MEWA, NEOM Reveal Eight Unrecorded Native Plant Species in Saudi Arabia

Photo by SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and NEOM have discovered eight native plant species that were not previously recorded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a press release from MEWA.
This discovery is the result of the ‘NEOM flora program,’ a two-phased program that included a comprehensive study of the geology, soil, watershed hydrology, ecology, and topography of NEOM. The program supports NEOM’s broader commitment to protect 95% of nature and the ongoing efforts to document and restore its unique biodiversity, SPA reported.
On this occasion, MEWA Deputy Minister for Agriculture Eng. Ahmad Alayadh said: "The new plant species have been documented at the National Herbarium within the Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank in Riyadh. These species represent a significant addition to the recorded flora of Saudi Arabia."
Alayadh praised the team behind this achievement; the eight new plant species are: Bituminaria flaccida (Nábělek) Greuter, Cicer judaicum Boiss, Crambe hispanica L, Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC, Hyoscyamus boveanus (Dunal) Asch & Schweinf, Muscari longipes subsp Longipes, Phagnalon nitidum Fresen, and Plantago sinaica (Barnéoud) Decne.
Head of the NEOM Nature Reserve Dr. Paul Marshall said: "The NEOM Nature Reserve is protecting and restoring NEOM's extraordinary landscape. Our nature conservation work is supported by careful planning and management in NEOM's development areas. The NEOM Flora Program is an example of this planning and underscores NEOM's commitment to regreening and rewilding its natural environment."
NEOM Landscape Architecture Senior Manager Dhiya Zaidan said: "Over the past two and a half years, this initiative has yielded remarkable results, including documenting 345 local plant species, 28 rare species, and eight new registered plant species not previously recorded in the Kingdom. This would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our researchers and scientists on the ground."
Launched in 2021, the flora program is one of NEOM's key initiatives to document and conserve the region's natural heritage. The program helps to improve knowledge of the local vegetation and plant species found in the region. NEOM is committed to protecting 95% of its nature; a central pillar is establishing a world-class protected area.