10 UAE native plants for your garden
when it comes to creating gardens in the UAE, there’s a strong case for native plants. the climate here is hot, humid, and hostile. but you already knew that.
some garden designers might see native planting as flavour of the month, we see it as an essential part of landscape design and construction, especially in this climate.
let’s explore why natives are the best choice and run through some of our faves.
why choose native plants?
native plants have evolved to thrive in their climate. for plants native to the UAE that means they require less water than imported and tropical plants. using more natives in your planting design will reduce your water consumption helping to conserve this resource, and your water bills.
native flora have developed natural defences against local pests and diseases, making them more resilient. by opting for native plant species, you can minimise the need for chemical pesticides and create a healthier, more organic garden. this’ll improve your garden’s ecological contribution to the neighbourhood by supporting greater biodiversity of microbes, insects, mammals, and birds.
local plants also represent the UAE's unique natural beauty. they ‘sit well’ with the surrounding landscape - native plants evoke a sense of place - connecting us to the environment we call home. by using them, our landscapes feel more harmonious - some people describe this as more natural, relaxed, calming. we say; all of the above.
so, which native plants should you choose? here’s 10 of our favourites:
Acacia arabica
the bark of the plant can be used to treat viral, bacterial and fungal disorders. low maintenance, has stunning white thorns, and gorgeous yellow flowers in mid-winter. at home in both dense wooded areas or as a statement tree.
Calligonum comosum
high in sugar and nitrogen, the young shoots are often eaten as salad greens, or powdered to add to milk. maintenance is low, and in extensive landscape schemes the plant will look after itself. its vibrant red pom pom like flowers are a glorious surprise from this unassuming desert shrub.
Caralluma arabica
common name - gems of the hills. this charming succulent-like plant is super resilient to wind, sun and disease. works well as a groundcover and perfect for desert and cactus gardens too. anecdotally, seems to work in semi-shade, too, surprisingly. arabic common names - Khansour, Khansir, Duja.
Dodonea viscosa
a welcome sight on many hikes as you near the top of the mountains around Jebel Jais. the bitter fruits are used as a substitute for hops when making beer, and its leaves have medicinal properties. it can be trimmed as a tall hedge for privacy, or allowed to grow into a small tree. wonderfully lush for a low-water shrub.
Heliotroium bacciferum
with a level of hardiness David Goggins would be proud of, this low woody shrub is a great contrast to more leafy and succulent arid plants. it has a gorse-like texture that makes gardens feel rugged and dependable. common names - turnsole, heliotrope, ramram.
Limonium axillare
the roots and stems are used to dye fishing gear to make the nets less visible to the fish and to make the fibre less prone to rot. how cool is that? very low maintenance but this plant’ll make you get on your hands and knees when those delicate pink flowers decorate the ground in early winter. absolutely unreal.
Senna italica
a concoction of leaves, boiled in water with lemon and rose water, but without sugar can be used to treat stomach cramps. this lush, wide-leafed ground cover will soften sunny borders and brighten things up with rampant yellow flowers. great for pollinators.
Tephrosia appolinea
this plant is great for filling wider borders and plays a brilliant supporting role - not every plant needs to be in the limelight and Tephrosia is the Oscar-winning best supporting actor. soft and silvery, with delicate purple flowers. common name- egyptian indigo. arabic common names- dhafar, omayye, nafal.
Zizyphus spina-christi
leaves are boiled in water, then strained and the solution given to women to ease prolonged labour. useful to know, but we hope you’ll never need to rely on it! the Sidr tree is deeply rooted in local folklore and its hanging jujuba fruits are a treat to behold, and to eat.
Prosopis cinerara
couldn't write this list and leave out the Ghaf (see what I did?). the national tree of the UAE is rough, yet regal. the bigger it gets the better it looks, and, like many old trees, provides exponentially more biodiversity value as it ages. with tonnes of uses for medicine, food, and resources, it’s a reassuring sight in any UAE landscape. fave fact? this tree is the source of the term ‘tree-hugger’ based on the story of the Bishnoi people of Rajasthan, India, sacrificing their lives to protect them in the 17th Century! a brilliant bit of nature nerdiness for you. read more here.
the benefits of using native plants of the UAE in gardens and landscapes are undeniable. finding reliable stock and knowledgeable suppliers can sometimes be challenging, though. we work with around 10 specialist nurseries across the UAE to find the right plants at the right size and quality. we understand the importance of using native plants and have extensive experience sourcing the best options, so feel free to ask.
seen something else you like? what’s your favourite native plant species?
further reading:
Desert is a Forest Artist’s Garden - by Sunoj D and Namrata Neog.
Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes of the UAE - Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (2019).
Salt-tolerant Plants of the UAE - Fawn M Karim, Abdullah J Dakheel, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (2006).
Flora of Qatar - www.floraofqatar.com
Encyclopaedia of Medicine Plants of the UAE - https://medicinalplants.doh.gov.ae/en/Encyclopedia-of-medicine-plant-of-UAE