A3

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m
May
Can be
be used
used as
as aa street
street tree,
tree,
park tree or for scenic routes
but not for locations that
Acacia arabica ArabicvAcacia 6 Thorns „ High Medium High High depend
depend on
on uniformity.
uniformity. May
Can also
also
be appropriate for heritage
locations. Suitable for shelter
belts.
8m

5m
Good hardy species. Has
fragrant flowers that appear in
*
Acacia
farnesiana
Sweet Acacia 6 Thorns „ „ High Medium High High clusters in late winter, followed
by persistent fruits which are
good for birds and wildlife.
7m

7m
Good hardy species. Has
fragrant flowers that appear in
Acacia
ehrenbergiana
Salam 6 Thorns „ High Medium High High clusters in late winter, followed
by persistent fruits which are
good for birds and wildlife.
7m

8m
Good hardy species. Has
fragrant flowers that appear in
Acacia nilotica Arabian Gum 6 Thorns „ High Medium High High clusters in late winter, followed
by persistent fruits which are
good for birds and wildlife.
7m

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INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

5m
Considered as an important part
of the regional culture. Suitable
for heritage parks, desert parks
Acacia tortilis Samar 6 Thorns „ High High High High and scenic roads but not for
urban parks or streets. It may
need insecticides spray yearly
for stem borer insect.
8m

9m

Good park tree, popular for its

*
Albizia light dappled shade, tropical
julibrissin
Silk Tree 666 „ „ Medium Medium High Medium
effect and fragrant flowers.
Short lived (approx. 20years).

10 m

10 m

Excellent street and park tree

Albizia Women’s for urban areas. Good deciduous
lebbeck Tongue
666 „ „ High High High High
multi-stemmed park tree, with
widely spreading habit.

12 m

12 m

Alstonia Good park or street trees for

scholaris
Devil Tree 666 „ Medium Medium High High
urban areas.

10 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

12 m
Excellent urban tree for streets,
public plazas and parks. Very
Azadirachta
indica
Neem Tree 666 „ „ Medium Low High High successful in Al Ain. It sheds
leaves if it does not receive
sufficient irrigation.
8m

7m

Needs some shelter and west

Bauhinia Purple Orchid
purpurea Tree
666 „ Medium Medium High Medium sun protection. Better grouped
with other trees.

5m

6m

Orchid Tree, Needs some shelter and west

Bauhinia
variegata
Poor Man’s 666  „ Medium Medium High Medium sun protection. Better grouped
Orchid with other trees.

6m

7m

Needs some shelter and west

Bauhinia White Orchid
variegata ‘Alba’ Tree
666 „ Medium Medium High Medium sun protection. Better grouped
with other trees.

5m

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INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

12 m

Spiny trunk when young, bright

Red Silk Cotton
Bombax ceiba
Tree
66 Spines „ „ High High High High red flowers in spring. Suitable
for diverse conditions.

9m

5m
Culturally significant species
as the source of Frankincense,
although not native to the
Frankincense
Boswellia sacra
Tree
66 „ „ Medium Medium Medium Medium Arabian Gulf region. It grows
successfully on Sir Bani Yas and
in Al Ain with low irrigation
rates so has wide application.
7m

12 m

Extended trunk is a water

Brachychiton
populneus
Bottle Tree 66 „ „ High Medium High High storage device to ensure
survival in a very dry climate.

8m

6m

Best suited to park use in Al

Callistemon Weeping Ain. Water application should
viminalis Bottlebrush
666 „ „ High Medium High High
be reduced in winter months to
achieve good flowering.

4.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m

Attractive, fast growing, small

Cassia siamea Sunshine Tree 66 „ „ High Medium High High
tree for urban areas.

7m

4m

Cassia
Scrambled Egg Attractive, fast growing, small
surattensis
Bush
66 „ Medium Medium High High
tree for coastal urban areas.
(syn C.glauca)

4.5 m

18 m
Requires low irrigation
levels. Excessive water is
Casuarina Ironwood,
equisetifolia Coastal She-oak
66  „ High High High High counterproductive as the tree
grows rapidly then declines and
loses its shape.
10 m

8m
Best suited to the drier climate
of Al Ain, where there are
Chitalpa Pink Butterfly
tashkentensis Bush
666 „ Medium Medium Medium Low already good specimens. Needs
shelter from wind and afternoon
sun.
8m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

10 m
Best suited in the drier climate
of Al Ain, where there are
Chorisia
speciosa
Silk Floss Tree 66 Thorns „ „ High Medium High High already a good specimens.
Needs shelter from wind and
afternoon sun.
10 m

6m

Citrus fruit tree, suitable for

Citrus maxima Pomelo 666 „ Low Low High High
oases or parks.

5m

6m

Citrus fruit tree, suitable for

Citrus mitis Calamondin 666 „ Low Low High High
oases or parks.

5m

15 m Although tolerant of harsh

conditions, it is best used along
highways or in locations where
Buttonwood,
Conocarpus the pollen will not aggravate
erectus
Button 66 „ High High High High
allergy sufferers. Can create
Mangrove
problems with roots spreading
into irrigation pipes (confirm
10 m with Municipality if acceptable).

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

5m
Although tolerant of harsh
Conocarpus Pollen conditions, it is best used along
Silver
erectus
Buttonwood
66 Allergy „ High High High High highways or in locations where
‘Silver Form’ Source the pollen will not aggravate
allergy sufferers.
6m

6m

Prefers coastal locations.

Yellow Geiger,
Cordia lutea
Muyuyo
666 „ High High High Medium Produces fragrant, showy
flowers and edible fruits.

7m

6m

Well suited for Al Ain and Abu

Cordia myxa Lasura Tree
* 666 „ „ Medium Medium High Medium Dhabi as a street tree and park
tree.

6m

6m

Well suited for Al Ain and Abu

*
Cordia
sebestena
Geranium Tree 666 „ Medium Medium High Medium Dhabi as a street tree and park
tree.

5m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m

Coastal location only. Good,

Cordia Kou, Sea
subcordata Trumpet
666 „ Medium Medium High Medium small tree for waterfront parks
and urban plazas near the sea.

12 m

12 m

Coastal location only. Good ,

Cupaniopsis Carrotwood,
anacardioides Tuckeroo Tree
666 „ Medium Medium High Medium small tree for waterfront parks
and urban plazas near the sea.

10 m

20 m

Indian Not suitable for coastal

Dalbergia sissoo
Rosewood
666 „ High Low High High
locations.

12 m

9m Use only in humid coastal areas.

Excellent park, urban plaza
and street tree but will not be
Royal Poinciana, uniform in character as they are
Delonix regia
Flamboyant
66 „ High Low High High
grown from seed. Not attractive
during cooler months when
leaves fall. Needs to be irrigated
12 m with sweet water.

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m
Limited use as a park curiosity.
Dragon or Comes from Canary Islands, so
Dracaena draco Dragon’s Blood 66 „ „ High Medium Medium Medium climatically it needs protection
Tree from afternoon summer sun and
is best used in Abu Dhabi.
10 m

7m
Good, resilient tree. May be
used in parks or open spaces,
Kaffir Coral,
Erythrina caffra
Kaffirboom Tree
666 Thorns „ Medium Medium High High sikkas etc. where their informal
shape is not an issue. Good for
urban conditions.
11 m

6m
Good, resilient tree. May be
used in parks or open spaces,
Erythrina Brazilian Coral
crista-galli Tree
666 Thorns „ Medium Medium High High sikkas etc. where their informal
shape is not an issue. Good for
urban conditions.
5m

10 m
Good, resilient tree. May be
used in parks or open spaces,
Erythrina
variegata
Indian Coral Tree 666 Thorns „ High Medium High High sikkas etc. where their informal
shape is not an issue. Good for
urban conditions.
10 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

20 m

Large feature tree, best suited

Eucalyptus to parks. It can create problems
camaldulensis
River Red Gum 666 „ „ High High High High
with instability in sandy soils
due to the long stems.

