All About The Tree Of Life In Bahrain

Termed as one of the most mystical places in the world by Steve Martin in the 1991 film "L.A. Story," the Tree of Life in Bahrain is a solitary and ancient tree that stands solo in the middle of the barren Arabian desert. Surrounded by nothing but a sea of sand, this prosopis cineraria tree is believed to have been planted in 1582. Four decades later, it stands tall and proud, blushing in lush greens.

What Is The Tree Of Life In Bahrain?

The Tree of Life, that is locally known as Shajarat-al-Hayat, is a prosopis cineraria, a thorny bush that originated in Asia. The Tree of Life stands a few kilometres away from the Jebel Dukhan hill, the highest point in Bahrain, which is around 40 km away from the city of Manama.

The lone, lush-green tree stands surrounded by infinite sand dunes of the Arabian desert, with no source of freshwater and little rainfall. The tree has been standing in isolation for over four decades, leaving scientists and botanical experts confused about the mystery of its survival.

It's this mystery that lures travellers from across the world. The tree has become a significant tourist attraction with approximately 65,000 people visiting it every year. The tree is also a source of yellow resin that is used to make candles, aromatics and gum; its beans are processed into jam and wine.

The site is also used for open-air cultural activities and was nominated to the new seven wonders of nature list. It didn't make the cut though. Archeologists have also a unearthed 500-year-old pottery and other artefacts in the vicinity of the area.

Mysterious Survival Stories

While there is no definite clarity behind the tree’s survival story, some believe that its roots are 50 m deep, in turn allowing it get access to groundwater. Others believe that the tree has adapted itself to absorb moisture from sand grains, showcasing its resilience.

Another story goes that the Tree of Life is also prevalent in the Garden of Eden. In Abrahamic religions, the Garden of Eden (also called the Terrestrial Paradise) is a site where God created the first humans, Adam and Eve, and placed them in a sinless and perfect environment.

A third theory is that a mystical source is behind the tree’s survival.

Other Attractions

Despite standing lone in the desert's inhospitable conditions, it also provides shade to visitors seeking respite from the inhospitable heat of the Arabian desert. You can set up a camp or spread your picnic mats.

While most visitors spend most of their time clicking photographs around the tree, there is also a Tree of Life Visitor Center that provides visitors shade from the scorching desert sun in the company of information and facts on the natural marvel.

If you've got a day to spare, there are many other sites to explore nearby. The Bahrain International Circuit, the Al Fateh Mosque, and the first oil well of Bahrain are some places worth visiting.