Ruwaitha (Salsola villosa) seeds

Common name: Ruwatha (Ruwaatha) Scientific name: Salsola villosa Also called: Ruwatha - Acid Description: • Perennial shrub, with many branches, its stems are white and thorn-like, and it is branched, its leaves are fleshy, and it is a dwarf shrub that reaches about 80 cm in height. Native habitat: • Mediterranean basin areas, Arab Maghreb, Spain, and the Arab East. • Spread in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. • Spread in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia in particular, as well as in central and northern Qatar. Uses and benefits: • One of the most important acid grazing plants. • A preferred pasture for camels and sheep over other plants. • Always used as firewood for fuel (Mandaville). Flower: • The flowers appear in dense spikes usually, very small, bloom in the fall, colors are green and purple. Suitable climatic conditions and soil for cultivation: Suitable soil: • Found in rocky limestone soils and saline areas, grows in valleys, and has a high ability to adapt to calcareous soil. • Climatic conditions: • Dry climate. Method of cultivation: • When cultivating Ruwatha, its seeds should not be exposed to high concentrations of salts; as the resistance of its seeds and seedlings to salinity is weak. • It is possible to start watering this plant with salty water one week after planting, and it can be harvested after only two months from planting.