A living tree estimated to be more than 100 years old has been discovered in Abu Dhabi.
The evergreen tree – Al Sarh – was found in Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) said on Monday. The agency has now registered the only Al Sarh tree in the emirate, specifically within the rock formations in Malakat, east of Al Ain and close to the UAE’s border with Oman.
Inhabitants of Malakat estimated the tree to be more than 100 years old and remembered using its delicate branches as an instrument to put on eyeliner, which is called ‘Al Merwad”.
The area where the tree was found is within a topography that makes access difficult, which helped to provide protection for the last tree of this type. The tree was discovered as part of an EAD programme designed to preserve and propagate important local plants through a seeding programme.
“We will also work with scientific research centres in local universities to attempt to multiply the number of trees through the use of its existing tissue and accordingly measure the success of the project. In the event of success in the multiplication of the tree, rehabilitation operations will be carried out within selected sites of its natural habitats,” said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD secretary-general.
