Plants of Economic Importance

Abstract

Prior to the relatively recent exploitation of oil resources, rural communities in the Arabian Peninsula relied largely on local raw materials in their everyday lives. Houses were made from stone, date-palm and other timber, mud and grass was used for plaster, palm-fronds and rush for making baskets, mats and other utilitarian objects, and native and exotic plants were used for medicines, dyes and fragrances. With increasing dependence on imported and locally manufactured goods for the majority of household and other needs, the use of plants and the practice of native crafts are becoming a rarity. However, plants are still utilized, albeit rarely, to make utilitarian objects and as medicines, perfumes and dyes.

“Economic plants may be defined as those that are utilised either directly or indirectly for the benefit of Man. Indirect usage includes the needs of man’s livestock and the maintenance and improvement of the environment; the benefits may be domestic, commercial or aesthetic.”

SEPASAT Newsletter No. 1 (Anon. 1983)