

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to forests of varying densities, covering approximately 2.7 million ha of its area. Most of these forests are located in al-Sarawat Mountain Range in the southwestern region of the Kingdom. They are notable for their tree diversity, with around one hundred species, along with approximately 2,500 species of shrubs and herbs. These forests rely on seasonal rainfall for their water supply. The most common trees found in these areas are junipers (Juniperus) and various types of acacia.
Forests in the Kingdom differ based on environmental diversity, which results in several distinct types, including:
Mountain forests
They are forests located in mountainous areas and rely on rainwater. These include acacia, juniper, and myroxylon forests.
Semi-warm forests
These forests cover Sarawat Mountain Range, the Tihama Mountains, valleys, and slopes. Among the plants that grow there are the umbrella thorn acacia (Vachellia tortilis), Vachellia flava (Acacia ehrenbergiana), atil (Maerua crassifolia), and Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi).
Lowlands and pastoral valleys forests
A type of forest formation that grows next to lowlands and pastoral valleys. Several species of trees grow there, such as acacia, Christ's thorn jujube, tamarisk (Tamarix), and the mustard tree (Salvadora persica).
Mangroves forests
These forests can be found on the shores of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, and are rich in gray mangroves (Avicennia marina).
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