Acacia tortilis woodland, Buraimi, Oman. 03.12.2004
70843
This type of woodland is typically found on well-drained alluvial substrates, and in the eastern half of the Arabian Peninsula, is a dominant feature in many parts of northern Oman, the eastern UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Apart from occurring on plains, as shown here, it also extends up into the mountains. On the plains, the trees typically occur along the edges of very shallow drainage channels, best seen when looking down from high mountains, and the typical linear arrangement of the trees can be made out ("contracted" vegetation type).
Excessive grazing by camels can seriously affect rejuvenation of the trees, even though seeds germinate profusely after heavy rain.