Liman (desert grove)
A liman (derived from the Greek λΐμήν ) is the name in Israel for a diked , artificially created grove of trees that is planted in a desert depression dug specially for this purpose. A wadi is considered an ideal location . The best planting date is shortly before the rainy season, so that the dike protecting the Liman can release the water to the planted trees in a controlled manner while the seasonal flash floods rush past the depression. Additional channels in the dike ensure that excess water is released to the wadi. The aim is the natural formation of a biotope that can be used by travelers as a waypoint and resting place.
In contrast to the oasis , no livestock, agriculture or forestry is practiced in Liman. All that is required is some tree care and an occasional dike maintenance. According to JNF-KKL , 420 limanes have already been created in the Negev desert . Tamarind , acacia , prosopis , pistachio , eucalyptus , date palm and carob tree are considered suitable trees . It is unclear whether there are ancient models for this or whether the Israeli Liman is only the result of more recent desert research.