Arta

Conservation status:

Native

Description:

Growth form: Shrub. Flowering. Mar–Apr. Status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE. Habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from a sand dune near Umm Bab. Uses: ‘The fruits are edible and freshen the mouth with their tart taste’ (Cornes & Cornes). Twigs said to be pounded and added to milk as a flavouring or tonic (Mandaville). Cornes & Cornes also mention that it is said to be used in a balm for skin ailments. El Amin says the woody base was used for firewood. Also reported by early authors to be used by bedouin in the tanning of hides.