Uncovering Plant Diversity at King Saud University's Female Campus
When we think of campus biodiversity, we often picture manicured lawns and ornamental shrubs, but what if a university campus could also serve as a sanctuary for native plants and a living laboratory for ecological discovery?
Comprehensive study revealing how native and introduced species coexist in human-made environments in arid regions.
Transforming unexpected places into hubs of ecological discovery and education through careful documentation.
| Research Phase | Key Activities | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Preparation | Literature review, campus zone division, protocol development | Ensure systematic and comprehensive coverage |
| Field Data Collection | Plant identification, location mapping, photographic documentation | Create complete inventory of all campus plant species |
| Classification & Analysis | Categorization by origin, function, and botanical family | Identify patterns and relationships between species |
| Verification | Cross-referencing with authoritative botanical texts | Ensure accuracy of species identification |
| Documentation | Compilation of results for scientific and educational use | Create reference for researchers and students |
Total Plant Species
Native Wild Species
Cultivated Ornamentals
| Plant Category | Number of Species | Representative Families | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Wild Plants | 31 | Multiple families | Adapted to local climate, require minimal water resources |
| Cultivated Ornamentals | 21 | Various decorative families | Brought in for aesthetic appeal and shade provision |
| Dicotyledons | 48 | 21 different families | Broad-leaved flowering plants with two seed leaves |
| Monocotyledons | 5 | Poaceae, Cyperaceae | Grasses and grass-like plants with single seed leaf |
Source: 6
The 31 native plant species documented represent an important finding, as these plants have evolved to thrive in Saudi Arabia's specific environmental conditions, requiring minimal water and special care compared to introduced ornamentals 6 .
The 21 cultivated ornamental species introduced to the campus serve different but equally valuable purposes. These plants were selected primarily for their aesthetic qualities and ability to provide shade in Riyadh's intense heat 6 .
"It may come as a surprise to some that wild plants can also be used as ornamental plants to beautify gardens and public parks. These plants are characterized by their diverse forms, beautiful flowers, and fragrant scents. Additionally, they are well-adapted to the environmental conditions of the Kingdom, which many other plants cannot withstand" 1 .
| Tool/Material | Primary Function | Application in KSU Study |
|---|---|---|
| Field Guides & Botanical References | Accurate species identification | Researchers referenced authoritative texts like "Wild Flowers of Saudi Arabia" and "Flora of Saudi Arabia" 2 |
| Herbarium Access | Verification of species identity and historical comparison | KSU's herbarium, housing 4,000 specimens and 1,555 species, served as a reference 5 |
| GPS & Mapping Tools | Precise location documentation | Enabled mapping of plant distribution across the campus |
| Photographic Equipment | Visual documentation of species | Captured images for records and future reference |
| Plant Presses | Preservation of specimens | Allowed collection of physical samples for verification |
| Data Recording System | Organized compilation of observations | Enabled systematic documentation of all 52 species |
The university's Botanical Garden, established in 1411 AH, features over 1,141 wild species and includes planting beds, greenhouses, a water pond, and a seed bank 1 .
The university's Herbarium, established in 1968, houses approximately 4,000 dried plant specimens from Saudi Arabia, including around 1,555 plant species 5 .
A groundbreaking 2025 study published in Nature introduces the concept of "dark diversity"—the group of species that are capable of living in a specific location but are actually absent from it 3 .
This global study analyzed nearly 5,500 locations across 119 regions and discovered that dark diversity increases significantly in regions with greater human activity 3 .
Minimal human impact: ~33% of potential species present
High human impact: ~20% of potential species present
Research from Marquette University published in Nature Ecology & Evolution revealed how species diversity is maintained in high-diversity ecosystems .
Tropical forest species coexist stably because "each population of species is limited in their ability to expand and displace other populations" .
"The negative influence of human activity was less pronounced when at least one third of a region's area remained well preserved, which supports the global goal of protecting 30% of the planet's surface" 3 .
The detailed study of plant diversity at King Saud University's Female Campus reveals a story of surprising richness in the heart of an urban desert environment.
The documentation of 52 different plant species, including 31 native varieties, demonstrates that urban landscapes can function as important reservoirs of biodiversity when designed and managed with ecological principles in mind.
Flourishing in challenging environments through careful study and thoughtful stewardship
The discovery of substantial plant diversity at the KSU Female Campus offers hope and inspiration, proving that even in challenging environments, life finds a way to flourish—and that through careful study and thoughtful stewardship, we can learn to nurture these green oases for generations to come.