Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 91, July 2009, pp. 1-31. | Page 2

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(Helianthemum nummularium) and thorny broom (Calycotome infesta) turn the hillsides
pink, white and yellow. There are hyacinth, crocus and narcissus in the mountains as
early as December, followed by anemones, tulips, cyclamen, iris and daisies.
Honeysuckle creeps over the bushes, and large plane trees provide shade along the
freshwater streams of Al Jaleel (Galilee).

The Palestine Oak Quercus calliprinos Webb.
www.biolib.cz/en/taxonimage/id77325/?taxonid=506673
The country's woodlands and forests were ravaged during centuries of warfare and
neglect, but much has been done to reforest the countryside. Today, there are over 200
million trees in Palestine - forests of pine, tamarisk, carob and eucalyptus. Wildflowers
and medicinal plants grow in profusion. Fruit trees bloom from January to April. In the
south, acacia trees and the prickly Indian fig cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) suck moisture
from the desert. In Al Naqab (Negev) highlands, massive Atlantic pistachios (Pistacia
atlantica) strike a dramatic note among the dry riverbeds, and date palms (Phoenix
dactylifera) grow wherever there is sufficient underground water.

Gazelle – Number 91 – July 2009