. • Used as animal fodder. • Its fruits are sweet-tasting and edible. • The branches are used as siwak by some due to their health benefits for the gums. Suitable climate for the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • Tolerates salinity. • Tolerates frost. • Tolerates winds. • Tolerates harsh desert conditions. Suitable soil for the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • Grows in fertile, well-drained, and aerated soils. • Grows in sandy soils. • Grows in various soils. • Tolerant of poor soils. Method of propagation of the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • Propagates by seeds. • Propagates by cuttings. Best time for planting the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • End of September and November/December/October. • Can be planted throughout the year in suitable places with appropriate temperature and humidity for germination (such as greenhouses). Method of planting the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • It is recommended to scratch the seeds or soak them in water for a day to accelerate growth. • Prepare the soil and mix it with fertilizer. • Place the seeds on the soil surface and cover with a soil layer no more than 2 cm thick. • Water and keep the soil moist continuously during germination. • Place in a sunny location. Method of fertilizing the Al-Sarah (Al-Marou) tree: • It is preferable to add a small amount of organic fertilizer at the beginning of germination and some nitrogen fertilizers just to speed up growth.