In an unprecedented move, the agriculture directorate in Dawadmi Province has announced an auction sale of an acacia tree felled recently by wind. Acacia is well known for its medicinal benefits. The tree was uprooted by the wind and was an eyesore in the neighborhood. The directorate announced the sale and set up a committee to organize a fair auction. The committee had first set August 21 as the auction date, but it was challenged at the last hour by a citizen who claimed the tree to be part of his property. He has been asked to verify his claim before a new auction date is announced. The directorates of environment, water and agriculture in Saudi Arabia hold the right to sell natural resources and any contraband goods confiscated from the market. For hundreds of years people believe that acacia tree extracts help in treating colds, congestion, diarrhea, fever, smallpox and tuberculosis, besides reducing body fat and healing wounds.
