The Middle East is one of the most important Old World locations, not only for the formation of many of the first human civilizations and the cultivation of food crops but also for geobotanical and floristic reasons. The Middle East features complex physiography that includes huge gravel and sandy deserts, highland plateaux, and mountain ranges, which influence climate and soil, and hence vegetation. The actual number of plant species in the Middle East is unknown. However, an estimate of 13,500 is reasonable. Here, we will look at six of the best plants found in the Middle East. We have looked at them all from Bougainvillea, Flame Trees, and even lucky house plants and come up with what we think are the best.
Date Palm
The Date Palm, a species over 50 million years old, is a plant that we are all familiar with from the Middle East. Surprisingly, the UAE is responsible for 6% of global date production. These trees may grow up to 23 meters tall and have leaves that span four to six meters, so you’ll need a rather large garden. The Date Palm tree prefers hot climates and struggles to grow its sweet, edible fruit in colder areas such as Europe. Date palms require well-drained, deep sandy loam soils to retain moisture. The earth should have a pH range of 8 to 11 and be devoid of calcium carbonate.
Tulips
Tulips are most commonly associated with the Netherlands, where they cover acres of land in a rainbow of colors visible from miles away. The flower, however, has only been grown in the country since the 16th century, having arrived via the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the flower has become the national symbol of Turkey, the empire’s successor state. The Turkish term for “tulip,” lale, is also a popular girl’s name.
Blood Lily
The bulbous plant, also known as Scadoxus multiflorus, is extensively grown for its brilliantly colorful flowers. It is indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula and a few areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The purple speckled stem adds to the plant’s overall appeal.
Desert Roses
Adenium, often known as desert rose, is a blooming plant found in the Arabian desert. These flowering shrubs or small trees have inflated trunks that store water to survive in the hot environment. These plants bloom in groups over the Arabian desert all year. However, because they cannot endure cold climes, they blossom only when the sun shines brightly.
Tamarix Gallica
Tamarix Gallica is abundant in Saudi Arabia and may be found throughout the Mediterranean; nevertheless, this plant is also grown for ornamental purposes and provides a pleasant feel and effect. The vivid display of small pink flower spikes draws both locals and visitors. Aside from that, it will produce a fantastic illusion. Most notably, some people in Northern Africa utilize it to treat conditions such as diarrhea and rheumatism. Tamarix Gallica is well-known for its distinctive color. Still, these tiny blooms are also rich in nutrients and have their own aroma.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a common garden plant in the UAE, with three clusters of white flowers surrounded by brilliant bracts in pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, or yellow. These are the colors associated with this colorful flowering plant, making it a stunning addition to any flower bed. The thorny, vine-like Bougainvillea plant can grow up to 12 meters in height, making it an excellent choice for covering bare garden walls and fences while giving a dash of color. Bougainvillea will turn deciduous during the dry summer. Having said that, it’s a tough hot-weather plant with excellent drought tolerance.
We don’t often think of the Middle East when we think of plants, but hopefully, your mindset will change after reading this.