10 m

25 m

Large feature tree, best suited

Eucalyptus Lemon Scented
citriodora Gum
666 „ „ High High High High to parks. Leaves can be used to
make lemon tea.

10 m

20 m

Lofty Fig, False Good street and park tree;

Ficus altissima Banyan, Council 66 „ „ Medium Medium High High providing dense shade in a
Tree climate where shade is critical.

30 m

20 m
Good street and park tree;
providing dense shade in a
Ficus Indian Banyan climate where shade is critical.
benghalensis Tree
66 „ „ Medium Medium High High
Should be located where its
extensive root system would not
cause problems.
30 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

7m

Ficus carica Fig 66 „ „ Medium Medium Medium High Important tree for oases.

12 m

8m

Good street and park tree;

*
Wadi cordata
Ficus cordata
Salicifolia
66 „ „ High Medium Medium High providing dense shade in a
climate where shade is critical.

9m

12 m

Good street and park tree;

Ficus
microcarpa
Malayan Banyan 66 „ Medium Medium High Medium providing dense shade in a
climate where shade is critical.

15 m

12 m
Good street and park tree;
Ficus providing dense shade in a
microcarpa Weeping Fig 66 „ Medium Medium High Medium climate where shade is critical.
‘Benjamina’ Can be pruned to more formal
shapes.
15 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

15 m

Good street and park tree;

Ficus religiosa Bodhi 66 „ Medium Medium High Medium providing dense shade in a
climate where shade is critical.

20 m

15 m

Needs shelter from wind and

Ficus salicifolia Willow Leaf Fig 66 „ Medium Medium High Medium best if sheltered from summer
afternoon sun.

20 m

7m

Hibiscus Well suited to coastal areas,

Tricolour Sea
tiliaceus
Hibiscus
666 „ Medium High High High especially where there is salt
‘Variegrata’ laden air.

5m

7m

Well suited to coastal areas,

Hibiscus Beach, Sea or
tiliaceus Linden Hibiscus
666 „ Medium High High High especially where there is salt
laden air.

8m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

12 m

Best used as a curiosity in

Kigelia africana Sausage Tree 666 „ „ Medium Medium High High
public parks and gardens.

10 m

12 m

*
Leucaena Best used as a curiosity in
leucocephala
White Tamarind 666 „ „ High Medium High High
public parks and gardens.

8m

10 m

Mangifera Best used as a curiosity in

indica
Mango Tree 666 „ „ Medium Medium High Medium
public parks and gardens.

8m

12 m

Manilkara Best used as a curiosity in

zapota
Sapodilla 666 „ „ High High High Medium
public parks and gardens.

10 m

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INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

10 m

Good small shade tree, ideal for

Melia azadarach Persian Lilac 66 „ „ High Medium High Medium
sikkas and small parks.

8m

15 m
Very good urban park tree,
with highly scented flowers.
Millingtonia Indian Cork Tree,
hortensis Tree Jasmine
666 „ „ Medium Medium High Medium Produces suckers, so not
suitable for streets or where a
neat appearance is required.
10 m

15 m

Horseradish, Good source of edible seed

Moringa oleifera Drumstick, 66 „ High Low Low High pods. Suitable for community
Benoil tree gardens and oases.

10 m

15 m

Best limited to oases where the

Morus alba White Mulberry 666 „ „ Medium Low High Medium fruit can be harvested and not
stain pavements.

12 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m
Best suited for inland areas
away from humidity. Best used
Olea europaea Olive 66 „ Medium Low High High in community oriented parks,
where fruits (olives) can be
harvested.
6m

6m

Parkinsonia Jerusalem Wide usage, often spoiled by

aculeata Thorn
66 Thorns „ „ High High High High
poor pruning and overwatering.

7m

12 m

Yellow
Peltophorum Poinciana, Excellent urban tree, particularly
pterocarpum Yellow Flame
66 „ „ High High High High
in coastal areas.
Tree

10 m

10 m

*
Pithecellobium Madras Thorn,
dulce Manila Tamarind
666 Thorns „ „ High Medium High Medium Hardy tree for urban streets.

13 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

5m
Widely used in coastal areas.
Can tolerate full sun or partial
Singapore or Sap shade. Tolerant of salt laden
Plumeria obtusa
White Frangipani
666 Allergy
„ „ Medium Medium Medium Medium
winds. Has an extensive root
system so needs to be located
with consideration.
6m

5m
Widely used in coastal areas.
Frangipani or Can tolerate full sun or partial
Plumeria rubra Temple Tree, Sap shade. Tolerant of salt laden
‘Acutifolia’ West Indian
666 Allergy
„ „ Medium Medium Medium Medium
winds. Has an extensive root
Jasmine system so needs to be located
with consideration.
6m

8m
Very good urban tree for streets,
Pongamia plazas, souks and parks. Best in
pinnata
Pongam Tree 666 „ Medium Medium High High
coastal regions. Produces pink,
fragrant flowers in spring.

Significant to the UAE cultural

5m
history. Has application on
highways and in urban parks

*
Prosopis and streets. The Ghaf can
cineraria
Ghaf Tree 66 Thorns „ „ High High High High
access water at great depths,
and will grow in size according
to the amount of water it
receives.

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m Has application on highways

and in urban parks and streets.
This tree can access water at
Prosopis Honey great depths, and will grow in
glandulosa Mesquite
66 Thorns „ „ High High High High
size according to the amount
of water it receives. Produces
yellow flowers from June to
6m September.

8m

Guava is commonly found in

*
oases, but can be useful as an
Psidium guajava Tropical Guava 666 „ Medium Low High Medium
urban small tree. Not suitable
for salt laden air.

6m

8m

Guava is commonly found in

oases, but can be useful as an
Psidium littorale Cattley Guava 666 „ Medium Low High Medium
urban small tree. Not suitable
for salt laden air.

6m

4m

Punica Good fruit tree for oases or

granatum
Pomegranate 666 „ Low Low High High
small parks.

4m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

6m

Hardy plant for highway

*
Salvadora
persica
Arak 6 „ „ High High High High landscape. Best if allowed to
grow without cutting.

9m

20 m

Wide spreading canopy. Best

Samanea saman Rain Tree 66 „ Medium Medium High High
suited to large open spaces.

30 m

2m

Small spreading tree. Best

Sophora
tomentosa
Kowhai 66 „ High Medium High High suited to sikkas, small parks or
local streets.

3m

15 m
In its native habitat Spathodea
grows to a very large tree, but
this does not happen in the
Spathodea African Tulip
campanulata Tree
666 „ Medium Medium High Medium UAE. The few specimens in Abu
Dhabi are medium sized trees
enjoying shelter and shade from
afternoon summer sun.
10 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
A3

SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

20 m

Hardy but slow growing species,

Pink Trumpet suitable for Abu Dhabi. Grows
Tabebuia rosea
Tree
66 „ High High High Low
best in wind-sheltered location
in parks or urban plazas.

10 m

12 m

Tamarindus Hardy, well shaped and textured

indica
Tamarind 666 „ „ Medium Medium High High
tree.

