Seeds of the Thamam shrub. Desert herb.

Desert grass Althamam is a perennial wild grass, first-class pasture, that grows in dry areas and deserts, used by humans, animals, and birds alike. It is characterized by upright branches resembling bamboo, and a strong fibrous root that grows up to 2 meters, making it one of the shrubs that prevent sand encroachment. Scientific name: Panicum Turgidum Other names: Wild grain grass, Desert millet, Swollen Thamam, Panic grass, Desert grass, Basket grass, Toman or Taman. Family: Poaceae. Original habitat: Arabian Peninsula, southern Iraq, Levant, North Africa up to Mauritania. Flowers and fruits: It has small, pyramid-shaped white flowers. Its fruits are pod-like and red in color. Leaves and spikelets: Its leaves are alternate, small, with a green blade, and at the end of its branches appear white spikelets about 4 mm long. Height: from 1.5 meters to 2 meters. Cultivation of desert grass Althamam and environmental conditions: Thamam lives in dry atmospheres and hot areas, and can also be cultivated in moderate climatic conditions such as greenhouses. Soil: Light to medium sandy soil with moderate pH, and it can tolerate saline soil. Any type of soil rich in comprehensive nutrients suitable for cultivation. Irrigation method: Watered regularly during the initial germination stages, then once established, it tolerates drought and dryness, taking into account weather conditions, soil moisture, and climatic conditions of the plant. Sun exposure: Requires full sunlight. Propagation: By seeds. Planting season: From September (month 9) to December (month 12), and in spring until autumn. It can be planted at any time of the year in non-ideal weather and climatic conditions inside greenhouses. Flowering time: In spring. Benefits and uses of desert grass Althamam: Contributes to increasing the vegetative cover of desertified lands. Its stalks are used to make mats from straw. Rich in nutrients for livestock. Used in medical treatments as a wound healer and fever reducer. Planted as windbreaks due to its deep roots in the ground.