Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania on Wednesday joined the Jordanians in observing the Arbor Day at the celebration site in Al Hussein Public Gardens where Their Majesties unveiled the monument of the oak tree that stands for Jordan's national tree. The King and the Queen also planted an oak tree at the site of which about 30,000 dunums would be planted with oak trees.

Jordan is a natural habitat for the oak tree, which is part of the country's historical heritage. The oak tree is one of the forest trees that can grow naturally and endure hard weather and environmental conditions.

Observing the Arbor Day is part of a national effort for greening Jordan and care about tree planting, said Agriculture Minister Trad Al Fayez in a speech at the ceremony which was attended by Royal Family princess and senior government officials.

He said his ministry will be working on a plan to plant oak trees in all areas suitable for this tree in attempt to preserve this tree and protect it from extinction.

Oak trees grow on area of about 70,000 dunums in various parts of the Kingdom. Some historical trees are 700 years old, the minister said.