12 m

5m

Hardy and colourful small tree

*
Tecomella Rohida, Desert native to the Hajar Mountains.
undulata or Marwar Tree
66 „ Medium Medium High High
Best suited to scenic highways,
linear parks and desert parks.

5m

20 m

Terminalia Arjuna, White Very good shade tree for urban

arjuna Marudah
66 „ „ High Medium High Low
streets and parks.

15 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
TREES SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

15 m

Very good umbrella shaped

Terminalia shade tree for coastal areas
catappa
Indian Almond 66 „ High High High Low
including marinas and
waterfront parks.

15 m

10 m

Thespesia Portia Tree, Very good shade tree for coastal

populnea Indian Tulip Tree
66 „ „ Medium High High High
areas and inland.

8m

8m

An oasis species producing

Common
edible fruit. Also can be used as
Ziziphus jujuba Jujube, Chinese 66 „ „ High High High High
an urban park, street or plaza
Date
tree.

7m

15 m Symbolic of Abu Dhabi, found

in oases, along wadis, in
parks, along highways, school

*
Zizyphus grounds, urban parks and
spina-christi
Sidr Tree 66 Thorns „ „ High Medium High High
streets. It can survive with little
irrigation or it can benefit from
a higher level of irrigation and
15 m be a much larger tree.

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
PALMS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

15 m

Bismarckia Needs shelter and west sun

nobilis
Bismark Palm 666 „ „ Medium Medium High High
protection.

6m

9m

Hardy specimen palm. Suitable

*
for parks and opens spaces,
Brahea armata Blue Palm 66 „ „ High Medium High High
parking areas and informal
streets.

4m

5m
Medium size palm. Produces
edible orange dates in summer,
which may cause disturbance
Butia capitata Jelly Palm 66 „ „ High High High High
if falling on paved areas, better
planted at 3m distance from
paths and streets.
3m

15 m

Tall slender palm, suitable for

Carpentaria Carpentaria
acuminata Palm
666 „ „ High Medium High High small spaces, can be used in
groups to frame gateways.

5m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
PALMS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

2.5 m

Small bushy palm. Producing

Chamaerops Mediterranean suckers when mature, best
humilis Fan Palm
666 „ „ High High High High
used as a large shrub in parks or
desert locations.

1.5 m

3m

Coccothrinax Small palm. Better used as a

argentata
Silver Palm 66 „ „ High Medium High High
large shrub.

2m

15 m
Large palm producing fragrant
flowers and coconut fruits.
Suitable for any location,
Cocos nucifera Coconut Palm 666 „ „ High High High High including waterfronts but better
located where fruits can be
harvested without causing
nuisance.
6m

6m

Medium size palm, often with

Hyphaene Gingerbread
thebaica Palm
666 „ „ High High High High multiple trunk. Suitable for
parks, plazas and streetscapes.

3m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
PALMS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

5m

Good species for scenic routes,

*
Nannorrhops Leaf urban plazas and parks where
ritchiana
Zerbet 66 Spikes
„ High Medium High High
limited irrigation water is
available.

3m

18 m
Important in the cultural context
and for urban shade. Requires
higher water consumption than
Phoenix Leaf
dactylifera
Date Palm 666 Spikes
„ „ High High High High many palm species but only at
active growth periods. Needs
little water in cooler months
and during fruit ripening.
12 m

10 m

Good feature plant but needs

Phoenix Senegal Date Leaf to be located away from public
reclinata Palm
666 Spikes
„ „ High High High High
access. Leaf spikes are
a serious hazard.

6m

6m

Good feature plant but needs

Phoenix Pigmy Date Leaf to be located away from public
roebelinii Palm
666 Spikes
„ „ High High High High
access. Leaf spikes are
a serious hazard.

3m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
PALMS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

25 m

Not suitable for this region

except where sheltered from
Roystonea regia Royal Palm 666 „ Medium Medium High High
wind and from afternoon
summer sun.

8m

10 m

Hardy small palm. Suitable

Thrinax morrisii Thatch Palm 666 „ „ High High High High for all environments including
waterfronts.

6m

15 m
Hardy palm. Suitable for most
Leaf and urban conditions including
Washingtonia California Fan
filifera Palm
666 Stem „ „ High High High Medium waterfront, although salt laden
Spikes winds do cause some leaf burn
in summer.
7m

25 m
Hardy palm. Suitable for most
Leaf and urban conditions including
Washingtonia Mexican Fan
robusta Palm
666 Stem „ „ High High High Medium waterfront, although salt laden
Spikes winds do cause some leaf burn
in summer.

7m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
PALMS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1.3 m

Hardy, small, shrub-like palm.

Zamia Cardboard
furfuracea Palm
66 „ „ Medium High High High Suitable for all environments
including waterfronts.

2m

1m

Hardy, small, shrub-like palm.

Florida
Zamia pumila
Arrowroot
66 „ „ Medium High High High Suitable for all environments
including waterfronts.

1.8 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

3m

Suitable for use in desert parks

*
Acacia
ehrenbergiana
Samal 6 Thorns „ High High High High and any location requiring low
irrigation status.

4m

3m

Acacia Weeping form of Acacia,

floribunda
Weeping Acacia 6 „ „ High High High High
suitable for all conditions.

3m

1.5 m

Deciduous shrub with showy

Adenium Sap
obesum
Desert Rose 66 Allergy
„ „ High Medium High High flower. Best used where it is not
in direct contact with people.

1m

1.5 m

Adenium Deciduous shrub with showy

Sap
obesum Snowbell 66 Allergy
„ „ High Medium High High flower. Best used where it is not
‘Grumbly White’ in direct contact with people.

1m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1m
Occurs widely throughout the
UAE. Does not require irrigation

*
after establishment but has
Aerva javanica Al Ara 6 „ „ High Medium High High
maintenance needs (subtle
trimming) and is yet to be
tested in urban environments.
1m

0.15 m

Very good species for low water

*
Anastatica
hierochuntica
Kaf Marriam 6 „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

0.2 m

0.5m

Very good species for low water

*
Artemisia
sieberi
Besser 6 „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

0.5 m

1.5 m

*
Arthrocnemum Waterfront species, as yet not
macrostachyum
Hamadh 6 „ High High High High
produced by nursery industry.

2.5 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1m

Very good species for low water

Atriplex Four-wing
canescens Saltbush
6 „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

1m

1.5 m

Very good species for low water

Waxy Saltbush,
Atriplex glauca
Grey Saltbush
6 „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

1m

2m

Very good species for low water

Atriplex halimus Sea Orach 6 „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

2.5 m

2m

Very good species for low water

Atriplex Giant or Old Man
nummularia Saltbush
6 „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

2.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1m

Very good species for low water

Baccharis Trailing Desert
Hybrid ‘Starn’ Broom
6 „ „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

1.5 m

1.5 m

Very good species for low water

*
Baccharis
sarothroides
Desert Broom 6 „ „ High High High High demand landscapes, meeting
sustainable targets with ease.

1.5 m

2m

Bird of Paradise, Very common species,

Caesalpinia
gilliesi
Paradise 66 „ „ High Medium High High widely used. Not suitable for
Poinciana waterfront.

1m

3m

Red bird of Very common species,

Caesalpinia
pulcherrima
paradise, Pride 66 „ „ High Medium High High widely used. Not suitable for
of Barbados waterfront.

2m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1m

Very useful shrub for xeric

Calliandra Baja Fairy landscapes. Requires low
californica Duster
66 „ „ High High High High
maintenance and provides year
round colour.

1m

1m

Very useful shrub for xeric

Calliandra landscapes. Requires low
eriophylla
Fairy Duster 66 „ „ High High High High
maintenance and provides year
round colour.

