Indoor Plants
Outdoor Plants
Miswak Tree (Arak)
A native evergreen shrub that copes with drought and salt – its roots and twigs are the source of the miswak.
- Light: Direct sun
- Water: Low once established
- Temperature: Handles heat
Description
Arak is an evergreen shrub that grows wild in Saudi Arabia and across Arabia, and its roots and thin twigs have been used as miswak for centuries. It copes with drought and salt and, over the years, forms a wide, much-branched crown.
Why a miswak tree?
- A true native plant.
- Handles extreme drought and high salt.
- Evergreen all year.
- Works as a hedge and windbreak.
Where to plant it
Desert and coastal gardens, hedges and windbreaks, and as a feature in native-style gardens.
Care in the Saudi climate
- Light: direct sun.
- Water: regular until established, then little; it likes deep moisture its roots can reach.
- Soil: sandy or salty – good drainage is what matters.
- Salt: high tolerance – suits Jeddah and the coast.
- Growth: slow, so be patient.
Sizes
- 40–50 cm (about 6 months old): Young plant (economical – grows on slowly in place).
- 80–100 cm (about 1 year old): Larger plant (quicker presence for a slow grower).
Three things to get right.
Lighting
Needs full, direct sun.
Watering
Water deeply and regularly until established, then cut back.
Temperature & humidity
A native plant that handles summer heat and cold winter nights.
More shrubs.Pairs well with
Yes – its roots and thin twigs are traditionally used as miswak, but wait until the plant is established before cutting.
No – it grows slowly, so the larger size gives quicker presence.
Yes – it is highly salt tolerant and grows on coasts and in salty soil.
A shrub or small tree that can reach 6–7 m over many years, with a wide, much-branched crown.
40–50 cm is about 6 months old; 80–100 cm is about 1 year old.