The Unique Flora of Turkmenistan - Sözen (Desert Acacia)

This plant species belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). Its height reaches 4–10 meters. The main trunk develops 2 to 5 primary branches, from which other branches successively emerge. There is a thorn at the tip of the sözen leaf. Its inflorescence is in the form of a cluster and is distinguished by its beautiful blue color. Sözen, considered the desert acacia, grows very rapidly. The lifespan of the sözen is up to 50–60 years. Its main root reaches a depth of 2–3 meters, while its lateral roots spread out 5–8 meters around it. The vegetation of sözen begins in late March and early April. It blooms during that period, and its fruits ripen in the second half of May and early June. Sözen reproduces through both vegetative methods and seeds. Each plant produces up to 900 seeds. Sözen can grow in both shifting and stabilized sands. In the Central Karakum, there are 75 sözen plants per hectare. This plant is considered a sand-stabilizing shrub. The medicinal properties of sözen are described in the second volume of the multi-volume scientific-encyclopedic book "Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan" by our Hero Arkadag.