#saxaul

Haloxylon ammodendron

Haloxylon translates into salt wood, while ammodendron means sand tree.

Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family)

Fun Fact: "The mature plant produces minuscule yellow flowers. It has leaves so small that they may not be readily apparent-- an adaptation that helps minimize the loss of moisture through evaporation in the desert environment. According to authorities, A. Shahbazi, K. Nosrati, and G. R. Zehtabian, the saxaul uses its succulent stems for photosynthesis."(Source)

Saxaul is the only tree that grows in the Mongolian Gobi desert, and the wood is so dense and hard it does not float in water.