Buying and selling of Damas trees banned in Qatar

The conocarpus tree, also known locally as Damas, has been banned in Qatar. Without approval from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Public Garden’s Department, the tree cannot be purchased, sold or planted. The reason for this ban has been blamed on the tree’s complex root system which has wreaked havoc on underground pipes wrapping around them causing them to break and also chokes drains. It has also been seen to damage buildings, walls, fences and surrounding plants.

The conocarpus is very common in Qatar and other dry regions because of its high tolerance to salt and less reliance on water. It is cheaper than other trees in its group and needs little nurturing, and is often planted in deserts for forestation projects. It can grow symmetrically and is easy to form into different shapes and forms. It can grow very tall or be the size of a hedge depending on the way it is formed and is often used as a visual or noise barrier.

Cover photo credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=conocarpus+tree&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrl5jY6LnRAhXdcFAKHT0xCZkQ_AUICCgB&biw=1829&bih=861#imgrc=PtK_QQlmzHpFjM%3A