Haloxylon ammodendron, commonly known as Saxaul, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the deserts and semi-deserts of Central Asia, particularly in areas with saline and sandy soils. It typically ranges in size from 2 to 8 meters tall, and occasionally reaches up to 12 meters. The Saxaul has a distinctive brown trunk up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, with heavy, coarse wood and spongy, water-soaked bark. Its branches are green when young, maturing to brown, grey, or white. The plant’s leaves are reduced to tiny, cusp-like scales, giving it an almost leafless appearance. The inflorescences are short lateral shoots on the previous year’s stems, with very small flowers that are either bisexual or male, and are as long or shorter than the bracteoles. Saxaul blooms from March to April, and its fruiting period extends from October to November, producing winged fruit about 8 mm in diameter with a 1.5 mm seed.

Saxaul is highly valued for its exceptional drought resistance, making it an important species for establishing shelter belts and stabilizing sand dunes to combat desertification. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate low to medium water availability, preferring soils with fast or medium drainage. In cultivation, it is used for xeriscaping and as an ornamental plant in arid landscapes. Its ability to grow in harsh conditions with minimal care makes it a practical choice for challenging environments.CC BY-SA 4.0