Bahrain 4 - A 400 years-old tree

It can be seen from a distance on a small rise of the ground, as you drive 2 km south-
ward from Jabel Al Dukhan into the Bahraini white desert.
As impressive on the map as in real view, - a green spot lost in a blinding light, this 400
years-old mesquite, stands in absolute loneliness, defying the centuries.


[Click to see more pics].
The mesquite tree (Prosopis velutina) belongs to the large family of the 'Fabaceae' and fits
to extreme weather conditions, however this one has become a legend and truly deserves
the name 'Tree of Life', Shajarat-al-Hayat in Arabic.
Despite sand storms, grazing animals, high heat... and disrespectful behavior of visitors,
the tree is alive and well thanks to its strong roots that sink deep into the ground, only...
... there is no known source in the vicinity.

One natural wonder, one lonely tree
Life is powerful, and sometimes magic.
___
LINKS:
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Fabaceae/Fabaceae.html
http://www.gisp.org/casestudies/showcasestudy.asp?id=64&MyMenuItem=casestudies&worldmap=&country=
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_Life,_Bahrain
http://bahraindiscovery.com/tree_of_life.html
http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/bahrain/sightseeing-in-bahrain/tree-of-life-in-bahrain.html