1m

2.5 m Good species for low irrigation

water availability. It should
be noted that all species need
some water to survive. When
*
Calligonum
comosum
Abal 6 „ High Medium High High new landscapes are installed
there is a need for low irrigation
application in order to increase
or sustain a higher vegetation
2.5 m density than in natural context.

1m

Cassia Evergreen shrub. Suitable for

artemisioides
Silver Cassia 66 „ „ High Medium High High
most situations.

1m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

2m

Large semi-evergreen shrub.

Cassia
bicapsularis
Winter Cassia 66 „ „ High Medium High High Suitable for most situations
with plenty of space.

2.5 m

2m

Large semi-evergreen shrub.

Cassia Texas Flowering
corymbosa Senna
66 „ „ High Medium High High Suitable for most situations
with plenty of space.

2.5 m

2m

Large semi-evergreen shrub.

Cassia
didymobotrya
Popcorn Cassia 66 „ „ High Medium High High Suitable for most situations
with plenty of space.

2.5 m

1m

Evergreen sprawling shrub.

Clerodendrum
inerme
Wild Jasmine 66 „ „ High Medium High High Suitable for parks and open
space.

2m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

6m

Excellent coastal tree with

Coccoloba large round leaves and edible
uvifera
Seagrape 66 „ High High High High
fruit, very tolerant of salt laden
winds. Will also grow inland.

4m

1m

Aromatic shrub. Good for desert

Deverra
triradiata
Shammar 6 „ „ High High High High landscape and areas where low
irrigation is required.

1.5 m

0.6 m

Good shrub for desert landscape

*
Dipterygium
glaucum
Dipterygium 6 Medium Medium High High and areas where low irrigation
is required.

1m

2.5 m
Hardy locally occurring species
in Hajja Mountains. Needs

*
Dodonaea little water and frequent light
viscosa
Shahus 66 „ High High High High
trimming to produce a good
sustainable hedge. Not suitable
for Abu Dhabi.
1.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

4m

Semi herbaceous large shrub

Dombeya Dombeya with attractive pink ball flowers.
wallichii wallichii
66 „ „ Medium Medium Medium Medium
Needs to be in semi shade and
shelter.

5m

3m

Semi herbaceous large shrub

Dombeya x with attractive pink ball flowers.
seminole
Pink Cloud 66 „ „ Medium Medium Medium Medium
Needs to be in semi shade and
shelter.

4m

0.15 m

Hardy species for coastal parks

Gazania uniflora Treasure Flower 66 „ „ Medium Medium High High
and roadsides.

0.3 m

3m
Best used inland. Untested
as a landscape plant and will
Haloxylon need special skills to properly
ammodendron
Bunge 6 „ High Medium High High
maintain, however well
worth developing for highway
landscape use.
4m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1.5 m
Best used inland. Untested
as a landscape plant and will

*
Haloxylon need special skills to properly
salicornium
Rimth 6 „ „ High Medium High High
maintain, however well
worth developing for highway
landscape use.
1.5 m

1.5 m

Very useful shrub for desert

Hammada
elegans
Bunge 6 „ High Medium High High landscapes and areas requiring
low irrigation and maintenance.

1.5 m

0.5 m
Can grow well in all areas
including primary dune/

*
Heliotropium foreshore locations, some
curassavicum
Khashafa 6 „ „ High Medium High High
salt tolerance. Untested as a
landscape plant and will need
special skills to grow properly.
1.2 m

0.5 m

Very useful shrub for desert

*
Heliotropium
kotschyi
Ramram 6 „ „ High High High High landscapes and areas requiring
low irrigation and maintenance.

1m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.3 m

Brightly coloured shrub with

Hyssopus
officinalis
Hissop 66 „ „ High Medium High High fragrant flowers. Good for bees
and honey production.

0.5 m

0.5 m

Small grey-leaved shrub with

Lavandula
dentata
French Lavender 66 „ Medium Low High High fragrant flowers. Not suitable
for coastal situations.

0.5 m

0.5 m

Small grey-leaved shrub with

English
Lavandula vera
Lavender
66 „ Medium Low High High fragrant flowers. Not suitable
for coastal situations.

0.5 m

3m
Henna is commonly grown
in oases and along mountain
wadis. It is culturally significant
Lawsonia Henna Plant,
inermis Mignonette Tree
666 „ Medium Low High Medium so should also be associated
with heritage sites and
community gardens. Not
suitable for coastal situations.
2m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

3m

Very hardy shrub. Best used as

*
Leptadenia Fire Plant, a wind break along highways
pyrotechnica Merekh
6 „ High High High High
where there is little or no
irrigation.

3m

0.7 m

Leucophyllum Very good hedge plant for most

Thunder Cloud
candidum
Texas Sage
6 „ „ High High High High areas. Low water demand and
‘Thunder Cloud’ easy to maintain.

0.9 m

1m

Very good hedge plant for most

Leucophyllum Texas Ranger,
frutescens Texas Sage
6 „ „ High High High High areas. Low water demand and
easy to maintain.

1m

1m

Leucophyllum Very good hedge plant for most

frutescens Texas Sage 6 „ „ High High High High areas. Low water demand and
‘Green Cloud’ easy to maintain.

1m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

2.5 m

Hardy plant. Could be an

*
excellent hedge plant but
Lycium shawii Desert Thorn 6 Thorns „ High Medium High High
untested. Thorns restrict it’s use
to hedge planting.

2.5 m

2.5 m

Widely used in public gardens

Malvaviscus
arboreus
Turk’s Cap 666 „ „ Low Low High Low providing colour for most of
year.

2.5 m

2.5 m

Orange Jasmine,
Satin Wood, Quite hardy plant but does
Murraya exotica
Honey Bush,
66 „ High Medium High High
better with a bit of shade.
Chinese Box

1.5 m

3m

Murraya Orange Jasmine, Quite hardy plant but does

paniculata Chalcas
666 „ High Medium High High
better with a bit of shade.

2m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.2 m

Quite hardy spreading shrub,

Myoporum
parvifolium
Myoporum 66 „ „ Medium Medium High Medium but does better with a bit of
shade.

1.8 m

3m

Small shrub. Well suited to

Myrtus
communis
True Myrtle 66 „ Low Low High Medium urban plazas and parks. Not
suitable for coastal situations.

3m

1.5 m
Sand binding characteristics
and self-propagation by stem
*
Panicum
turgidum
Thaman 6 „ High Low High High rooting, make it a useful shrub
for naturalising on large areas
with little available irrigation.
1.5 m

6m

Plumeria Frangipani Tree, Sap Can tolerate full sun or partial

acutifolia Temple Tree
666 Allergy
„ „ Medium Medium High Low
shade.

4m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

6m

Sap Can tolerate full sun or partial

Plumeria rubra Frangipani 666 Allergy
„ „ Medium Medium High Low
shade.

5m

0.9 m

A good plant for under tree

Pseuderanthemum
Purple False locations in parks or urban
atropurpureum
Eranthemum
666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium
plazas. Must have shade and
shelter.

0.3 m

0.9 m

A good plant for under tree

Pseuderanthemum Yellow-Vein locations in parks or urban
reticulatum Eranthemum
666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium
plazas. Must have shade and
shelter.

0.3 m

4m

Very hardy large shrub, suitable

*
Salvadora
persica
Toothbrush Tree 6 „ „ High High Low Low to most situations. Requires
little maintenance.

