Desert Plants in the UAE

United Arab Emirates27 November 2005Draft

The desert vegetation in the UAE consists largely of shrubs, bushes and trees located far away from each other. The Ghaf is the dominant tree and aridity, soil texture and salinity are key factors determining the distribution and abundance of plant species in the UAE. Traditionally, plants have been used for herbal medicines. In coordination with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Emirates Post has issued a set of special stamps in six denominations and a stamps booklet on some of the deserts plans of the UAE. 50 Fils, Leptadenia pyrotechnica Erect, compact, dense many branched shrub, up to 3 meters. Leafless or with few lincar leaves. Flowers are yellow – green. Follicles with long lanceolate . 125 Fils, Lycium shawii Perennial and woody shrub, up to 2 meters high. The greenish – yellow leaves are small and little. Flowers are solitary, white-blue, and trumpet-shaped. Fruits, which are green at first, turn reddish when ripe. 225 Fils, Calotropis procera Desert tree or srub , stout, 1-3 meter high, tomentose . Leaves are big 5-19 cm long. Flowers are big. Corolla rotate- campanulate , 5 – lobed. Follicles are big, green, ovoid or ellipsoid. Souvenir sheet: none. Stamp booklet: AED 13.75. Size: 44 x 44 mm in sheets of 50 stamps.