Leptadenia pyrotechnicaMarakh Bush

The Leptadenia pyrotechnica, commonly known as the Marakh Bush, is an erect, effectively leafless shrub of the sand deserts of the Sahara, Arabia and north west India. It forms a dense broom of slender green photosynthetic stems, with small greenish yellow flowers and slim paired follicles.

It is a primary sand-binding species, holding position on active dunes and open sand sheets where almost nothing else takes root. Specifiers use it for dune stabilisation, desert restoration and native character planting on deep sand.

Specifications

• Height1 to 3 metres
• Width1 to 2 metres
• Native toThe Sahara and Sahel, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Pakistan and north west India
• FoliageEffectively leafless; slender green photosynthetic stems carry the work, with small leaves shed early
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilRequires deep, freely drained sand; performs on active dunes and open sand sheets and dislikes heavy ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterVery low; deeply drought-tolerant and adapted to survive on desert rainfall alone
• ClimateThrives in hot arid regions with high summer temperatures and low humidity

Additional Features

• FormUpright green broom of slender stems, reading as fine vertical texture in a native planting mass
• UsesSand dune stabilisation, desert restoration, native character planting on deep sand, wind erosion control
• SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for a stabilising stand
• Low MaintenanceNeeds no pruning, feeding or irrigation once established
• Pest ResistanceFree of significant pest and disease problems
• Drought ToleranceExceptionally high, one of the most drought-enduring shrubs in the Arabian sand deserts
• Erosion ControlA primary sand-binding species used to arrest dune movement and stabilise open sand
• Cultural SignificanceLong used across the region for fibre, cordage and grazing reserve

The Marakh Bush is the shrub to reach for when the site is deep moving sand and the requirement is to hold it.