6m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1m

Scaevola Hardy waterfront species. Best

frutescens
Beach Naupaka 66 „ High High High Medium
suited to Abu Dhabi.

1m

0.6 m

*
Small hardy shrub. Commonly
Senna italica Senna 66 „ „ Medium Medium High Medium
found along wadis beds.

1m

5m

Tamarix Hardy big shrub or small tree.

parviflora
Salt Cedar 666 „ „ High High High High
Suitable for most situations.

6m

2m

Hardy species with wide

Tecoma smithii Orange Bells 666 „ „ Medium Medium High High application. Needs little water in
winter months.

1.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
SHRUBS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

5m

Hardy species with wide

Yellow Trumpet
Tecoma stans
Bush
66 „ „ Medium Medium High High application. Needs little water in
winter months.

3m

1.5 m

Hardy species with wide

Tecomaria Cape
capensis Honeysuckle
66 „ „ Medium Low Medium High application. Needs little water in
winter months.

1m

2m

Erect open shrub or small tree.

Thevetia Mexican Very hardy and particularly
peruviana Oleander
66 „ „ High High High High
suitable for small parks, sikkas
etc.

1m

6m

*
Vitex agnus- Chastetree, Useful hedge plant and wind
castus Vitex
66 „ „ Medium High High High
break.

6m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.5 m
Very useful ground cover plant
for parks or streetscapes as
Acacia redolens Prostate Acacia 66 „ „ High High High High it requires little maintenance.
Spines can be a problem if used
near pathways.
2m

0.3 m

Needs partial shade to avoid

Alternanthera
flavescens
Yellow Joyweed 66 „ „ Medium Medium High High burning in extreme summer
conditions.

0.6 m

0.3 m

Needs partial shade to avoid

Alternanthera
versicolor
Rose Bush 66 „ „ Medium Medium High High burning in extreme summer
conditions.

0.3 m

4m

Strong, spreading bamboo.

Arundo donax Giant Reed
* 666 „ „ Low Medium High High Suitable as a screen and for
growing near water locations.

1.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.3 m
Very useful ground cover plant
for parks or streetscapes.
Atriplex Australian
semibaccata Saltbush
6 „ „ High High High High Tolerant of different
environments and requires little
maintenance.
1.8 m

12 m

Vigorous, tropical bamboo,

Bambusa Common useful as windscreen for more
vulgaris Bamboo
66 „ „ Medium Medium High High
delicate plants. Suitable for open
spaces.

12 m

0.5 m A particularly beautiful

perennial flower but one
that has not been grown in
urban context. Flowers in the
*
Boerhavia
elegans
Hamra 66 „ High Low High High winter months then virtually
disappears so it has limited
value in urban landscapes. The
species would require specialist
0.8 m maintenance skills.

1m Locally occurring species,

survives where roots have
access to moisture (most on

*
Capparis Jebel Hafeet). Suitable as a
spinosa
Caper Plant 6 „ „ High High High High
ground cover and has attractive
flowers. Needs competent
maintenance re trimming and
2m minimum irrigation.

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.3 m

Carex Attractive grass. Needs to be

hachijoensis
Japanese Sedge 66 „ High Low Low Medium
used sparingly.

0.4 m

0.6 m

Good grass for inland locations.

*
Blue Buffalo Needs little maintenance and
Cenchrus ciliaris
Grass
6 „ High Low High High
irrigation. Does not tolerate
shade and can be invasive.

0.8 m

0.1 m

Useful spreading groundcover

that require little irrigation.
*
Citrullus
colocynthis
Desert Gourd 6 „ High Low High High Produces melon-type fruits
with a bitter pulp. Seed can be
used in biofuel production.

3m

1m
Widely used as a hedge species.
Hardy but too often trimmed
Clerodendrum Seaside Glory-
inerme Bower
66 „ „ High High High High too hard and dies back leaving
exposed woody branches and
no leaf.
2m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

2.5 m

Tall grass. Suitable as a

Cortaderia
selloana
Pampas Grass 66 „ „ High Medium High High specimen plant in most parks.
Requires space.

1.5 m

0.6 m
Limited use given it has not
been developed as a landscape
*
Crotalaria
aegyptaica
Nzah 6 „ High Medium High High plant. Needs similar level of
sensitive maintenance as
Haloxylon and Aerva javanica.
1m

0.6 m

Good grass for all locations.

*
Cyperus
conglomeratus
Tamachek 66 „ „ High Medium High High Needs little maintenance and
irrigation.

0.6 m

0.6 m

Reed bed plant. Used in

Cyperus
laevigatus
Hasal 666 „ „ Low Low Medium High association with fresh-water,
waterfeatures etc.

1.5 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.5 m

Dietes Wild Iris, Fairy Limited use in private urban

grandiflora Iris
66 „ Medium Medium High High
plazas.

0.5 m

0.15 m

Hardy species for coastal parks

Gazania hybrids Treasure Flower 66 „ „ Medium Medium High High
and roadsides.

0.3 m

0.2 m

*
Indigofera Appropriate for Al Ain. Not
intricata
Baysha 6 „ „ High Low High High
suitable for humid locations.

0.6 m

0.6 m

Grows in shallow water.

Suitable for saline or brackish
Juncus rigidus Sea Rush | „ High High High High
water, such as salt marshes,
coastal sand dunes.

0.6 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

1.2 m

Grows in shallow water. Good

Juncus as a reed bed filtration species.
socotranus
Buchenau | „ Low Low High High
Not suitable for saline or even
slightly brackish water.

1.2 m

1m

Muhlenbergia Texas Muhly Clumping grass. Suitable for

capillaris Grass
66 „ „ Medium Medium High High
more informal locations.

1m

0.3 m

Ophiopogon Good small grass. Useful for

japonicus
Tufty Grass 66 „ „ High Medium Medium Medium
open spaces or streetscapes.

0.4 m

0.05 m

Good amenity grass. Very

Paspalum Seashore salt tolerant. Useful for parks
vaginatum Paspalum
66 „ „ High High High High
or where good grass cover is
required.

indefinite m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.5 m

Widespread hardy grass species.

*
Pennisetum Very suitable for highway
divisum
Bristle Grass 66 „ „ High Medium High High
landscapes and desert parks.
Excellent for dune stabilizing.

0.5 m

0.9 m

Crimson or
*
Pennisetum Widespread use in urban areas.
setaceum
African Fountain 66 „ „ High Medium High High
Often overwatered.
Grass

0.6 m

0.9 m

Pennisetum
Purple or Red Widespread use in urban areas.
setaceum
Fountain Grass
66 „ „ High Medium High High
Often overwatered.
rubrum

0.6 m

0.6 m

Feathertop,
Pennisetum Widespread use in urban areas.
villosum
White Fountain 66 „ „ High Medium High High
Often overwatered.
Grass

0.6 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

3m

*
Phragmites
australis
Common Reed | „ „ Low High High Medium Salt tolerant reed.

2m

0.1 m

Portulaca
grandiflora
Moss Rose 66 „ Medium Low Medium Medium Widely used summer annual.

0.15 m

0.3 m

Needs a shaded and sheltered

Tree men in a
Rhoeo discolor
boat
66 „ Medium Low Medium High location. Not suitable for
waterfronts.

0.4 m

0.3 m

Oyster Plant, Needs a shaded and sheltered

Rhoeo
spathacea
Moses-in-the- 66 „ „ Medium Low Medium High location. Not suitable for
Cradle waterfronts.

