Tree of Life, Prosopis tree in the Southern Governorate, Bahrain
The Tree of Life is a solitary mesquite tree standing about 10 meters (32 feet) tall in the desert of Bahrain. The nearest vegetation is several kilometers away, and the tree grows on a sandy hill with no visible water source nearby.
Archaeologists found pottery fragments from the 16th century nearby, showing that people visited this area long ago. The tree itself may be over 400 years old, though its exact age remains unknown.
The tree's name, Shajarat-al-Hayat, is Arabic for Tree of Life. Some visitors and residents link it to the biblical Garden of Eden, though the sources record this as a claim rather than a local tradition. It appeared in the 1991 film L.A. Story, where Steve Martin calls it one of the most mystical places on Earth.
The tree stands on a sandy hill reached by an unpaved desert track; the nearest village, Askar, is about 10 km away. There is no shade or water at the site, so bring drinking water and sun protection. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
The roots reach about 50 meters deep into the ground and likely tap into underground water channels. Some scientists believe the tree uses these hidden sources to survive in such a dry environment.
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