King salman bin abdulaziz royal reserve: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is distinguished by its unique environmental assets, reflected in the diversity of its native vegetation, most notably the Arfaj shrub, which serves as a natural refuge for wildlife in the reserve's shallow sandy habitats, underscoring its vital role in the ecosystem.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Arfaj shrub receives significant attention from the reserve's development authority as part of its ongoing efforts to protect and enhance native vegetation. Belonging to the daisy family, the shrub is widely distributed across the shallow sandy habitats of Al-Khunfah and Al-Tubaiq.
The shrub exhibits unique morphological characteristics. It grows up to 70 centimeters tall and features highly branched woody stems, lance-shaped basal leaves, and small, widely spaced upper leaves. During its flowering season, it adds exceptional beauty to the reserve's natural landscape.
The conservation of native plant species such as the Arfaj shrub reflects the reserve's commitment to preserving ecological balance, protecting renewable natural resources, and supporting national efforts to achieve comprehensive environmental sustainability and advance the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.