Riyadh: The Rimth plant (Haloxylon salicornicum) is one of the most important forage species in desert environments, valued for its exceptional ability to adapt to harsh climates and arid conditions. It also holds ecological and historical significance in Arab heritage, being mentioned in pre-Islamic and Islamic poetry and associated with other well-known forage plants such as the Arfaj plant (Rhanterium epapposum). Rimth grows abundantly in Al-Sabeen, south of Rafha, in Northern Borders Region, and is also found in several other parts of the Kingdom. It serves as an important food source for camels and sheep and is classified as an acidic plant that camels feed on after grazing on Khella (Visnaga daucoides).

According to Saudi Press Agency, Rimth is a small forage shrub, ranging from 30 to 100 centimeters in height, with upright, non-thorny, green succulent branches that turn yellow when dried. Its deep roots provide strong stability in desert environments. The leaves reduce to small triangular scales, the inflorescence is spike-like and measures five-seven centimeters, the flowers are five-petaled, white with reddish or yellowish hues, and the fruits are winged, varying from oval to round in shape.

Plant science specialists indicated that Rimth contains several active chemical compounds, notably alkaloids such as haloxine, halosacine, anabasine, and oxydrine, as well as coumarins, saponins, citrolates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and essential oils. These properties have given it both internal and external medicinal uses in traditional medicine.