0.3 m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.15 m
Needs afternoon shade and
Wild Petunia, shelter. Can be invasive by seed
Ruellia
caroliniensis
East Tennessee 666 „ „ Medium Low Medium High distribution. Useful ground
Pinkroot cover for urban park, street and
plaza uses.
0.1 m

3m

Saccharum Oasis species with limited uses

officinarum
Sugarcane 666 „ Low Low Medium Medium
in community gardens.

2m

1.8 m

Needs to grow next to fresh

Ravenna or
*
Saccharum water or receive higher
ravennae
Sugarcane 666 „ Low Low Medium Medium
irrigation rate during growing
Plume Grass
season.

1.2 m

0.15 m

Scaevola Suitable for parks and open

aemula
Fairy Fan Flower 66 „ „ High Medium High Medium
spaces.

1.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.5 m

Perennial suitable for urban

Senecio street, plaza or park use as
cineraria
Dusty Miller 6 „ „ High Medium High High
a low water demand ground
cover.

0.5 m

0.05 m
The best hardy ground cover
requiring very low water and
maintenance.
Sesuvium
portulacastrum
Sea Purslane 6 „ „ High High High High S. portulacastrum grows flat on
the ground whereas
S. verrucosum is approx. 150 to
200mm high.
1.2 m

0.05 m

Sesuvium
Red Sea Rusty red version of S.
portulacastrum
Purslane
6 „ „ High High High High
portulacastrum.
‘Red Form’

1.2 m

0.7 m

Taller growing and frequently

*
Sesuvium overwatered. Grows best on a
verrucosum
Rohama 6 „ High High High High
low water regime. Should not
be taller than 120mm.

1.2 m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.2 m

Purple Heart syn Good ground cover for under

Setcreasea
purpurea
Tradescantia 66 „ „ Medium Medium Medium High shade of trees or palms. Burns
purpurea if unshaded.

1.0 m

0.5 m

Hardy small shrub for desert

*
Tephrosia areas and low water demand
apollinea
Dhafra 6 „ „ High Low High High
urban landscapes. Untried as
an urban plant.

0.5 m

0.5 m

Good ground cover needing

*
Tribulus little irrigation. Suitable for open
arabicus ‘Hosni’
Zahar 6 „ „ High Low High High
spaces or streetscapes in inland
locations.

1m
Tolerant of most conditions,
but grows bigger if protected
Vitex
rotundifolia
Beach Vitex 66 „ „ Medium Medium High High from wind and salt sprays.
Suitable for open spaces and
streetscapes.
1.8 m

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A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
GROUNDCOVER BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND GRASSES NAME NAME

0.6 m
Roots from the leaf nodes
and spread widely. Useful to
Wedelia Creeping Daisy,
trilobata Yellow Dots
66 „ „ Medium Medium High High cover large areas, otherwise
due to its vigour it has limited
applications.
1.8 m

0.05 m

Good amenity grass. Tolerant of

Korean shade or sun. Useful for parks
Zoysia japonica
Lawngrass
66 „ „ Medium Medium High High
or where good grass cover is
required.

indefinite m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

1m
Agave is a hardy genus,
however, plants have been burnt
Agave
Leaf during periods of extreme heat.
americana Century Plant 66 Spines
„ „ High High High High
They present a problem for
angustifolia
maintenance due to the sharp
leaf tips.
1.5 m

2m
Agave is a hardy genus,
however, plants have been burnt
Agave
Leaf during periods of extreme heat.
americana Century Plant 66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High
They present a problem for
‘Green’
maintenance due to the sharp
leaf tips.
3m

1m
Agave is a hardy genus,
however, plants have been burnt
Swan’s Neck, Leaf during periods of extreme heat.
Agave attenuata
Fox Tails
66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High
They present a problem for
maintenance due to the sharp
leaf tips.
2m

1.5 m
Agave is a hardy genus,
however, plants have been burnt
Agave ‘Blue Blue Agave, Leaf during periods of extreme heat.
Agave’ Tequila Agave
66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High
They present a problem for
maintenance due to the sharp
leaf tips.
2m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

0.6 m
Agave is a hardy genus,
however, plants have been burnt
Mescal Ceniza, Leaf during periods of extreme heat.
Agave colorata
Century Plant
66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High
They present a problem for
maintenance due to the sharp
leaf tips.
0.5 m

1m
Agave is a hardy genus,
however, plants have been burnt
Leaf during periods of extreme heat.
Agave deserti Desert Agave 66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High
They present a problem for
maintenance due to the sharp
leaf tips.
1m

2m

Has been known to burn in

Aloe Leaf
arborescens
Krantz Aloe 66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High full summer sun. Does best in
partial shade from Date Palms.

2m

0.5 m

Has been known to burn in

Leaf
Aloe striata Coral Aloe 66 Spines
„ „ High Medium High High full summer sun. Does best in
partial shade from Date Palms.

0.5 m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

0.6 m

Has been known to burn in

*
Leaf
Aloe vera Aloe Vera 66 Spine
„ „ High Medium High High full summer sun. Does best in
partial shade from Date Palms.

0.6 m

2.5 m

Widely grown but should be

used sparingly to allow for
Canna indica Indian Shot 666 „ „ Low Medium Medium Medium
greater use of lower water
demand species.

0.5 m

3m

Important oases species.

Papaya or Paw May be grown in Community
Carica papaya
Paw
666 „ „ Medium Low High Medium
Gardens, but otherwise of
limited use.

2m

0.15 m
Widely spreading succulent
plant. Good for covering large
Carpobrotus areas of ground in parks or
edulis
Fig Marigold 66 „ „ High Medium High High
streetscapes. Needs little
maintenance. Produces edible,
fig-like brown fruit.
indefinite

Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices 141 A

A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

3m

Erect eye-catching plant.

Cordyline
australis
Cabbace Palm 66 „ High Low High High Suitable for parks and urban
spaces.

1m

2m

Can be widely used as a low

Crassula
argentea
Jade Plant 66 „ „ High High High High water requirement ground cover
plant.

1m

0.5 m

High water demand to grow

Cyperus properly, therefore limited
alternifolius
Umbrella Plant 666 „ Low Medium Medium Medium
application. Needs shelter and
partial shade.

0.5 m

0.5 m

High water demand to grow

Cyperus Umbrella Sedge, properly, therefore limited
involucratus Dwarf Papyrus
666 „ Low Medium Medium Medium
application. Needs shelter and
partial shade.

0.5 m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

0.1 m

Echeveria Useful groundcover plant for

elegans
Hen and Chicks 6 „ „ High Medium High High
streetscapes or open spaces.

0.5 m

0.6 m

Rounded cactus. Good for

Echinocactus Golden Barrel
grusonii Cactus
6 Spines „ „ High Medium High High desert type open spaces, or
streetscapes.

0.8 m

1.2 m

Good eye-catching plant. Good

Euphorbia
tirucalli
Sticks on Fire 6 „ „ High Medium High High for open spaces or streetscapes.
Requires little maintenance.

0.9 m

1m

Bears strongly scented white

Fulcraea
gigantea
Malagache Aloe 66 „ „ High Medium High High flowers in summer. Suitable for
open spaces or streetscapes.

2.5 m

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A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

1m

Eye-catching variegated leaves.

Fulcraea
Bears strongly scented white
gigantea Malagache Aloe 66 „ „ High Medium High High
flowers in summer. Suitable for
‘Mediopicta’
open spaces or streetscapes.

2.5 m

Good ground cover plant.

Heliotropium
curassavicum
Salt Heliotrope 66 „ „ Medium High High High Thrives in coastal / salt laeden
environments.

1m

0.3 m

Good ground cover plant.

