Riyadh Cultivates Endangered Wild Thyme Plant
In a groundbreaking move, the Aman Environmental Society has successfully cultivated the endangered northern wild thyme plant in the city of Arar, located in the Northern Borders region, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.
Mohammed Obaid Al-Jumaishi, a dedicated member of the society, shared his journey: “I started cultivating wild thyme in my home by planting two seedlings, and the experiment succeeded. Then I expanded to a larger site in an area close to Arar, suitable for plant growth. Now there are more than 3,000 seedlings of northern wild thyme on the farm.”
Known for its pleasant aroma, strong taste, and high nutritional value, the plant serves various purposes. The flowering branches and leaves not only enhance its value but also contribute to the thriving vegetation cover in the region.
Al-Jumaishi expressed his mission to protect the plant from extinction and reintegrate it into the natural landscape. He highlighted the significant economic benefits derived from selling thyme.
Nasser Irsheed Al-Mujallad, the head of the Aman Environmental Society, shed light on the region’s rich biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of plants like the wild thyme in the Northern Borders region.
He elaborated on the unique characteristics of the wild thyme, noting its preference for rocky terrains in valleys and reefs. The plant, a native of the Northern Borders region, boasts multiple branches covered in galls and reaches heights of 30 to 80 centimeters, with protected areas allowing it to grow over a meter tall.
The oval-shaped leaves of the plant are adorned with white fuzz, while the small, purple flowers bloom profusely from the top of the plant during spring and summer. Al-Mujallad stressed the importance of the flowering branches and leaves in preserving this endangered species and encouraged farmers and enthusiasts to partake in the propagation of the region’s plants.