More than 800 species of wild flower have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula. Most are seen only in the springtime (mainly January to March) or after heavy rainfall throughout the autumn and winter. During the wetter months, Saudi Arabia's deserts, mountains and gravel plains explode with leafy shrubs and greenery, and blossom with flowers and fruits. Rainfall in the Asir Mountains can continue to nurture the perennial plants in the surrounding areas long after the rains have stopped.
Despite the stark conditions, the flowers in Saudi Arabia are beautiful, but also small. Entering a fertile wadi blossoming in spring is a sight to behold – green shoots and splashes of colour sprout up unexpectedly, cutting through the sharp rock.
Most of the wild flowers have been used in the past by the Bedouin for their medicinal properties. The false sowthistle (Reichardia tingitana), a small spring daisy, for example, was used to treat abdominal pain (colic) and eye infections, while tea made from the leaves of the local dandelion (Sonchus olereacus) has been used as a diuretic, a laxative and as a general tonic.
ANTHEMIS
Anthemis melampodina
Anthemis is a genus of aromatic flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It flowers profusely, especially on higher altitudes of the Asir Mountains.
ARABIAN PRIMROSE
Arnebia hispidissima
After the spring rains, the sandy plains transform into meadows, covered in all sorts of annual plants. Very common is the Arabian primrose. This plant belongs to the borage family, and has a woody base with stiff stems covered in bristly hairs and bright yellow flowers. It too has useful properties. Its Arabic name, 'al hamra', means 'red'. Despite its flowers being yellow, its roots and branches contain a crimson dye that was once used by Bedu women as make-up to rouge their cheeks.
ASPHODEL LILY
Asphodelus tenuifolius
Growing on gravel and sandy plains, this common lily can look very different depending on how much it has rained. It may appear as either a small, single-stemmed plant or a little, much-branched bush. The asphodel lily’s leaves look very similar to those of chives (it belongs to the onion family), while the flowers are tiny and white, striped with flecks of maroon. The seeds are held in little capsules that rattle in the wind until they're ready to be dispersed by a strong gust. It's known as 'barwag' or 'kufer' in Arabic.
ASSYRIAN PLUM
Echium rauwolfii
This annual plant blooms after heavy rains with pink and purple flowers. You may spot it at Rawdhat Khoraim.
BLUE PIMPERNEL
Anagallis arvensis
The blue version of the better-known scarlet pimpernel grows in wet wadis and among rocky outcrops. Its name is derived from the Greek word for 'delightful', referring to its striking colours. In Arabic, it's called 'ayn al gatt' or 'ayn al jamal', meaning 'the cat's or camel's eye'. Crushed, the plant has been used by locals to treat snake bites and epilepsy.
DESERT AMARYLLIS
Pancratium tortuosum
This beautiful flower can be found sprouting as a solitary plant across the central region. The name 'Pancratium', derived from Greek, means 'all-strength', indicating that the plant can tolerate extreme climates. Pancratium species often inhabit extremely dry and sandy areas.
DESERT CAMPION
Silene villosa
The desert campion, or 'gharera' in Arabic, opens its lovely large white flowers at dusk to be pollinated by night-flying moths. In years when rain is sparse, small seedlings with two or three flowers may appear, but in years with abundant rain, the plant develops into a large round bouquet of white flowers up to 20cm tall.
DESERT HYACINTH
Cistanche tubulosa
Found on salty plains and in the dunes, the desert hyacinth, or 'thanoon' in Arabic, is a parasitic plant which runs a fine thread from the thickened lower end of its stem to the roots of nearby bushes to get nutrients.
DESERT IRIS
Iris sisyrinchium
One of the most spectacular flowers of the Arabian desert, the desert or mountain iris flowers profusely in years with prolific rains and covers sandy areas of the Tuwayq escarpment. The iris fields attract many people wanting to experience the desert in bloom. The flowers only open up at midday, so if you arrive early, you may only see grass-like stems. But it's definitely worth the wait.
EREMOBIUM
Eremobium aegyptiacum
Carpeting the desert sands after heavy rain, 'ghurayra', as it's called in Arabic, is one of few annual plants that range into the Empty Quarter. Its flowers are mainly white, but for every 100 white blooming bushes grows a predominantly pink one!
GERMANDER
Teucrium oliverianum
While in flower this eye-catching bush, called 'aihan' or 'qasba'a' in Arabic, could be mistaken for lavender as it has plumes of tiny violet flowers arranged on long stems. It grows in wadi beds and on gravel plains.
LITTLE STAR
Pallenis hierochuntica
This tiny woody plant, with its central yellow daisy-like flower, grows in the limestone hills up to just 5cm high. When the plant, called 'qahwayan' in Arabic, dies down at the end of the season, the seeds are enclosed in a tight bud which opens when doused with water. In heavy rain, the bud opens, catapulting the seeds through the air over a considerable distance to ensure that new plants grow in a circle around the old one.
MAIDENHAIR FERN
Adiantum capillus-veneris
The maidenhair fern can be found growing on rock walls or in the wadis. Known as 'khuwaysat mai' in Arabic, this fern can be found all year round, growing fronds up to 30cm tall. It takes advantage of the moisture that's slowly but constantly seeping through the layers of rock.
SORREL
Rumex vesicarius
After spring rains, local people search the rocky mountain slopes for their favourite salad green, the local sorrel, or 'hummad' in Arabic. Though its flowers are barely noticeable, the large bright red wings which cover the seeds make it conspicuous against the dark rocks. The plant grows up to 20cm tall, and its edible leaves are full of vitamin C. They can be chewed raw as a thirst quencher or a natural mouth freshener.
WALL-ROCKET
Diplotaxis acris
When in bloom, usually between January and March, it covers entire fields with purple flowers. Wall rocket is eaten as a leafy vegetable and can be seen on the gravel plains of the Arabian Shield.
ZAHRA
Tribulus omanense
Of the various tribulus species in the region, the one known as 'zahra' has the largest flowers. It occurs in areas of loose sand, as well as in the high desert dunes, growing up to 80cm tall with its long stems often half trailing. It has a bright yellow flower and feathered foliage which is a favourite fodder for roaming ungulates, such as gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals.