Lampranthus
spectabilis
Trailing Ice Plant 66 „ „ High Medium High High Suitable for open spaces or
streetscapes.

1m

0.2 m

Good ground cover plant.

Malephora
crocea
Ice Plant 6 „ „ High High High High Suitable for open spaces or
streetscapes.

0.6 m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

5m

Tall cactus. Suitable for

Opuntia ficus- desert type open spaces or
indica
Indian Fig 6 Spines „ „ High Medium High High
streetscapes Produces edible
fruits.

5m

0.4 m

Small cactus. Suitable for

Opuntia
microdasys
Funny Bunny 6 Spines „ „ High Medium High High desert type open spaces or
streetscapes.

0.4 m

6m

Tree-like succulent, with spines

Pachypodium Madagascar along its trunk. Suitable for
lamerei Palm
6 Spines „ „ High High High High
desert type open spaces or
streetscapes.

2m

1m

Low maintenance, medium size

Pandanus plant. Suitable for open spaces
sanderi
Pandanus 66 „ „ High High High High
or streetscapes. Variegated
leaves when mature.

0.7 m

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A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

3m

Low maintenance, tree-like

Pandanus Veitchs Screw
veitchii Pines
66 „ „ High High High High plant. Suitable for open spaces
or streetscapes.

2m

2m

Pedilanthus Upright shrub. Suitable for

tithymaloides
Devils Backbone 66 „ „ High Medium High High
parks.

1m

1m

Pedilanthus Smaller variegated version.

Variegated
tithymaloides
Devils Backbone
66 „ „ High Medium High High Suitable for parks or urban
‘Variegatus’ spaces.

0.4 m

2.5 m

Portulacaria Tall shrub. Suitable for larger

afra
Elephant Bush 66 „ „ High Medium High High
parks.

1.2 m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

1.5 m

Sansevieria Hardy understorey for shade

cylindrica
Snake Plant 66 „ „ High Medium Medium High
trees in urban context.

0.6 m

1.2 m

Sansevieria Mother-in- Hardy understorey for shade

trifasciata Law’s Tongue
66 „ „ High Medium Medium High
trees in urban context.

0.5 m

0.05 m

Good ground cover. Requires

Sesuvium
portulacastrum
Sea Purslane 66 „ „ High High High High very low water and
maintenance.

1.2 m

8m

Dramatically shaped plant

Sharp
for coastal locations. Best
Yucca aloifolia Spanish Bayonet 66 Pointed „ „ High High High High
allowed to grow freely as a
Leaves
multistemmed specimen.

7m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
SUCCULENTS BOTANIC COMMON
SHAPE USER NOTES
AND PERENNIALS NAME NAME

4.5 m

Sharp
Yucca brevifolio Joshua Tree 66 Pointed „ „ High High High High Best suited to inland areas
Leaves

4.5 m

1.2 m

Has soft leaves so can be

Yucca used in contact with public.
desmetiana
Soft Yucca 66 „ „ High High High High
Useful plants for open space or
streetscapes.

1.5 m

2m
Leaves fold downward so less
Sharp hazardous than other species of
Yucca gloriosa Spanish Dagger 66 Pointed „ „ High High High High Yucca. Better suited to coastal
Leaves locations in association with
shade of palms.
2m

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 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
CLIMBERS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

8m

Allamanda Vine best suited to sheltered,

cathartica
Golden Trumpet 666 „ „ Medium Medium High High
shaded environments.

4m

3.6 m

Allamanda
cathartica Lavender Vine best suited to sheltered,
‘Cherries Trumpet
666 „ „ Medium Medium High High
shaded environments.
Jubilee’

3.6 m

3m

Best where shaded from

Antigonon afternoon summer sun,
leptopus
Coral Vine 66 „ „ High Medium Medium High
otherwise very hardy. Can be
invasive.

1.8 m

4.7 m

Very common species, widely

Bougainvillea Bougainvillea,
glabra Paper Flower
66 Thorns „ High Medium High High used. Needs low water regime
but is often overwatered.

3.6 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
CLIMBERS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

2.7 m

Very common species, widely

Bougainvillea Bougainvillea,
hybrids Hybrids
66 Thorns „ High Medium High High used. Needs low water regime
but is often overwatered.

2.7 m

12 m

Very common species, widely

*
Bougainvillea Bougainvillea,
spectabilis Paper Flower
66 Thorns „ High Medium High High used. Needs low water regime
but is often overwatered.

7m

8m

Campsis Common Vigorous climber. Useful to hide

radicans Trumpet Creeper
666 „ „ Medium Medium High High
unwelcome structures.

2.5 m

4.5 m

Butterly Pea, Limited use in parks and urban

Clitoria ternatea
Blue Pea Vine
666 „ „ Medium Low Medium Medium
plazas.

2m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
CLIMBERS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.6 m

Very unusual purple colour.

Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato
‘Blackie’ Vine
666 „ „ Medium High High High Useful as a feature. Will grow in
most locations except foreshore.

1.5 m

4.5 m

Mainly used to hide unwelcome

structures, walls and fences.
Ipomoea biloba Morning Glory 666 „ „ Medium High High High
Grows in most locations except
foreshore.

2m

4.5 m

Mainly used to hide unwelcome

Ipomoea Messina, Mile- structures, walls and fences.
palmata a-Minute Vine
666 „ „ Medium High High High
Grows in most locations except
foreshore.

2m

4.5 m
Most jasmines are hardy but
do best where shaded from
Jasminum South African
angulare Jasmine
666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium afternoon summer sun and are
sheltered from wind. Grows in
coastal or inland urban areas.
2.5 m

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COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
CLIMBERS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

3m
Most jasmines are hardy but
do best where shaded from
Jasminum
azoricum
Azores Jasmine 666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium afternoon summer sun and are
sheltered from wind. Grows in
coastal or inland urban areas.
3m

4m
Most jasmines are hardy but
do best where shaded from
*
Jasminum Spanish or Royal
grandiflorum Jasmine
666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium afternoon summer sun and are
sheltered from wind. Grows in
coastal or inland urban areas.
4m

0.6 m
Most jasmines are hardy but
do best where shaded from
Jasminum Angelwing or
nitidum Shining Jasmine
666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium afternoon summer sun and are
sheltered from wind. Grows in
coastal or inland urban areas.
1.2 m

3m

Needs more water than other

Jasminum jasmines. Best used as a low
sambac
Arabian Jasmine 666 „ „ Low Low Medium Medium
growing shrub in semi shaded
and sheltered locations.

3m

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DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
CLIMBERS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.7 m

Thunbergia Black-Eyed Limited use in urban plaza or

alata Susan Vine
666 „ „ High Medium High High
community garden context.

0.6 m

0.6 m

Blue Glory,
Thunbergia Clock Vine, Limited use in urban plaza or
battiscombei Scrambling Sky
666 „ „ High Medium High High
community garden context.
Flower

0.9 m

Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices 153 A

 The following plant species are native of either Abu Dhabi or the region. They are encouraged for use throughout the Public Realm in Abu Dhabi. Most of the species are currently undergoing field trials
to determine their growing characteristics, water requirements, and other features. Currently little detail is available for them, however they are all species that have some positive characteristics or
potential for use within the Public Realm.

