Acacia trees form a principal element of desert plant communities in Egypt’s South Eastern Desert. Because of slow growth, grazing adversely influences the seedlings more than the mature trees. Very often plants stay in dwarf form waiting the fortune of the rain. As soon as favourable conditions come, they grow quickly. Permanent trees act as the main drought reserve for grazing stock. Bedouins can rely on the beloved Acacia tree as a stable source of food, a shade structure & a survival pillar for many desert settlers. There are several species of Acacia, each one has several uses & the bedouin community has learned the many secrets of the tree & benefit from it greatly.

 ⁠— Excerpt from Dr. Irina’s book “The Desert Garden”:

Known as Salam or Selem in Arabic, the Acacia E. tree is the most drought resistant of the Acacias growing in Egypt. An excellent plant for fuel because it produces more heat and is slower in burning than other acacias. It is especially good for preparing “gabana”, the traditional Bedouin coffee. Its leaves & small branches are very nutritious, so it is important as fodder for livestock. Since it usually grows as a shrub, animals can easily reach the soft parts of the plant. The staff, which is an essential part of the bedouin’s equipment, is almost always made from the slender straight twigs of the Acacia.

Learn more about different species of Acacia by visiting our gardens.