A specialist team at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, has succeeded in propagating the Little Dwarf Palm, considered one of rarest and most threatened native plant species in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Only one individual of this species was recorded at the Jebel Hafeet mountain during an extensive survey undertaken by EAD’s Terrestrial Biodiversity Division over recent years, with a few others scattered throughout the other emirates.

EAD started a propagation plan for the species in its Native Plant Nursery and thanks to team efforts, they have successfully propagated 50 Little Dwarf Palms. This plan is part of EAD’s continuous efforts in conserving biodiversity in Abu Dhabi’s natural habitats.

EAD has established and managed a network of protected areas and undertaken ex-situ conservation at the Abu Dhabi Native Plant Nursery. The Ex-Situ Conservation Programme has managed to successfully propagate many other rare and threatened plant species such as Caralluma, a small succulent plant and the White Saxaul, both indigenous to the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said, "The success in the propagation of the Little Dwarf Palm is the fruit of the continuous guidance and support of the leadership, and is a great demonstration of the objectives of EAD’s strategy towards the conservation and sustainable use of the emirates’ natural resources."

Dr. Al Dhaheri added, "This successful propagation came after three years of trials which started in 2013 and after setbacks and early failures. Individuals were propagated from the freshly collected seeds from the Northern Emirates. Seed collection itself is not an easy mission given the species’ distribution and fruits being eaten by different wild life birds. This adds to the burden of selecting some good fruiting shrubs."

She highlighted that, "The success in the propagation of the Little Dwarf Palm is an instant milestone towards the conservation and sustainability of the emirates’ flora. Jebel Hafeet has been accorded great attention by EAD since 2011 and needs immediate protection to preserve the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem."

Maher Kabshawi, Unit Head, Terrestrial Threatened Species and Habitats at EAD, said, "The Little Dwarf Palm is one of the most unique biodiversity elements in the emirate, and there are very few individuals in the country. It is a native plant that grows within small wadis in the mountains, usually in clusters and rarely as individuals. It is locally and traditionally used for making baskets, fans, ropes, nets and has some other medicinal uses for healing wounds. It is considered a candidate for outdoor landscaping due to its beautiful fan shaped leaves and fruiting clusters that last from March to June.

The expert added that the current stock of 50 Little Dwarf Palm will be used in rehabilitation within Jebel Hafeet National Park. EAD will ensure that they are planted and regularly monitored in order to assess their health and success of rehabilitation in the wild. The protection of Jebel Hafeet Mountain is vital in ensuring that rare and threatened species are conserved.