A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
NATIVE PLANTS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.3 m

Spreading
Boerhavia
repens
Hogweed, Red 66 „ „ High High High
spiderling

3m

3m

Ficus johannis Fig 66 „ High High

3m

0.5 m

Indigofera
arabica
66 „ High High

1.5 m

0.7 m

Indigofera Rusty indigo/

colutea Sticky indigo
66 „ High High

1m

A 154 Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices

 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
NATIVE PLANTS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.5 m

*
Indigofera
intricata
Baysha 6 „ High Low High High

1m

1.5m

Indigofera
oblongifolia
6 „ High High High

1.5 m

1.2 m

Iphiona scabra
* 6 „ High High High

1.5 m

0.7 m

*
Ochradenus
arabicus
6 „ High High High

1.2 m

Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices 155 A

A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
NATIVE PLANTS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.6m

*
Ochradenus
aucheri
66 „ High High High

0.6 m

0.7m

Ochradenus
baccatus
6 „ High High High

2m

0.6m

Rhazya stricta
* 66 „ High High High

1.5 m

0.8m

*
Stipagrotis Large Busman
ciliata Grass
6 „ High High High

0.6m

A 156 Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices

 COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
NATIVE PLANTS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

0.6m

*
Stipagrotis
plumosa
6 „ HIgh HIgh HIgh

0.8 m

2m

*
Tamarix
aphylla
6 „ HIgh HIgh HIgh

1.5 m

3m

Tamarix nilotica 66 „ HIgh HIgh HIgh

4m

0.6m

Taverniera
glabra
6 „ HIgh HIgh HIgh

1.5 m

Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices 157 A

A3

COASTAL SUITABILITY

DROUGHT TOLERANCE

SALINITY TOLERANCE
INLAND SUITABILITY

WIND TOLERANCE
SUN TOLERANCE
CLASSIFICATION
NATIVE SPECIES

IRRIGATION

HAZARDS
BOTANIC COMMON
NATIVE PLANTS SHAPE USER NOTES
NAME NAME

1.2m

*
Taverniera
spartea
6 „ High High High

3m

1.2m

*
Tephrosia
apollinea
6 „ High High High

3m

A 158 Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices

 A4
Irrigation

Streetscape,
Saadiyat Island
A4

A 160 Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices

Irrigation Guide
The Abu Dhabi Emirate is taking part in the global
effort to manage water-use for landscape and
minimise the use of non renewable resources.
Research has been undertaken to determine the
actual irrigation needs and best irrigation practice
for the public realm. This research has informed the
irrigation guide.
The condition and composition of the soil is very
important in both plant health and efficiency of water
use. Sandy soils have little capacity to hold on to
water and nutrients therefore, the water need, as per
this Irrigation Guide is greatly influenced by the use
of natural mineral and organic based soil moisture-
retention additives.
Mineral additives, such as clay or similar provide
a permanent restructuring of soil while organic
matter and polymers provide nutrient as well as soil
conditioning but break down eventually and are a
more temporary solution. Using a mix of both it is
possible to increase the water and nutrients holding
capacity of the soil and establish a soil able to hold
sufficient moisture to sustain plants with irrigation
events every three days during the summer and
every 7-10 days during winter.
PRDM Irrigation Guide
The PRDM Irrigation Guide provides general guidance
on the irrigation needs of plants that may be used
throughout the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Because this is a
guide only, some of the information may not apply
directly to all areas of the Emirate. While the Guide
provides minimum irrigation levels that, through a
combination of soil improvers, irrigation management
and appropriate irrigation systems will be achievable,
these rates, which complement and are in line with
Estidama Requirements, will require a robust design
and maintenance programme including implementing
the following best practices:
1. Water-conserving irrigation technologies (such as
subsurface irrigation) should be used wherever
possible to optimize water delivery rates to
evapotranspirational demand.
2. Preference should be given to desert landscape
design that use strategic size and placement of
plant materials.
3. Where appropriate and functional, turf grass
should be used to provide evapotranspirational
cooling in landscapes as well as providing for
amenity needs.
4. A goal should be set to use 100% recycling
of landscape green waste to encourage water
retention, soil formation, nutrient recycling, and
inhibit soil heating.
5. Plant materials should remain naturalised to
the greatest extent possible. Combined with
conservative water use, minimalised pruning
strategies result in lower rates of green waste
production and salt deposition in landscape soil.
Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices
Using the Guide
Planting plans in the Emirate must better utilise
draught and salt tolerant materials. The Guide provide
direction on achieving an attractive, functional
landscape within the constraints of our irrigation
resources. By strategically combining plants with
lower water needs with plants of higher water needs,
the public realm design can still be attractive, yet
more functional and appropriate for the local climate.
A proper balance can help to achieve the desired
Estidama rating.
Each plant species listed has a recommended water
requirement indicated by water droplets. The droplets
show water requirements ranging from one to three.
Plants should be planted in hydrozones, based on
these water requirements, to ensure that those with
the same water requirement are clustered. One and
two droplet plants are preferable in public realm
design. Three droplet plants typify the sub-tropical
plants that have been used regularly in the Emirate
but that should be used strategically in public realm
design because of their higher water requirements.
161 A
A4
Daily Water Requirements
IRRIGATION CATEGORY
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC AVERAGE

l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day

PALMS
HIGH 55.6 70.9 92.2 120.5 144.6 141.6 150.0 144.9 132.5 103.9 80.7 60.1 108.1
•••
MEDIUM 21.3 33.8 43.9 63.0 75.6 73.8 78.5 55.6 50.8 39.9 31.0 23.1 49.1
••
LOW N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
•

TREES
HIGH 27.4 43.4 56.4 81.0 97.1 94.8 100.8 71.4 65.3 51.2 39.8 29.6 63.1
•••
MEDIUM 21.3 33.8 43.9 63.0 75.6 73.8 78.5 55.6 50.8 39.9 31.0 23.1 49.1
••
LOW 9.5 15.0 19.5 28.0 33.6 32.8 34.9 24.7 22.6 17.7 13.8 10.2 21.8
•

SHRUBS
HIGH 5.3 8.5 11.0 15.8 18.9 18.5 19.6 13.9 12.7 10.0 7.7 5.8 12.3
•••
MEDIUM 3.4 5.4 7.0 10.1 12.1 11.8 12.6 8.9 8.1 6.4 5.0 3.7 7.8
••
LOW 1.5 2.4 3.1 4.5 5.4 5.2 5.6 4.0 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.6 3.5
•

A 162 Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices

 Daily Water Requirements
IRRIGATION CATEGORY
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC AVERAGE

l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day l/day

GROUNDCOVER
HIGH 3.2 5.1 6.6 9.4 11.3 11.0 11.7 8.3 7.6 6.0 4.6 3.4 7.3
•••
MEDIUM 2.8 4.4 5.7 8.2 9.8 9.6 10.2 7.2 6.6 5.2 4.0 3.0 6.3
••
LOW 2.2 3.5 4.5 6.5 7.7 7.6 8.0 5.7 5.2 4.1 3.2 2.4 5.0
•

SUCCULENTS
AND PERENNIALS
HIGH 5.3 8.5 11.0 15.8 18.9 18.5 19.6 13.9 12.7 10.0 7.7 5.8 12.3
•••
MEDIUM 3.4 5.4 7.0 10.1 12.1 11.8 12.6 8.9 8.1 6.4 5.0 3.7 7.8
••
LOW 1.5 2.4 3.1 4.5 5.4 5.2 5.6 4.0 3.6 2.8 2.2 1.6 3.4
•

CLIMBERS
HIGH 5.3 8.5 11.0 15.8 18.9 18.5 19.6 13.9 12.7 10.0 7.7 5.8 12.3
•••
MEDIUM 3.4 5.4 7.0 10.1 12.1 11.8 12.6 8.9 8.1 6.4 5.0 3.7 7.8
••
LOW N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
•

Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual – Appendices 163 A