Note that the Sahara Desert is not one vast area of lifeless, shifting sand. Several distinct regions including coastal, woodland and swamp ecosystems exist in the region know as the Sahara. The Nile and several underground rivers provide a constant source of water for large areas allowing trees, shrubs and herbs to grow in certain regions and near the coast. Inhabitants of the Sahara utilize edible plants for food, medicine and religious purposes.
The Atlantic Coastal Region contains plants able to survive on moisture from coastal fog. These include lichens, succulents and shrubs. The Northern Steppes, Western Coast and Southern Steppes are woodland areas. Each area receives enough rain to support trees and shrubs, such as acacia and magaria. Some areas close to the Nile are swampy and support a variety of plants, such as papyrus grass and mulberry bushes. The Tanezrouft holds the stereotypical desert sand dunes, but no plant life exits in this ecosystem.
Many plants in the Sahara are halophytes--plants that grow well in salty soil. Tamarisks grow well in salty soil and are used as ornamental shrubs. Some plants, such as the African welwitchsia, survive by utilizing very long root systems to gather moisture. Many plants have needle-shaped leaves to avoid loss of water through evaporation. The African peyote cactus keeps water in a thick stem to store for long periods of time.
The Nile and its oasis grow plants familiar to many people. Olive, orange and fig trees all thrive. Doum palm is used to make tea and molasses. Herbs such as thyme grow in the northern steppes. Date palms grow around the northern coast. Acacia seeds are used in food such as soups and stir frys. Artemisia is used for medicinal purposes. Oleander is native to the Sahara.
Travelers in the Sahara encounter many different plants and animals. Never eat anything wild unless a qualified guide has approved. African peyote and other cactus have sharp needles and should not be touched to avoid injury.
