The Sidr tree belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, and is a shade tree. It is fast-growing, evergreen, with a cylindrical trunk and drooping branches that contain some thorns that are arranged in pairs: one is clearly long and the other is very short, twisted or absent. Its leaves are simple, leathery, shiny, and have a complete edge. Its flowers have a distinctive scent. Its fruits are spherical in shape, are green and turn yellow when ripe, are edible, and are sweet in taste.
The Sidr tree grows in deep, cohesive, sandy, clay soil, and is characterized by its tolerance of harsh desert environmental conditions, such as: high temperatures, drought, strong winds, and scarcity of water.

The people of Qatar consider it a “blessed tree”, as it was mentioned in the Holy Quran four times, as one of the trees of Paradise under which the people of the right hand take shelter, and it was mentioned in many hadiths of the Prophet; therefore, no house in Qatar is without a Sidr tree. It is also found in the middle of neighborhoods, and decorates major projects. It is the logo of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and is used for shade and decoration in public parks and streets. In addition to being used as windbreaks, air purifiers, soil protection, and desertification control because it contains a deep and strong root system. It also has many uses in folk medicine, as its leaves are useful as a boiled drink in cases of chest and respiratory diseases, as a laxative, blood purifier, stomach tonic, expectorant and gas, and relieves menstrual pain in women. As for the infusion of the leaves, it is useful in treating joint pain and inflammation of the mouth and gums, and it is also used to wash the dead. The leaves are dried and made into a powder to wash the hair, strengthen it, and remove dandruff from it. It is also used in the manufacture of henna, to fix bone fractures, and as an ointment in the case of some skin diseases. Its fruits are useful for women during pregnancy, and are recommended as a general tonic. Honeybees flock to its flowers and feed on its nectar, and produce honey called “Sidr honey”, which is one of the most expensive types of wild honey, due to its therapeutic properties.