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The Sahara, covering an area of over 9,400,000 square kilometers (3,600,000 sq mi), is the largest hot desert on Earth. Describing the desert's size in general terms, it is as large as China, or the United States. Speaking about its flora, the Sahara is home to a sparse and widely scattered population of vegetation, which mainly includes trees, succulents, herbs, shrubs, and grasses.
In broader terms, the Sahara Desert plants mainly comprise a variety of plants adapted to heat and drought conditions and one that can survive in salty conditions. The plants are in the northern and southern parts of the desert, places near oasis and drainages particularly those along the Nile River that runs through the desert where the highest concentration of the desert's vegetation can be found. The rest of the article will tell you about the types of plants that thrive in the desert.
This succulent plant (Lophophora williamsii) survives the harsh conditions of the Sahara by holding back water for extended periods of time, with the help of its thickly built stems.
Another survival strategy of the African peyote cactus is cutting down on water loss, which occurs through evaporation.
Its leaves are reduced to spines, and this helps decrease the rate at which the plant loses moisture in the air. It is believed that the native tribes of the desert used the cactus in their spiritual rituals.
The plant contains mescaline an alkaloid that is known to trigger hallucinations.
The cactus blooms yellow and pink flowers.
Also known as the shittah tree, the red acacia (Acacia seyal) is often found in the damp valleys of the Sahara.
The Red Acacia is a thorny tree with barks bearing a reddish shade, or a shade that is pale greenish in color.hatstips The tree bears feathery leaves, which are believed to protect the bark of the tree from dry winds.
An important identification feature of this tree is the two thorn like projections, which grow at the base of the leaves.
The Red Acacia is also known for its bright yellow blossoms, which appear in the form of a cluster.
Medical uses of the tree may include reducing cholesterol levels, treating inflammation of the throat, and stomach inflammation.
Common Fig
Suited for the Mediterranean climate, the common fig (Ficus carica) tree is also listed among the plants of the Sahara.
The tree is capable of thriving in soil that is nutritionally poor and is tolerant to seasonal drought, thanks to its deep rooted system.
The reproduction of the fig tree depends on the pollination carried out by a certain species of wasps.
The doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica) is another plant of the Sahara Desert that grows along the Nile River.
It bears an edible red orange oval fruit, whose taste resembles that of gingerbread, and thus the tree is also called "gingerbread tree.".
The importance of the doum palm can be gauged from its versatile uses; no portion of this plant goes to waste.
The white nut of the plant's fruit is made into buttons by the natives.
Then comes the rind of the fruit, which is used in preparing molasses, sweetmeats, and cakes.
Lastly, the leaves of the palm are used for making paper and mats.
The doum palm has medical uses as well. The nut of its fruit is grounded to dress wounds and an infusion of the fruit is believed to help manage high blood pressure.
The soil of the Sahara Desert is home to a drought resistant herb called thyme (Genus: Thymus).
Apart from being a major food source for the animals of the desert, thyme is commonly used in African and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Medicinally, this herb is used for treating indigestion, respiratory infections, and spasms.
Another species of plants that can be found in the Nile valley and at a few oases is the olive tree (also called Laperrine's olive tree).http://www.hatstips.com
