The Saxaul Forest, 2004

Saxaul - zag in Mongolian - is a low-growing woody shrub found in the gobi. Some sources say it can grow up to 4 metres (about 13 feet) tall, but the ones I saw were no more than half that, with most being about 3-4 feet. The 'leaves' look somewhat like pine needles, to conserve moisture from evaporation in the hot, dry climate.