Oman Botanic Garden (OBG) has documented ten new plant species in the sultanate, taking the officially recorded tally of flora to 1,453 species.
In a statement, OBG said the newly registered plants were identified by both local and international researchers in various governorates. Among the new species is a rare type of wild barley found in the Sahasah area of Khasab in Musandam.
Of the ten, four were identified in Dhofar, three in Musandam, two in Buraimi, and one in Dhahirah.
Besides international botanists, the research team from OBG included Saif bin Amer al Hatami, Abdul Rahman bin Rashid al Hinai and Zawan bint Juma al Qasabiya, who emphasised the rarity and limited geographical spread of these plants.
According to OBG, such discoveries are of significant scientific and environmental value, as these enrich human understanding of plant diversity and highlight the need to protect rare species.
‘These findings underscore the core mission of OBG, centred on the discovery, preservation and exhibition of Omani plant diversity and the cultural heritage associated with it.’
The findings also highlight the crucial role of the botanical garden in safeguarding biodiversity, demonstrating leadership in scientific research and education, and consolidating its status as a focal point for Omani and Arab plant sciences in the region.
Additionally, OBG underscored the collaborative efforts between researchers, scientific institutions and society at large in Oman, aimed at preserving the country’s valuable plant and environmental heritage while promoting sustainable tourism locally and globally.
