In the deserts, which are described by some as lacking rainfall altogether,
and which make up the largest part of the country, the topographical condi-
tions, the occurrence of groundwater close to the soil surface and erratic
rainfall are decisive for the location of the vegetation. One may find acacia,
Balanites aegyptiaca or dum palms scattered or in small clusters here. Favour-
able for these are locations in wadis or depressions or in the foot zones of
mountains. The drainage lakes of the oases of the Western Desert with their
salty water are the places where plenty of bulrushes and reeds grow, which
serve the local population for mat-weaving (see Illustration 14).
Among the trees found in the Nile valley today is the date palm (Phoenix
dactylifera),