Lifeline in arid terrain

The little trees, Acacia, known as Simr in Oman with its flat canopies are distinct features of the country's terrain. If you see a place named Aqda it implies that the place has ample collection of Simr trees. These are found in Barka and Suwaiq.

The Acacia tree provides shade and has characteristics that represent resilience. From a distance, the trees can easily be considered as dry shrubs. Get closer and what awaits is a whole ecosystem.

"The tree is full of life. It is an important part of Oman's vegetation. In many ways, it supports other plants and animals and is a shelter especially when the summer is hot and most importantly it gives an aesthetic view," points out Younis al Battashi.

In August, the tree has fresh growth and the little yellow fluffy flowers. Another distinct feature is the thorn, which is also one of its protection mechanisms.

The Simr trees are known for being drought resistant so tough terrains with limited water resources can easily be ideal environments for them to thrive giving hope for other living creatures. The trees thorns do not stop them.

Each Acacia tree is teeming with activity. A closer look brings out the ones who depend on this tree.

In Jiddat Al Harris an unforgettable scene is the sunrise covered in fog and the Acacia trees holding the dewdrops to the delight of Arabian oryx and gazelle. They gently sip the drops.

But up in the mountains, there is a whole lot of activity going on as Acacia trees are home for insects as well. The wasp is an important pollinator. During August the flowers have bloomed and wasps play a significant role in the pollination.

If the wasp is a visitor, there is a resident who enjoys the comfort of this tree.

The resident is none other than Julodis, a beetle that is synonymous with summer in Oman. They are known as Funzouz and are jeweled up and are quite stationary. They convey the story of biodiversity and the ecological balance. Not so far away, on the same tree is a busy darkling Beetle. All this when there is not a drop of water anywhere around.

The mountaintop might look dry, but it is a thriving ground. Amidst tiny stones is a young plant making its presence felt and that is Blepharis. When the season is right, and they are fully grown, tiny vibrant purple flowers bloom.

The Simr tree, which comes under the classification of Acacia, has its social significance because it is known for its shade. Simr honey is one of the most expensive one.

Says Rashid al Jabry, "Simr trees are strong and they can last through dry seasons. Their long roots help them find water and its pods are eaten by animals. Birds make their nest on its branches. The bees often build their beehives on these trees. If the tree dried up, people used to take the wood for the making of Shua'a or barbecue."

Waleed al Jawhari associates a similar tree with honey.

"Simr honey is much sought after and it can be expensive. Simr trees grow very slowly but are steady. They have been dealing with Jong spell of droughts and are still surviving," Waleed said.

But there is one threat other than humans.

"Camels are the only ones who can feed on the tree's leaves because the thorn is not a problem for them. But they also have a tendency to eat the tree's bark and after this, the tree just dies."

The Simr wood fetches a good amount of money but that is also one of the major threats.

"People used to collect the dry wood, but as it is economical they found ways to encroach healthy trees. In the past, the law in Oman protected fresh trees from being cut down. But when the people started using techniques such as wounding the trees to kill them eventually, a stricter rule came into being and that means cutting acacia trees dead or alive are not allowed to be cut," says Waleed.

The Botanical Garden in squ.edu.om of Sultan Qaboos University notes that "The Acacia-tree (Acacia tortilis - Simr) is one of the most common trees in Oman, distributed on the coastal regions, foothills and plains. Small annual plants appear after rainfall. These germinate rapidly from buried seeds. The seeds can survive in the soil during long periods of drought, which sometimes extend over many years. The life cycle of such species is short, hence flowering and fruiting are accomplished within a very short time."

So the Simr always waits for the rain, but on its own can survive till the next rain, unless it is externally harmed.