JEDDAH: The Al-Oshor Tree, or as the older generation called it, “The Genie Tree,” is a long-living evergreen tree that grows to heights of three to five meters, and is widespread, particularly in warmer areas such as Najran.

Several studies of this tree have uncovered important information about the poisons that can be extracted from it, and their impact on the environment and on humans.

The tree used to grow mostly in the valleys of Najran, but nowadays it has become more widespread in the town itself; it is found in many neighborhoods and even in front of some houses. The greatest danger, however, is that the tree may grow inside school compounds where it might poison young children who play with it and are unaware of its dangers.

Indeed, some parts of the tree are poisonous and can lead to blindness if one comes in contact with the juices of its stem or its oval fruit.

A book, entitled “The Traps of the Desert,” written by Mohammed Al-Yousifi, lists some of the dangers of the tree. The book maintains that all parts of the tree are potentially dangerous though the plant itself is sometimes used by professionals for medicinal purposes.

The author states that if the juice of the plant comes into contact with the eyes, blindness may result. Further, swallowing even a small part of the plant will cause a severe stomach ache and problems with the digestion system which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a slow pulse, poor eyesight and general weakness of the body. If the plant is eaten in large quantities,, it may lead to a severely irregular heart rate, delirium, heart failure, and possibly even death.

According to stories from the past, if a person passed near the tree, he or she would say, “In the name of God, the Almighty,” because they believed that genies lived in the trees.

The fruit of the plant are called “Tavkah” in popular Arabic, and take on a green color, making them look like a mango in size and shape. Unlike a mango, however, the fruit is useless — and dangerous.

Following a recent investigation conducted by a local newspaper in Najran, it was found that these trees grow everywhere without people knowing how dangerous they can be for adults and children. Because of the dangers, there is a growing call for awareness campaigns as well as some for the removal of the trees entirely.