Trees
SAKSAUL TREES
Saksaul Trees (Haloxylon ammodendron) exists only in Central Asia and is an important vegetation feature in Mongolia: one quarter of Mongolia’s forested area is covered by this woody shrub. Especially in areas of desert and semi-desert, saksaul forests protect the soil from erosion, provide diverse habitants for animals, fodder for wildlife and livestock and firewood for people.
The saxaul ranges in size from a large shrub to a small tree. The wood is heavy and coarse and the bark is spongy and water-soaked. The leaves of the tree are so small that it appears to be without leaves, giving it a dull grey appearance. However, the branches of young trees are green and pendulous. The saxaul has small yellow flowers. It is effective against erosion because it sends out horizontal roots in addition to very deep roots to reach the underground water. Those plants that have reached an age of 25 years are the most effective for erosion control.