This ‘Tree of Life’ Has Survived in the Bahraini Desert for 400 Years

Beyond the purlieus of Bahrain’s developed north, amidst a landscape of undulating golden dunes and the stark machinery of oil fields, there stands a solitary sentinel, with a secret as old as time. It is a tree, a Prosopis cineraria—that is, locally known as Shajarat-al-Hayah, the Tree of Life. This seemingly ordinary tree, reaching a height of 9.75 meters, possesses an extraordinary secret, a mystery that has captivated scientists, historians, and mystics for generations. How does it survive? How is it allowed to thrive in such an inhospitable environment, a place where rain is a rare and precious gift?

The tree’s age adds another layer to its mystique. Estimates place it at over 400 years old, perhaps even closer to 500. To think of the world it has witnessed, the shifting sands of time swirling around its roots. It predates the modern state of Bahrain by several hundred years. Its presence is a stark contrast to the barren landscape, a vibrant splash of green against a canvas of ochre and gold. Standing on a small sandy hill, a solitary figure against the vast desert sky, the Tree of Life in a realm of apparent lifelessness.

The very species of the tree, Prosopis cineraria, is known for its resilience. This hardy species, native to Western Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, is adapted to withstand extreme temperatures and prolonged periods of drought, sometimes enduring up to eight months without water. Its deep root system, capable of extending up to 50 meters into the earth, is one of the most plausible explanations for its survival. These roots, like subterranean tentacles, may reach deep into the earth, tapping into hidden sources of water far below the surface.

But even this explanation feels insufficient when confronted with the sheer desolation of the surrounding terrain. The tree stands in a place where one would expect to find nothing but sand and rock. The nearest town, Al Dur, is a 15-minute drive away, and the surrounding landscape, punctuated by oil rigs and pipelines, seems hardly a place where nature's delicate balance can be left to grow. And yet, this tree persists.

Various theories attempt to unravel the mystery. Some suggest the tree extracts moisture directly from the sand grains, a feat that seems almost thaumaturgical. Others point to the possibility of an underground stream, a hidden river flowing beneath the desert floor, providing the tree with a constant source of sustenance. Scientific studies have explored the possibility of a subterranean water source three kilometers away, while others have explored the possibility of humidity from the sea breeze, over 13 kilometers away, or even the relatively high groundwater table, only ten meters below the surface. A more recent theory proposes that the tree’s survival is linked to a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil, a microscopic network providing the tree with the essential water it needs.

Beyond the scientific explanations, there lies a realm of folklore and mysticism. Local legends tell a different story, one where the tree possesses a sacred nature. Some even claim it stands in the biblical Garden of Eden. Others believe it is protected by Enki, an ancient Sumerian god of water and wisdom. These stories, passed down through generations, imbue the tree with an aura of the divine, transforming it from a mere botanical specimen into a sacred symbol. The discovery of 500-year-old pottery and artefacts near the tree adds another coating of historical intrigue, suggesting the area may have once been a place of significance, perhaps even a military outpost, centuries ago.

It’s impossible to evade the myriad symbolisms of the Tree of Life. In terms of resilience, it exemplifies the power of life to endure even in the most challenging conditions. As a symbol of hope, it can be a reminder that even in the most barren landscapes, life can find a way.

Today, the tree receives tens of thousands of visitors every year. They come to witness this marvel of nature, to stand in its presence and contemplate its enduring mystery. They come seeking answers, inspiration, and connection with something larger than themselves.