What evergreen desert tree species, known in the Arabian Peninsula as the 'Tree of Life' (Prosopis cineraria) or 'Ghaf', has deep roots exceeding 30 meters to access groundwater?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf)
- Step 1: Prosopis cineraria (known locally as Ghaf) is an indigenous, drought-tolerant legume tree.
- Step 2: Its remarkable taproots can penetrate 30 to 50 meters into the subsoil to tap deep groundwater aquifers, providing shade, nitrogen fixation, and emergency fodder during severe droughts.
Answer
Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf).
Why not the others: 'Tamarix nilotica' is a salt cedar; 'Ficus benghalensis' is the banyan tree; 'Calotropis procera' is the poisonous sodom apple.
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