Managing rangelands: promoting sustainable shrub species: Retama: A resilient, pioneer plant for rangeland rehabilitation and stable ecosystems

Abstract

Retama is noted as an important multi-purpose species in need of conservation. It is a drought-tolerant legume species native to the Mediterranean, which is beneficial for dune stabilization and rangeland rehabilitation. Retama can also establish itself on nutrient-poor to fertile well-drained soils, and plays a prominent role in rehabilitation efforts, acting as a pioneer plant in the ecological succession of barren lands. It can produce a ‘scrub layer’ with smaller plants - providing there is sufficient water – and has an ability to fixate nitrogen, helping to improve soil fertility and create microclimates for future plant establishment.