Yellow Arfaj Blossoms Adorn the Northern Borders Region

The recent rains have transformed the Northern Borders Region's deserts and steppes into a captivating spring landscape, adorned with the attractive blossoms of the Arfaj plant. The remarkable flourishing of desert vegetation further highlights the beauty of the Kingdom's wild nature.

 The Arfaj plant (Rhanterium epapposum) is a significant desert species in Saudi Arabia, especially in the Northern Borders Region. It is recognized by its bright yellow flowers, light aromatic scent, and its resilience to harsh arid and semi-arid conditions.

 The Arfaj is one of the most important grazing and national plants due to its role in soil stabilization and combating desertification, in addition to being a food source for livestock in some seasons. It reaches a height of about sixty centimeters, its stem tends to be silvery in color, while its leaves are linear in shape, with each leaf about two centimeters long.

 Losing its leaves in autumn, the Arfaj returns to bloom at spring's start, its deep taproots playing a crucial role in absorbing water from the soil's deeper levels.

 Environmental authorities are working to protect the plant cover through community awareness programs and the prevention of overgrazing to ensure the sustainability of these natural landscapes, which are considered a national treasure and part of the Kingdom's environmental identity.